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Description
CHICO AND THE GYPSIES
Concert
August 27, 2025, Wednesday, 8:00 PM
(Rain date: August 28)
Margaret Island Open-Air Theatre
Hot melodies, invigorating rhythms!
CHICO & THE GYPSIES will bring a real fiesta to the stage!
The kings of flamenco return to Margaret Island with a program full of vibrant gypsy songs, heartfelt ballads, fiery rumbas, and romantic love songs. Chico and the Gypsies’ music is a unique blend of Southern French and Spanish gypsy tunes, traditional flamenco, and the energy of rock.
This year, the band will be joined by a very special guest: French-Armenian duduk player Levon Minassian, who has previously performed with Sting, Charles Aznavour, and Peter Gabriel, and contributed to the soundtrack of Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ.
Chico Bouchikhi is a true musical legend, co-writer of iconic hits such as Djobi Djoba and Bamboléo. The latter became an international sensation in the 1980s, launching the band into global fame and resulting in over twenty million albums sold.
Chico is a proud ambassador of gypsy music and a UNESCO Special Envoy for Peace, working to bring people together through music. He believes that “Good music knows no boundaries – it is a bridge, a connection between people.”
“We play songs that alternate between the melancholic and joyful spirit of the gypsy soul,” says Chico Bouchikhi.
Chico and the Gypsies is one of the most significant cross-over acts in the world. They have collaborated with numerous artists and are the first French band to achieve platinum status in the USA through album sales.
“I’ve had the chance to visit Budapest several times—I love the city and its thermal baths, and it's always a joy to perform here. We’re happy to return this year thanks to the Margitsziget Theater, and through our songs, we can personally express our love to the audience,” said the band’s founder.
In 2024, Chico’s autobiography “Under the Gypsy Stars” (published by Robert Laffont) was released, recounting his life and adventures. Also in 2024, on November 8, the band released their new album “Sacred Christmas Carols,” showcasing their versatility by performing in unconventional venues like churches.
In May 2025, the band will celebrate its 45th anniversary with a grand concert in Paris.
