The Low Budget Men are a local band, but no ordinary local band - their mission, saving lives, no less! Claude Mariottini, the singer/songwriter/rhythm guitarist with the group, who is also a heart surgeon, created a charitable organization a number of years ago called Association 20,000 Vies. All the proceeds from the band's music, both albums and concerts, go to the association to offer Automated External Defibrillators to towns on the Côte d'Azur.

Playing alongside Claude (pictured above), we have Stéphane Mirc on bass, Marc Piola Caselli on lead guitar, Eric Chabaud on drums, and backing vocals are provided by Doreen Chanter (quite an apt surname!). Their music has very much a 60's feel and influence, and they are known to have the odd Kinks song in their repetoire too.

The Low Budget Men have a very busy summer ahead of them. In June, they will be releasing their new album, 'Crossing Lives', and then they take to the road. They will be performing at Théâtre de Verdure in Nice on the 18th June, alongside Irish singer Paul Casey. Further gigs are planned for the 20th of July in Gilette, 22nd July at the Théâtre de la Mer in Golfe-Juan and the 26th of July in Saint Laurent du Var.

You will be able to catch them before their hectic summer schedule kicks off with an upcoming concert in Le Volume in Nice on 18th May. Do try and see them performing or consider buying their CD - it is, afterall, for a very worthwhile and laudable cause.

All images courtesy The Low Budget Men. CD cover and poster by Jean-Louis Lipari.

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