The Usine a Gaz – It’s often mentioned on this site, but what is the “Gas Factory”?
Just a few steps near the lake in Nyon this building is a venue that is used for all sorts of performances, from rock bands to theatre groups to being the nerve centre of the upcoming film documentary festival. With a capacity of hosting an audience of up to 500 standing and approximately 150 – 200 seated, it is a major local landmark for live music and theatrical events.
The original building on the site, dates back to 1864, and was indeed at some stage in its history a place where gas was sold. The building was transformed and renovated in the 90’s and today the place is run by a permanent staff and volunteers, and is backed by Nyon council as an official local association.
Pierre Yves Schmidt the director, talked to Living in Nyon about the “Usine“.
“When we are scheduling our programme we try to choose a variety of acts to suit all tastes, whether this is world music, comedy acts, childrens performers rock, reggae or rap groups. We look for quality and originality in bands and it isn’t always based on whether we think they will be just a commercial success, sometimes we take risks with new ideas and I think that’s what the public have come to appreciate”.
Band Karpatt in concert at the Usine
“I tour various music festivals (particularly in France) to scout for acts and of course agents approach us with their recommendations too. When I go abroad and mention the “Usine a Gaz” in Nyon, those in the business know of us, we have a good reputation. We are in a particularly good stopping off point for bands that are on tour and on their way to Italy or Germany. We also like to promote local bands too and have regular concerts on a Thursday once a month called “Bonsai evenings” for the public to see upcoming new and local talent. The first Friday of every month the evening is free and on that night the band is paid out of a percentage of the bar’s takings”.
“Ticket prices can vary but we try to keep them reasonable and as we have a rota of keen volunteers this helps to keep prices affordable. Amongst the staff we also support those who want to learn about the business by taking on a “stagiare” (trainee) every six months”.
“We also have an active children’s programme of mime, theatre, dance and puppetry. We produce a programme per quarter which outlines the main acts of the season coming up and a monthly flyer with the latest additions to the schedule”.
Note to readers: the programmes and flyers can be found in Nyon tourist office, many restaurants in the area, local communal offices, and Chavannes shopping centre or check the website out under “programme”. Tickets to events can be bought in advance from FNAC, Disques Service, Migros Nyon and other commercial outlets. Details on the Usine a Gaz site.
The Usine welcomes volunteers who speak French (or who speak English and understand a bit of French and are willing to try to speak it!) Volunteers have to work a minimum of sessions per year in various roles such as the ticket office, bar etc to then be entitled to free entry to events.
Of particular interest to lovers of Brazilian music is the concert coming up on the 9th May featuring singer songwriter and guitarist José Barrense-Dias (Nyon resident and world famous musician).