Musique, vin et Serge

California has vineyards, fresh produce and a naturally left-leaning political bent. Basically, it’s already one of the most French places in the United States. Still, there are some things we can’t yet seem to accomplish on a French level: Fashion, public transportation and soccer are just a few. Since we’re not quite there yet, here are three events this week in the Sacramento area to help make your life feel a little more Parisian:

Hear Gypsy jazz

Nothing’s more French than Gypsy jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt. Hear local group Jazz Gitan performing his vibrant style of jazz during two shows this week—all while dining on good food. The first performance is at 9 p.m. on Thursday, April 11, at Shady Lady Saloon, 1409 R Street. The second is at 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 13, at Zinfandel Grille, 2384 Fair Oaks Boulevard. Both are free. Find out more at www.jazzgitan.com.

April in <s>Paris</s> Lodi

This year’s School Street Wine Stroll in Lodi, the 23rd annual, features more than 25 wineries showing off new vintages, the gently dissonant chords of accordion players and art vendors in front of various shops. Bonus French points: Sacramentans can ride Amtrak to Lodi and arrive in walking distance to the event. It happens Saturday, April 13, at 6 p.m. on School Street in downtown Lodi. Tickets are $30 in advance, $40 at the door and $15 for designated drivers. Visit www.lodichamber.com for more information.

Serge Gainsbourg Tribute Party

French Film Festival director Cécile Downs throws the fourth annual Serge Gainsbourg Tribute Party this Saturday night. It’ll feature French cocktails, short films about and inspired by the man himself, tribute bands, a Gainsbourg impersonator and a French-pop dance party to close out the evening. Tickets are only $7 and benefit the French Film Festival and the Verge Center for the Arts. It happens at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 13, at the Verge, 625 S Street. For more information, visit www.sacramentofrenchfilmfestival.org.