Chanson Is a Sure Bet: Patrick Bruel

Map It:  Foggy Bottom 

PATRICK BRUEL is a French actor, singer, political activist — and poker stud? C'est vrai. The handsome crooner has clocked close to a million bucks while bellied up to the felt.

It's nice to have a backup gig in case his artistic career goes kaput, but that's unlikely: Bruel's a superstar in France, with an appeal that stretches from fans of "Star Academy" (one of several Gallic "Idol"-type shows), on which he has guest-starred, to those who adore chanson, the beautifully moody and lyric-driven style of French music.

Born in Algeria in 1959 to French parents, Bruel's been at the top of the artistic food chain for about 25 years, alternating his film acting with sold-out tours in France and its current and former territories. But on Friday, the Paul Michael Glaser look-alike makes the final appearance of his first U.S. tour. It was a brief affair, with gigs in the French-language-friendly locales San Francisco, Los Angeles, Miami and New York, but it's a dream that's been a long time coming for Bruel.

While he has an extensive musical career from which to create his set list, Bruel will likely draw material from his fab 2006 CD, "Des souvenirs devant … ," an open and personal album from the relatively new daddy to two sons.

The album mixes folk and '60s pop with modern production, but at its core is Bruel's passionate voice, which is manly and robust, but he uses it with the sort of subtle savoir faire that marks the finest chanson singers. Bet on being charmed.

» Lisner Auditorium, 730 21st St. NW; Fri., 8 p.m., $45-$100; 202-944-6091. (Foggy Bottom-GWU)

Photo courtesy Sony/BMG