The Django Reinhardt NY Festival at Birdland

The Django Reinhardt NY Festival returns to Birdland for a weeklong celebration of the music of renowned gypsy jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt. This year’s event, entitled “A Family Affair,” will feature acclaimed gypsy guitarist/composer Dorado Schmitt, known for his harmonious melodies, brilliant improvisations and extraordinary technique, and his three sons Amati (age 17), Bronson (age 20) and Samson (age 33) on guitar. All are from France where Django Reinhardt lived most of his life and where he teamed with jazz violin great Stephane Grappelli to form one of the most popular partnerships in history, creating a musical style that continues to surge all over the US and the world...

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The Django Reinhardt NY Festival returns to Birdland for a weeklong celebration of the music of renowned gypsy jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt. This year’s event, entitled “A Family Affair,” will feature acclaimed gypsy guitarist/composer Dorado Schmitt, known for his harmonious melodies, brilliant improvisations and extraordinary technique, and his three sons Amati (age 17), Bronson (age 20) and Samson (age 33) on guitar. All are from France where Django Reinhardt lived most of his life and where he teamed with jazz violin great Stephane Grappelli to form one of the most popular partnerships in history, creating a musical style that continues to surge all over the US and the world. The music is virtuosic, infectious, romantic, entertaining, and to this day sets toes tapping and hearts swooning. Also participating in the festivities will be cousin Francko Schmitt (guitar), Ludovic Beier, (accordion/accordina), Pierre Blanchard (violin) and Xavier Mnikq (bass). Special guests during the engagement include: Ken Peplowski (clarinet), 11/6; Anat Cohen (sax/clarinet), 11/7; Nicki Parrott (bass/vocals), 11/8; Jison Ok (cello), 11/9-11/10; Stephane Seva (washboards), 11/11. As the Festival heads into its 13th year, it continues to stay true and authentic to Django’s style, but also new and rich with original compositions and ideas combined with some of Reinhardt’s well-known standards. It’s hot jazz at it’s best! Produced by Pat Philips and Ettore Stratta.

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