Join the fun at the legendary Birdland Jazz Club from November 5-9, 2024 for the Django Reinhardt NY Festival, celebrating 25 years of unforgettable performances. Featuring Dorado Schmitt and his sons Samson & Amati, alongside virtuoso accordionist Ludovic Beier, the Festival honors the enduring legacy of the great Gypsy jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt.
This milestone year promises a dynamic lineup, blending the mastery of the Schmitt family and Django Festival Allstars, joined by special guests each night. Trumpeter Bruce Harris will kick off the week, followed by Helio Alves on jazz piano, vocalists Tatiana Eva-Marie and Lucy Yeghiazaryan, and renowned songstress Ute Lemper. Audiences can expect a stunning fusion of gypsy jazz with the improvisational flair of these world-class musicians.
A Festival Born of Passion and Resilience
The festival began in 2000, the brainchild of producers Pat Philips and Ettore Stratta, in partnership with Birdland’s visionary owner Gianni Valenti. Through both joyous and challenging times—including right after 9/11—this annual event has become a beloved tradition, preserving Django’s legacy while showcasing fresh talent. When Dorado Schmitt first joined the festival, his captivating performances sparked new life into the event, leading to worldwide tours and critical acclaim.
Over the years, Birdland has hosted an array of jazz luminaries at this festival, including Paquito D’Rivera, Randy Brecker, Ken Peplowski, and many more. Now, 25 years later, the festival continues to blend Gypsy jazz roots with modern interpretations, enthralling audiences with its fiery performances and spontaneous musical brilliance.
The Schmitt Legacy and Django’s Enduring Influence
Dorado’s sons, Samson and Amati, have grown up on the Birdland stage, becoming award-winning musicians in their own right. Joined by longtime collaborator Ludovic Beier, the Django Festival Allstars represent the finest in Gypsy jazz, receiving standing ovations across the globe. With Francko Mehrstein on guitar and Gino Roman on bass, the Allstars breathe new life into Reinhardt’s music, blending virtuosity with pure entertainment.
A Nationwide Tour
After the New York dates, the Django Festival Allstars will embark on a nationwide tour, hitting venues like Strathmore Performing Arts Center in Maryland, The Kimmel Center in Philadelphia, and the NJPAC in Newark, among others. This exciting tour brings Django’s timeless sound to new audiences, continuing to celebrate his groundbreaking contributions to jazz.
Quotes:
- "Blinding technique, solid entertainment." – The New York Times
- "The highpoint of the entire Playboy Festival at the Hollywood Bowl was The Django Festival Allstars." – LA Scene
- "I don’t think I’ve ever heard better music." – The SUN
Tour Dates:
- November 5-9: Birdland Jazz Club, NYC
- November 10: Strathmore Performing Arts, MD
- November 13: Unit B by Chocolate Maven, Sante Fe, NM
- November 14: Frank Morgan Taos Festival, Taos, NM
- November 15: Outpost, Albuquerque, NM
- November 16: Kimmel Center for Performing Arts, PA
- November 20: Bennington Theatre, VT
- November 21: Jimmy’s, Portsmouth, NH
- November 22: Saratoga Performing Arts, NY
- November 23: NJPAC, Newark, NJ
