The Young Lions of Gypsy Jazz at Birdland, June 28-July 3rd Shows: 8:30 and 11:00 pm

It may start to get HOT in June but not as HOT as it will be at Birdland June 28 – July 3 when the Django Reinhardt Festival, due to popular demand, returns for a summer week.  The annual November event will perhaps become a bi-annual one.  There is a thirst for Django’s style of music , as he was one of the greatest and  most original guitarists the world has known.

Producers Pat Philips and Ettore Stratta have been behind the Festival which is going into its 12th successful year.  This special style of Jazz can have you either jumping out of your seat or holding hands with a lover as well as being bedazzled with the enormity of the talent. 

SAMSON SCHMITT, son of legendary gypsy guitarist from France DORADO SCHMITT steps out on his own, having grown up on the Birdland stage alongside his famous Dad.  He also hails from the  small town, Forbach-France,  steeped in gypsy culture, located near Strasbourg.  Samson actually lives on Rue Stephane Grappelli.  Grappelli and Django’s partnership was one of the greatest musical partnerships in European history.  It brought the world this very original style of music based on special guitar fingering and their take on the America’s book of standards and Django’s own compositions… to become known as HOT JAZZ !!

Joining SAMSON will be ANDREAS OBERG from Sweeden, a Hot Jazz  Guitar virtuoso who is like a rock star.  The Grappelli spot is filled by the enormously talented Violinist from France PIERRE BLANCHARD.   The return of the  brilliant Accordion/Accordina musican LUDOVIC BEIER is highly anticipated.  A newcomer to the Birdland stage is DOUDOU CUILERIER on Rhythm Guitar with also a talent for “Scat Singing”.  Our very own  BRIAN TORFF is on Bass and serves as Host. 

Part of the uniqueness of the Django Festival is the combining of a top Jazz musician as a Special Guest each night, bringing a new dimension and adventure to the music.  On June 28:  JOEL FRAHM (sax), June 29:  ANAT COHEN (clarinet & sax), June 30:  JAMES CARTER (sax), July 1 & 2:  EDMAR CASTANEDA (Jazz Harp), July 3:  CLAUDIO RODITI (Flugelhorn)

Forget your troubles, come to Birdland for a night of smiles and love.  The Django Reinhardt NY Festival promises to take you on a journey filled with great music and fun.