The Django Festival All Stars bring the music of the great Gypsy jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt (1910-1953) fully into the 21st Century. Their unique, high-energy performances pay tribute to Reinhardt, who is considered one of the greatest guitar players of all time and the first European jazz musician to make major contributions to the development of the jazz guitar genre. Reinhardt's driving, swinging style became known as "hot jazz" and it continues to grow in popularity. The All Stars honor the traditions of this "French Gypsy Jazz", adding their own creative interpretations, arrangements, and original compositions with stunning virtuosity. They have performed at the Newport Jazz Festival, Birdland, the SFJazz Center, and the Kennedy Center. The Wall Street Journal wrote, "Djangofest is the best jazz show in town! Imagine a stage filled with six contemporary Reinhardt descendants, and you'll get a sense that the collective talent pool on the bandstand is larger than the Arc de Triomphe!” Led for many years by legendary guitarist Dorado Schmitt, the All Stars currently feature Dorado's son, Samson Schmitt, lead guitar; Ludovic Beier, accordion and accordina; Pierre Blanchard, violin; Doudou Cuillerier, rhythm guitar and vocals; Antonio Licusati, bass.

http://www.djangobirdland.com/