Django Festival Allstars

“Gypsy Jazz for the 21st Century” - Downbeat

Samson Schmitt, lead guitar
Pierre Blanchard, violin
Ludovic Beier, accordion and accordina
Antonio Licusati, bass
Francko Mehrstein, rhythm guitar

Django Reinhardt’s unmistakable cool and jumping joie de vivre have made him an icon for a list of luminaries, including guitar greats Carlos Santana and Eric Clapton. Jimi Hendrix named his Band of Gypsys in tribute to Reinhardt, and Willie Nelson adopted his influence in playing country swing.

Step into a night that feels lifted from a Parisian café and goes roaring into the 21st century. The Django Festival Allstars deliver a musical experience bursting with spirit, swing, and soul in what The Wall Street Journal calls “the best jazz show in town.”

Led by guitarist Samson Schmitt, son of gypsy jazz legend Dorado Schmitt, this all-acoustic ensemble of international virtuosos radiates joy and passion through blazing guitar riffs, soaring violin, dazzling accordion, and deep, grooving bass. The result is an electrifying blend of old-school swing and modern energy that brings audiences to their feet. DownBeat praises them as “the hardest swinging group,” while George Benson calls them simply “sensational.”