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DjangoFest NorthWest 2024

Arts and Entertainment

August 23, 2024

From: DjangoFest NorthWest

Schedule of Events:

September 18, 2024

7:30 PM: The HOT CLUB of TROY / OPENING ACT TBD

Immerse yourself in an evening of timeless melodies and spirited rhythms as The Hot Club of Troy and Djangophonique unite to celebrate the legacy of Django Reinhardt and the Quintet of the Hot Club of France. Experience the vibrant energy of Gypsy Jazz, with its wild swings and sparkling tunes that rise from the pulsing guitars and bass, evoking the dance halls of an earlier era.

The Hot Club of Troy - Show Headliner

The Hot Club of Troy is honored to be joining you in Michael Nutt Hall for an evening of music inspired, and played, by the guitar master, Django Reinhardt.
The Hot Club of Troy has always honored the legacy, the compositions, and the varied musical styles, of Django. For DFNW 2024 we bring you the sound of the post-war (WWII) years., a collection of Django’s grooviest tunes.

With, Troy Chapman - Guitar,  Grant Neubauer - Piano,  Keegan Harshman - Bass, Mickey Grimm - Drums, Molly Felder - Vocals

Cost: $45/55*

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September 19, 2024

7:30 PM: CLARINET MARMALADE / THE IDIOMATIQUES

Eric Vanderbilt-Mathews is a versatile musician hailing from Whidbey Island. His musical journey began at the tender age of four with the violin, quickly transitioning to piano, and later mastering the clarinet and saxophone in middle school. These woodwinds have since become his primary focus.

Currently, Eric is an integral part of over a dozen bands across the Pacific Northwest. His performances span a wide array of settings and genres, with a particular emphasis on jazz. Whether playing locally or on international stages, Eric’s dynamic presence and musical prowess continue to captivate audiences.

Eric Vanderbilt-Mathews - clarinet, saxophone and piano, Jonathan Greene - clarinet and saxophone, Jonathan Doyle - clarinet and saxophone, Luca Pino - guitar, Julian MacDonough  drums

The Idiomatiques, based in Southern California, have captivated audiences throughout the past decade. Their musical influences are eclectic, encompassing rock, R&B, Latin, bossa nova, and both traditional and modern jazz, yet their music remains firmly rooted in the style of Django Reinhardt.

Their song "C’est La Vie" earned them the unique distinction of being the only Gypsy Jazz band to feature on Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz chart, where it remained in the top 30 for eleven weeks. The band members have also contributed to the Sharmat/Andersson “Strings” albums, a staple on SiriusXM’s Escape channel for the past four years.

Members of The Idiomatiques have performed with notable Gypsy Jazz musicians such as Moses Rosenberg, Fapy Lafertin, Paulus Schäfer, Joscho Stephan, and Samuel Farthing. Their versatile talents extend beyond the Gypsy Jazz realm, with collaborations including Boyz II Men, Ziggy Marley, David Foster, Kenny Loggins, and more.

Ray Bergstrom-Guitar-Vocals, Kim Collins-Bass-Vocals, Frank Petrilli-Accordion, Craig Sharmat-Guitar-Vocals

Cost: $45/55*

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September 20, 2024

2:00 PM: PEARL DJANGO / 3 PARTS BOURBON

Experience an unforgettable evening with Pearl Django, masters of Hot Club jazz, and their two decades of musical artistry. Revel in the rhythms of Django Reinhardt’s legacy, brought to life by Pearl Django’s strings and the dynamic accordion of David Lange.

Pearl Django

Pearl Django, a revered ensemble in the Hot Club jazz tradition, has been a festival staple for 18 years. With over two decades of performances, they’re celebrated for their virtuosic strings, vibrant Bal Musette hues, and rhythmic swing. Their music, rooted in the legacy of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli, spans jazz standards and originals. Globally recognized, they’ve graced the Festival Django Reinhardt in France and NPR’s airwaves, earning a loyal fanbase and consistently filling venues.

3 Parts Bourbon

Take one part Michael Gray, Pearl Django's fiddler extraordinaire, add one part jazz 'cellist James Hinkley (3-cent Stamp/Billet-Deux), round that out with a potent shot of virtuoso accordion from David Lange, and you have 3 Parts Bourbon

This performance is going to be something very cool & unique for a tasty afternoon experience!

Cost: $50/60*

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7:30 PM: AURORE VOILQUÉ QUARTET

Aurore Voilqué, a violin prodigy since age 4, has journeyed from classical orchestras to the Paris metro, forming the Aurore Quartet in 2003. Her evolution into gypsy jazz led to collaborations with Thomas Dutronc and performances at major French jazz festivals and clubs. Notable achievements include playing at New York’s Birdland, recording the tribute album “Djangolized” with Rhoda Scott, and participating in international music projects. Her work spans from electro-jazz fusion to artistic partnerships, like with Angelo Debarre for the “Bohemian Waltz” album. Aurore’s influence extends to jazz programming and teaching, with performances across Europe and tributes to the late Belle Du Berry. Her passion for music continues to resonate on stages worldwide.

Sam Farthing - Guitar, Stéphane Wrembel - Guitar, Aurore Volique - Violin,  Debi Botos - Guitar

Cost: $60/70*

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September 21, 2024

2:00 PM: Robin Nolan - For The Love Of George

When one of the world's most celebrated gypsy jazz guitarists reworks the world's greatest bands’ music, magic can happen! George Harrison was a fan and friend of Robin Nolan, one of the world’s leading authorities on Gypsy Jazz. Harrison even named him one of his favorite guitarists! Nolan has a new instrumental album out on Harrison’s ‘Dark Horse Records’ and was recorded using three of George’s famous Beatles guitars. This is the first time these guitars have been recorded since the 1970s, an exciting prospect for all Beatles fans as well as lovers of the music of George Harrison and acoustic guitar. Robin and the trio will be playing songs from the new record, some original compositions, and, of course, some gypsy jazz classics!

The lineup also features...

“In these days of ‘cackophony,’ it’s great to hear some proper music.” George Harrison

“Robin Nolan is so amazingly good.” Bill Wyman

“Robin plays a mighty fine guitar!” Willie Nelson

Cost: $65/75*

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7:30 PM: ANGELO DeBARRE GYPSY GUITAR TRIO

Join us for an unforgettable evening with the legendary Angelo Debarre, a virtuoso of Romani jazz guitar. Born in the vibrant streets of Saint-Denis, Paris, Debarre’s passion for music ignited at the tender age of eight. His journey led him to form the Angelo Debarre Quintet in 1984, captivating audiences with his dynamic performances. In 1984, the guitarist Serge Camps opened the cabaret LA ROUE FLEURIE in Paris (Montmartre), where many musicians from the gypsy and gypsy scene followed. From 1985 on, he played every evening for 4 years with Angelo Debarre and Frank Anastasio. In 1989, the Norwegian producer Jon Larsen suggested that they record an album, which would be produced in Oslo. After two years of concerts together, Serge, Angelo, and Frank will each move towards different musical horizons before meeting again in 2024 to reform the Gypsy Guitars trio, which will perform in France and the USA for the Django a Gogo Festival before having the joy and honor of being invited by the DFNW.

By 1985, Debarre’s quintet became the heart of Parisian café culture, playing at La Roue Fleurie and catching the eye of producer and guitarist Jon Larsen. Since then, Debarre has graced numerous festivals and stages, including the esteemed Birdland’s annual Django Reinhardt Festival.

His album, Mémoires: Memories of Django, recorded with the talented Tchavolo Schmitt, is a testament to his profound connection with the spirit of Django Reinhardt. Don’t miss the chance to witness the mastery of Angelo Debarre live, as he headlines DjangoFestNW 2024. Reserve your spot and be part of a musical legacy that continues to inspire and enthrall!

In 1984, the guitarist Serge Camps opened the cabaret LA ROUE FLEURIE in Paris (Montmartre), where many musicians from the gypsy and gypsy scene followed. From 1985 on, he played every evening for 4 years with Angelo Debarre and Frank Anastasio. In 1989, the Norwegian producer Jon Larsen suggested that they record an album, which would be produced in Oslo. After two years of concerts together, Serge, Angelo, and Frank will each move towards different musical horizons before meeting again in 2024 to reform the Gypsy Guitars trio, which will perform in France and the USA for the Django a Gogo Festival before having the joy and honor of being invited by the DFNW.

Cost: $70/80*

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September 22, 2024

4:00 PM: TRIO DINICU WITH TOMMY DAVY


The San Francisco Chronicle has lauded Trio Dinicu as “dazzling,” a group that unites three illustrious musicians. The ensemble features Luanne Homzy, a globally acclaimed concert violinist; Tommy Davy, a prodigious guitarist representing the new wave of Franco-Russian guitar talent; and Frank Anastasio, an iconic figure in gypsy jazz as a bassist, vocalist, and guitarist.

Cost: $60/70*

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Date: September 18-22, 2024

Location: Whidbey Island Center for the Arts - 565 Camano Avenue Langley, WA 98260

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