DJANGO FESTIVAL ALLSTARS
Get ready for a musical experience that’s electric, virtuosic, and straight from the heart. The Django Festival Allstars bring the legendary Django Reinhardt’s gypsy jazz legacy roaring into the 21st century — and it’s hotter than ever.
With blazing guitar riffs, soaring violin lines, dazzling accordion solos, rock-solid rhythm, and deep grooves on the double bass, this all-acoustic ensemble blends old-school swing with fresh energy and contemporary flair. It’s tradition with a twist — and it swings hard.
At the heart of the band is Samson Schmitt, son of gypsy jazz icon Dorado Schmitt, carrying the torch forward with passion and precision. Alongside him, a dream team of international virtuosos light up the stage with music that celebrates Django, channels Ellington and Armstrong, and surprises with original compositions — and even a “Stevie Wonder moment.
From the cafés of 1930s Paris to today’s biggest jazz stages, the Allstars keep Django’s spirit alive — and dancing with original music in the style. It’s Hip and Hot!
They’ve appeared at SF Jazz, Kennedy Center, Birdland for 25 years, Dizzy’s and Rose Hall, Jazz@ Lincoln Center, Keystone Korner, Hollywood Bowl, Montreal Jazz Festival and Arts Centers Kimmel, Strathmore, Carnegie Hall and more and performed alongside Randy Brecker, James Carter, Joe Lovano, Cyrille Aimee, Anat Cohen, Madeleine Peyroux, Stefon Harris, and Regina Carter as their guests… to name a few.
VERONICA SWIFT
Veronica first gained major international attention in 2015 when she won 2nd place in the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz International Vocals Competition. Swift comes from an esteemed family background in jazz, her mom a jazz vocalist and educator, and her dad a highly regarded gifted jazz pianist. She tours the world at prestigious festivals, clubs, and arts centers, always demonstrating her astounding vocal agility, also known for amazing scatting… honoring her idol, the great Ella.
“Veronica is a woman of many voices and she uses every one of them to show a dizzying kaleidoscope of moods.” – Downbeat
Veronica “has a miraculous voice and musical ability and technique, as well as an innate gift for entertaining a crowd.” – Wall Street Journal.
Featuring:
Samson Schmitt – Lead Guitar
Ludovic Beier – Accordion & Accordina
Pierre Blanchard – Violin
Antonio Licusati – Double Bass
Francko Mehrstein – Rhythm Guitar
“Veronica is a woman of many voices and she uses every one of them to show a dizzying kaleidoscope of moods.” – Downbeat
Do you want access to exclusive pre-sales and discounted tickets while supporting jazz, blues, American roots, and music education?
