Gypsy Guitarist Dorado Schmitt and Sons Star at Django Reinhardt NY Festival at Birdland, 11/6-11

Legendary gypsy guitarist/composer Dorado Schmitt from the Lorraine area of France, in the tradition of Manouche gypsy life and culture, taught his 3 sons to follow in his footsteps and become jazz afficionados in the style of the great late Django Reinhardt, renowned gypsy guitarist. Schmitt is known for his harmonious melodies, brilliant improvisations and extraordinary technique. He has performed at festivals around the world and with top Jazz luminaries Oscar Peterson, The Pizzarelli's , George Benson, Paquito D'Rivera, James Carter and more.

Performing alongside their Dad on the Birdland stage will be Amati - 17, Bronson – 20, and Samson now in his early 30's who grew up performing at The Festival. In addition will be cousin Francko, also a guitarist. Ludovic Beier, (accordionist/accordina player) and Pierre Blanchard (violinist), favorites on the scene, will also be part of the Schmitt family happening. On bass will be Xavier Nikq.

All are from France where Django lived most of his life and where he teamed with Jazz violin great Stephane Grappelli to form one of the most popular partnerships in history which created a musical style that's surging all over the US and world. The music is virtuosic, infectious, romantic, entertaining, and to this day sets toes tapping compulsively and hearts swooning. The legend endures.

Django's unmistakable cool and jumpin' joie de vivre have made him an icon for an unikely range of luminaries from Carlos Santana to Tony Iommi. Jimi Hendrix named his "Band of Gypsies" in tribute; Willie Nelson adopted his influence in "country-swing"; Sean Penn played a Django-obsessed swing guitarist in Woody Allen's 'Sweet and Lowdown'; and Leonardo DiCaprio proudly was backed by Django's music on the soundtrack of Scorsese's 'The Aviator' and is still one of Django's biggest fans.

Producers, Pat Philips & Ettore Stratta, welcome their Presenters GRANDE ABSENTE and AIR FRANCE, who help make this highly anticipated Festival possible. They also thank VERIZON, RD WRIGHT, Inc.and JOHN PEARSE STRINGS.

Opening night, the Award-winning saxophone/clarinetist Anat Cohen, will be the Special Guest. Other guests TBA on other nights.

As the Festival heads into it's 13th year, it continues to stay true and authentic to Django's style, but also new and rich with original compositions and ideas combined with some of Reinhardt's well-known standards.

Birdland: 315 W. 44th Street (bet. 8th and 9th Avenues)
Reservations and Info: 212 581 3080 or www.birdlandjazz.com
Showtimes: 8:30 and 11:00
Full Dinner Menu - Parking Nearby

The Festival tour: Nov. 2- Hanover Theatre Worcester Mass, Nov. 3-New Jersey Performing Arts Ctr.,Nov. 6-11 Birdland NYC, Nov. 12 Kuumbwa in Santa Cruz Calif, Nov. 15- Napa Opera House, Nov. 17-SF Festival Herbst Hall, Nov. 19- Phoenix Museum, Nov. 21 & 22 Montreal's L'Astral Theatre, and more TBA

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