“Gypsy Jazz for the 21st Century”
DOWNBEAT
Django’s unmistakable cool and jumpin’ jole de vivre have made him an icon for an unlikely range of luminaries from Carlos Santana to Eric Clapton, guitar greats! Jimi Hendrix named his “big band of gypsies” in tribute, and Willie Nelson adopted his influence in “country-swing.”
The Django Festival Allstars have grown into a brilliantly cohesive group of star musicians who’ve taken America by storm, performing at top concert halls and festivals to standing ovations. They’ve appeared at SFJazz, Kennedy Center, Birdland for 25 years, Dizzy’s and Rose Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Keystone Korner Baltimore, Hollywood Bowl, Montreal Jazz Festival and Arts Centers Kimmel, Strathmore, and many more, including Carnegie Hall.
The music speaks of Paris in the 20s and 30s when “gitane” music filled the air, in the cafés, the streets, in the countryside, a romantic Paris with lovers, campfires, a time of Montmartre, la belle époque, le Boudon café, café au lait, luscious pastry, and a great glass of wine. Django was “king”. He teamed with Jazz Violinist Stephane Grappelli and made musical history.
The Django Festival Allstars bring this music to ‘today’… combining known standards and original music…intoxicating!! They swing like crazy and will break your heart with a ballad. Their Special Guests have been Randy Brecker, Joe Lovano, Veronica Swift, Regina Carter, Cyrille Aimee, Ken Peplowski, Madeleine Peyroux, Sefon Harris, James Carter, to name a few.
Current Members
Samson Schmitt
Lead Guitar
A third-generation Sinti guitarist and son of legendary musician Dorado Schmitt, Samson Schmitt carries the Reinhardt tradition forward with blazing virtuosity and deep lyricism. Raised in the Manouche style yet fluent across jazz languages, his playing blends speed, clarity, and emotional depth. While Django’s spirit echoes in his phrasing, Samson’s voice as a soloist and composer is distinctly modern.
Ludovic Beier
Accordion, Accordina
A master of both button accordion and the rare breath-powered accordina, Ludovic Beier is renowned for his harmonic sophistication and breathtaking improvisational command. Combining classical technique with fearless jazz phrasing, he expands the Django Festival Allstars’ palette far beyond tradition, bringing orchestral color and melodic daring to the ensemble.
Pierre Blanchard
Violin
With a tone that balances Stéphane Grappelli’s lyricism and modern jazz fluency, Pierre Blanchard brings elegance, fire, and expressive nuance to the group. His background in both classical and jazz traditions allows him to move seamlessly from lush textures to soaring, inventive solos.
Antonio Licusati
Bass
Grounded in both jazz and classical training, Antonio Licusati provides the band’s harmonic foundation and rhythmic drive. His warm tone, precise time feel, and attentive interplay anchor the ensemble’s dynamic swing while allowing space for adventurous solo flights.
Francko Mehrstein
Rhythm Guitar
A highly respected figure in the Manouche community, Francko Mehrstein is a master of la pompe, the percussive rhythm style that fuels gypsy jazz. His powerful yet supple groove forms the heartbeat of the Django Festival Allstars, giving the soloists a resilient, propulsive foundation.