Los Angeles Gypsy Jazz Festival: In The Footsteps Of Django October 6, 2012

In The Footsteps Of Django kicks off their U.S. tour in Los Angeles, bringing together the best of the new Gypsy Jazz masters of Europe

Lulo Reinhardt is the grandnephew of the legendary Gypsy Jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt, first taught by his father at the age of five. At twelve, he played in the Mike Reinhardt Sextett and later co-founded the group, "Django Reinhardt and the Heartbreakers." In 1991, he founded "I Gitanos" with his father Bawo and cousin Dege, touring throughout Europe and first establishing his national reputation.

Les Doigts de l'Homme formed as a trio with guitarists Olivier Kikteff, Yannick Alcocer and double bassist Tanguay Blum in early 2003 and by February 2004 they exploded on the scene and played a 70-concert French tour. Daily newspaper Ouest-France captured their appeal, noting that "this band brings a hint of world music, an energy close to punk bands, and an unmistakable authenticity."

Norig Gadji is a French singer with a Celtic name and Catalan origins whose astonishing musical destiny began with a viewing of "The Time of the Gypsies" by Emir Kustarica. Sebastien Giniaux is an eclectic, passionate musician, originally trained as a classical cellist. Norig has performed and toured with Sebastien Giniaux, both with the Sebastien Giniaux Balkan Project and as a duo. She has also recorded music for the soundtrack of Tony Gatliff's film, "Exils." Her performance with In The Footsteps Of Django will mark her American debut.

Django Reinhardt left behind an indelible musical legacy, introducing and defining a passionate style of Gypsy Jazz guitar that was astonishing in the 1930's and is still revered and emulated today. Born to a Gypsy family in Belgium, Django's playing inspired his extended family in Germany and France, and successive generations of Reinhardts have reinforced his powerful musical vision and added their own ideas.

Official Website: http://www.kalakoa.com/Kala_Koa/DJANGO.html