A Night of Gin and Jazz

Suffolk Theater will present Django Festival Allstars on Tuesday, June 13, at 8 p.m. alongside handcrafted gin cocktails and small bites available to order.

This legendary ensemble returns to Long Island to celebrate the music of iconic gypsy jazz guitarist, Django Reinhardt — considered to be one of the greatest guitar players of all time. Django Festival Allstars’ unique, high-energy performances transports audiences to 1920s and 1930s Paris while bringing this renowned music fully into the 21st century, adding their own interpretations, arrangements, and original compositions with stunning virtuosity.

Reinhardt’s driving, swinging style became known as “hot jazz,” and it continues to grow in popularity throughout the world. Django’s unmistakable cool and jumpin’ ole de vivre have made him an icon for an unlikely range of luminaries from Carlos Santana to Eric Clapton; Jimi Hendrix named his “big band of gypsies” in tribute, and even Willie Nelson adopted his influence in “country-swing.”

Django Festival All-Stars have been developing over 20 years and grew into a brilliantly cohesive group of star French musicians who have taken America by storm, performing at top concert halls and festivals with standing ovations. The music speaks of Paris 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. The Allstars honor Reinhardt’s traditions while adding their own flair.

The group features Samson Schmitt on lead guitar, Pierre Blanchard on violin, Ludovic Beier on accordion and accordina, DouDou Cuillerier on rhythm guitar and Antonio Licusati on bass.

Tickets are $55 to $65 at thesuffolk.org. Suffolk Theater is at 118 East Main Street, Riverhead.