The Django Festival Allstars will bring their celebrated gypsy jazz sound to Sony Hall in New York City on Nov. 13, 2025. Inspired by the legendary Django Reinhardt, the ensemble delivers virtuosic performances that pay homage to jazz’s golden era while infusing modern flair.
Tickets for the Nov. 13 concert are on sale now at the Sony Hall box office and via ScoreBig, where music fans can secure tickets without hidden service fees.
The Django Festival Allstars featuring vocalist Veronica Swift will perform on Friday, November 21, 2025 at 7:30 PM at the Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St. Santa Barbara, CA.
The Django Festival Allstars is a renowned ensemble that pays tribute to the legendary jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt, who pioneered the Gypsy jazz genre in the 1930s. The group was formed in the early 2000s, spearheaded by a collective of talented musicians who sought to continue the legacy of Reinhardt’s innovative style. The ensemble features some of the finest Gypsy jazz musicians from Europe, primarily from France and Belgium, who embody the spirit and sound of Reinhardt’s music.
Ludovic Beier
Their performances often include a mix of traditional Reinhardt compositions and original works, showcasing the evolution of Gypsy jazz while honoring its roots. Over the years, the Django Festival Allstars have gained a reputation for their electrifying live performances, blending virtuosity with the joyful spontaneity characteristic of jazz. They have performed at numerous prestigious jazz festivals and venues worldwide, captivating audiences with their intricate melodies and rhythmic prowess. Their commitment to preserving and promoting Gypsy jazz has also involved educational outreach, where they conduct workshops and masterclasses to inspire new generations of musicians.
Django Festival Allstars: LIVE in MARCIAC – Full Concert
The group includes
Samson Schmitt – Lead Guitar
Ludovic Beier – Accordion & Accordina
Pierre Blanchard – Violin
Antonio Licusati – Double Bass
Francko Mehrstein – Rhythm Guitar
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.
Accordionist Ludovic Beier is amazing in his virtuosity and sensitivity in performing. Ludovic Beier learned the accordion from his father and benefited from being part of a musical family. He was brought up in the French tradition of the instrument and developed his jazz accordion skills. He has a spirited, adventurous style which strays into all kinds of byways. He performs on the French and European scene with some of the top players of the Django/Swing Jazz style including Angelo Debarre, Dorado Schmitt, Florin Niculescu.
Along with his virtuoso playing, Ludovic composes and arranges, and has his own band, Ludovic Beier Quartet, to perform his “cool and latin” French jazz. He has an impressive technique and also a great dose of lyricism with a band that keeps him at full stretch. Besides performing in Europe at top festivals and clubs, he appeared in the States with the Django Reinhardt Project, performing at Birdland (NYC) with guests such as Paquito D’Rivera, at Lincoln Center with Joe Lovano, at Yoshis (CA) with David Sanchez, and at the Montreal International Jazz Festival with Angelo Debarre and James Carter where he brought the house down. He also had the honor to perform at Carnegie Hall with Toots Thielemans among a prestigious line up including Herbie Hancock, Ivan Lins and Eliane Elias.
Vocalist Veronica Swift 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.
