Join us for an evening of beautiful melodies and swinging rhythms with a trio of some of America and Europe’s finest musicians, playing in the style of Django Reinhardt and Stéphane Grappelli. The trio features Jimmy Grant (US) and Sam Farthing (US) on guitars, Simon Planting (NL) on bass, and a very special guest violinist from far away. Don’t miss this extraordinary musical experience!
Jimmy Grant: Jimmy Grant grew up in a Northern California household rich with musical influences. During his travels across the country with his dad’s bluegrass band, he discovered the music of Django Reinhardt. Although his early musical landscape was shaped by Russian folk, bluegrass, Celtic, and classical music, he was irresistibly drawn to the vibrant sounds of Django Reinhardt from a young age.
Under the guidance of renowned guitarists Jim Nichols and Howard Alden, Jimmy honed his craft, blending influences from Bach, Benny Goodman, and Joe Pass into his unique style. His artistry has led him to perform alongside acclaimed musicians such as David Grisman, Gonzalo Bergara, Ludovic Beier, Andreas Oberg, Tim Kliphuis, Paulus Schafer, Robin Nolan, Trio Dinicu, Rhythm Future Quartet, and the Hot Club of San Francisco. His performances have graced prestigious stages including Djangofest Northwest, The Savannah Music Festival, Nor Cal Jazz Festival, and The New York Hot Jazz Festival, as well as various venues throughout Europe.
As a passionate educator, Jimmy has taught at colleges across the United States and has been a faculty member at the Django in June Festival in Massachusetts, Grappelli-Django Camp in Holland, and currently hosts his own “Camp Django” in Ashland, OR. He shares his insights into gypsy jazz through contributions to “Gypsy Jazz Secrets Magazine.” Jimmy’s creative endeavors also include recording two albums under his own name, participating in several jazz and rock albums, and having his music featured in films and television. Notably, his original composition “Insomnia” was a finalist in the John Lennon Songwriting Competition in the jazz category.
Sam Farthing:
Twenty-one year old Baltimore guitarist, composer, and educator Sam Farthing has dedicated his life to the preservation of the traditions of gypsy jazz and swing. Beginning his musical journey as a classical guitarist, Sam gravitated towards the music of Sinti swing guitarist Django Reinhardt, and began immersing himself completely in the style. Over the last seven years, Samuel has studied and performed with some of the world’s top gypsy jazz guitarists including Stochelo and Mozes Rosenberg, Fapy Lafertin, Tchavolo and Samson Schmitt and many others. Samuel has performed in some of the world’s most prestigious gypsy jazz festivals across the world including Django sur Lennon, Djangofest Northwest, Djangofest Mill Valley, Django a Gogo, Charm City Django Jazz Fest.
Simon Planting:
Dutch double bassist Simon Planting lives near San Francisco, but studied Classical bass with the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra and Jazz at the Sweelinck Conservatory in Amsterdam before embarking on a professional career. He has performed in concerts and festivals the world over, and has compiled an impressive discography with artists like Mathilde Santing, Fapy Lafertin, Jimmy Rosenberg, Stephane Wrembel, and John Jorgenson. Simon Planting is the DjangoFest NW Artistic Director.
