DjangoFest Mill Valley returns to the Throckmorton Theatre for four days of Gypsy Jazz starting Thursday, Sept. 24, with an international lineup of performers from across the U.S. and Europe.
The festival runs through Sunday, Sept. 27, at 142 Throckmorton Ave. in downtown Mill Valley. It celebrates the music of Django Reinhardt, the Romani guitarist who fused Eastern European melodies, Parisian musette and American swing in the cafés of 1930s Paris. The Throckmorton hosted its 20th annual DjangoFest in 2024, according to the theatre's archive.
The lineup stretches across the globe.
German Sinti guitarist Gismo Graf, who picked up the instrument at age 6 under the guidance of his father, Joschi Graf, is scheduled to perform Saturday, Sept. 26. Graf has played the Festival Django Reinhardt in Samois-sur-Seine, France, and has shared stages with Stochelo Rosenberg and Angelo Debarre.
Argentine guitarist Gonzalo Bergara began performing professionally at 16 in Buenos Aires. He moved to the United States in 2000 and has since built a touring career that includes the Playboy Jazz Fest and the Montreal Jazz Fest, blending Parisian swing with South American flavor.
Dutch violinist Tim Kliphuis rounds out the international bill. Kliphuis trained at the Amsterdam Conservatoire and learned to improvise in the style of Stéphane Grappelli while working with the Dutch Sinti community. He wrote the best-selling instructional book Stéphane Grappelli Gypsy Jazz Violin.
Vocalist and violinist Leah Zeger and vocalist Stella Heath also appear on the bill, according to an announcement from the Mill Valley Chamber of Commerce.
The Chamber described the festival as a chance for newcomers and longtime fans alike to experience the "Hot Club tradition" live.
A Festival Pass with a 20 percent discount is available for attendees who want access to the full four-day run. Individual show tickets are also on sale. For pricing and the full schedule, contact the Throckmorton Theatre at (415) 383-9600 or visit throckmortontheatre.org.
Upcoming community events:
- DjangoFest Mill Valley — Thursday, Sept. 24, through Sunday, Sept. 27, Throckmorton Theatre, 142 Throckmorton Ave., Mill Valley. Festival Pass and individual tickets available at throckmortontheatre.org.
