Post festival success - press release 4/2/10

Le QuecumBar
International Gypsy Swing Guitar Festival

Sunday 17th January – Monday 25th January 2010

London’s first! – A celebration in honour of the 100th Birthday of Django Reinhardt the legendary Gypsy and guitar genius – Sizzling guitar magic from Europe’s finest Gypsy and non Gypsy players amassing to pay homage to Django Reinhardt’s musical legacy: 33 musicians 9 concerts 11 workshops

It took 6 months of grueling preparation, production, hard work, energy and battling, to promote and support an underexposed genre of the UK, but it was all worth it. The first ever International Gypsy Swing Guitar Festival to take place in London and the largest in UK was an astounding unprecedented success with the help of its nationwide supporters and sponsors and amassed 33 musicians from 8 countries. Proving that the sensational and unique genre created by Django Reinhardt over 80 years ago is still "out there" and as fresh today as it ever was. SPONSORS/SUPPORTERS: Many thanks to all our contributors for their help in assisting their countrymen to attend the festival and to our supporters in recognising the cultural value of this unique event. Without their help this festival would not have taken place, Le QuecumBar and Le Q Records thanks them all.

SPONSORS/SUPPORTERS: Many thanks to all our contributors for their help in assisting their countrymen to attend the festival and to our supporters in recognising the cultural value of this unique event. Without their help this festival would not have taken place, Le QuecumBar and Le Q Records thanks them all.

National Lottery funded Arts Council England
European Commission Representation in the UK, supporting the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion 2010
SeaFrance - the way to France
SeaFrance Dover - Calais Ferries, proud to support Le Q Records & Le QuecumBar International Gypsy Swing Guitar Festival celebrating the 100th birthday of Django Reinhardt.  SeaFrance operates up to 15 daily return crossings on the Dover-Calais route. Please visit www.seafrance.com for more details.
Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany 
Sponsoring Kussi Weiss Quintet from Germany
Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands
Belgian Tourist Office - Brussels * Wallonia
“The South of Belgium, Latin Europe in a Nutshell”
bureau export french-music.org
Institut Francais
Perrier sparkling water 
Olswang LLP
S J Berwin LLP
www.stringbusters.com Norman and Cliff loyal supporters and fans Goethe Institut London
Customer and supporter Ivor Young of Prism Leisure Ltd Licensing & Distribution
Brian Potts USA, Martin Christie and David Taylor
loyal supporters and generous fans
Special thanks to the young and easy going photographer, Philip Volkers of www.philipvolkers.com who supported us by spending 9 nights photographing the artists at the festival.  His photos will be used in the upcoming cd – his work covers fashion photography, film sets and corporate products in fact he is happy to go anywhere where his camera work is needed.

The whole festival was held and organized in the hidden backstreets of Battersea village in a small intimate 1930’s Parisian Brasserie - Le QuecumBar & Brasserie: London’s world premier Gypsy Swing venue a unique live music venue specialising in promoting Django Reinhardt - Gypsy Swing and those who perform it. - A style born in 30's Paris drawing on nearly 2000 years of Gypsy culture. Home of Le Q Records capturing live moments of musical magic

The 9 night festival, featuring great Gypsy names such as David Reinhardt, Ritary Gaguenetti, Stochelo Rosenberg, Tcha Limberger and many others was sold out days before the start of the event leading its organizers Le QuecumBar and Le Q Records to turn people away despite the fact that the festival was extended with a bonus night for people who were unable to buy festival tickets.

The 11 well attended and unique Gypsy Swing/jazz guitar, Gypsy Swing Double Bass and Balkan Gypsy violin workshops in 5 London locations, presented a rare opportunity to learn from the Gypsy and non Gypsy world masters of their craft such as:
Le QuecumBar Patrons, Ritary Gaguenetti, French Gypsy,
Biel Ballester, from Spain, Lollo Meier, Dutch Gypsy plus
Olivier Kikteff of Les Doigts de L’homme, France,
Tcha Limberger, Belgian Gypsy, Paulus Schafer, Dutch Gypsy
Leo Hipaucha, from Argentina, and Kussi Weiss, German Gypsy
Allowing students with various abilities of the style, to learn from the source. 

The exciting live recorded highlights of the festival will be released on a commemorative triple CD in June featuring the rare performances of some of the worlds best Gypsy Swing artists who have never before appeared on the same stage together.
It will feature 23 artists such as London based Fleur de Paris, The Biel Ballester Trio, Paulus Schafer, Feigeli Prisor and the Kussi Weiss Quintet, who, through their different ways of interpreting Gypsy Swing, take you on a journey you won't forget. From Transylvania to France, from Germany to South America, the musicians delivered incredible, thrilling performances where Django's music mixes with Rumba, Bossa Nova, Chansons, Musette and World music.
Each artist excels within his own interpretations of Django’s genre and brings you the magical touch inseparable from Django’s own Jazz Manouche. More swing than jazz the festival had people riveted to their seats with jaw dropping performances from the various line ups every night! Numerous nightly encores were the norm.
Saturday 23rd January, Django’s birthday amassed musical magic with Lollo Meier, Ritary Gaguenetti and Kussi Weiss on hot guitar solo and rhythm, young dynamic Hugo Richter on accordion and rockin UK bass ace Andy Crowdy. 
The last two nights of this Gypsy Swing Guitar heaven saw a quintet of formidable heavyweight all-star all Gypsy line-ups, culminating in a finale on the last night that featured three world master soloists Stochelo Rosenberg, Lollo Meier, Ritary Gaguenetti and stunning Gypsy bass player Sani Van Mullem with the young virtuoso violinist Wattie Rosenberg they cast aside any amplification to play the authentic way, unplugged acoustic heaven and rose to the occasion with a performance that electrified the audience and visibly showed the musicians loved every minute. Their musical prowess, skill, technique and sensitivity represent a real cherry on the cake on this exciting forthcoming album that captures the audience’s enthusiastic response to live musical genius.

Latest Patrons
Following the festival, Le QuecumBar would also like to announce that they have 3 new Gypsy Patrons, in the form of:

• Tcha Limberger, Belgian Gypsy, a blind, multilingual singer, violinist, clarinetist and guitarist whose early years were spent learning about flamenco guitar. Over time, he swapped to Django's music and left Belgium for Budapest to study classical and Gypsy music under Horvat Bela. Tcha Limberger now lives in Transylvania where, on top of recording albums as a freelance artist, he has set up several orchestras and teaches students.
• Kussi Weiss, German Gypsy, hails from a family of some of the most important and famous Sinti musicians in Northern Germany. Kussi Weiss released several albums in which he captivates you with his unique style, offering an elegant combination of Django Reinhardt's music with modern elements.

      www.myspace.com/gipsyconnectionquartette

• Stochelo Rosenberg, Dutch Gypsy, is a world-class Gypsy Swing guitarist and band leader of the legendary Rosenberg Trio with which he released numerous albums. Thanks to his effortless virtuosity and improvisational technique with pure melody, Stochelo Rosenberg is universally regarded as one of the most brilliant exponents of the genre.

Le Q Records
A natural progression. A small, intimate, independent record label, preserving moments of musical magic at Le QuecumBar & Brasserie for sharing around the world. Born in 2007 as the mouthpiece of Le QuecumBar and its musicians, it aims to echo the ambience, capturing the passion of the music created during live concert performances; instantly transporting you to the very soul of Le QuecumBar and all it represents, bringing together established and unknown artists of the genre for the enjoyment of all.

We are proud to have been able to produce thus far
Live - The Biel Ballester Trio (LEQ0101), Live - Le QuecumBar Allstars (LEQ0103) a selection of UK artists who play at Le QuecumBar all year round, a fine musical example of what to expect when you come to Le QuecumBar. Live - The Ritary Gaguenetti Quartet (LEQ0103), Live - The Gary Potter Quartet (LEQ0104) his best album ever. A unique compilation  - "Stars of Gypsy Swing" by Le QuecumBar Patrons (LEQ0105); a double album of 26 tracks donated by Le QuecumBar's 13 elite global Gypsy Swing guitar Patrons for the advancement of Django Reinhardt's Gypsy Swing around the globe and its musicians. Live – Patrick Saussois and Daniel John Martin (LEQ0106);    Live – The Aurore Quartet (LEQ0107)
www.leqrecords.com
All cd's available at the bar - Le QuecumBar and Brasserie 42-44 Battersea High Street SW11 3HX, our online shop at www.quecumbar.co.uk, itunes.com, amazon.co.uk, cdbaby.com, various independent online, high street stores, FNAC and complete digital download at linnrecords.com

Le QuecumBar and Brasserie
Numerous celebrity, secret Django fans visit Le QuecumBar incognito to enjoy the enchanting atmosphere and close up intimate genius of players who grace its stage at The Prestige Performance Concerts, or just drop by to catch the infectious unplugged weekly jam sessions some even joining in with the fun.
This is live music at its best.
Le QuecumBar is regarded as the world premier venue of Gypsy Swing. Dedicated to promoting the music of Django Reinhardt and those who perform it, staging some of the world’s finest Gypsy Swing musicians who relish playing in an authentic original style intimate atmosphere. Here, as in 1930's Paris, Django's innovative, joyous hot club music is alive, with its wicked swing and hypnotic, pumping rhythms. Le QuecumBar plays host to the worlds best of this genre offering instrumental workshops and integrating home-grown talent with global players.
Le QuecumBar is indebted to the Gypsy culture which pervades this unique music, as style born in 1930's Paris, drawing on nearly 2000 years of Gypsy musical traditions.
The venue also promotes other global Gypsy music such as from Spain and the Balkans – there is always a musical surprise behind its secret doors.
www.quecumbar.co.uk
www.myspace.com/lequecumbar

 

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Le QuecumBar
International Gypsy Swing Guitar Festival

Sunday 17th January – Monday 25th January 2010

www.djangoreinhardtfestival.co.uk

Non profit concerts and workshops

INTRODUCTION

Worldwide fans eagerly await global celebrations of the upcoming centenary of Django Reinhardt. A first for London, this unique festival draws together an elite assembly of Europe’s finest Gypsy swing/jazz musicians for nine days of concerts and workshops to celebrate the centenary on 23rd January 2010 of the birth of their musical hero: Django Reinhardt, the legendary Gypsy, guitar genius, composer, band leader and creator of Gypsy swing/jazz, a uniquely European jazz genre born in 1930s Paris drawing on nearly 1,000 years of Gypsy culture.

THE MUSIC

The festival line up of musicians is unprecedented. Fittingly, it opens with the young and accomplished David Reinhardt (Django’s grandson) in a dazzling display of French talent from the contemporary Parisian Gypsy jazz scene. Each successive night will feature disciples of Django, some of whom have never appeared on stage together. The festival will showcase the many musical influences that have been grafted on to the traditional Gypsy and swing jazz roots - Balkan, bebop, Latin, Eastern European, Middle Eastern and, yes, even a little rock music. The final night draws on the talent of three of the world's most inspiring soloists, Stochelo Rosenberg, Patron Lollo Meier and Patron Ritary Gaguenetti – all incontestably worthy inheritors of Django's legacy. Festival highlights will be recorded for a commemorative CD collection.

The festival offers a chance to savour an old, heady wine in some very new, and rather surprising, bottles. This music has deep roots, but in its soulfulness, in the versatility of its imagination and in its sheer exuberance, the ability of Gypsy swing/jazz to charm and seduce audiences remains as powerful as ever. Prepare to be enchanted!

DJANGO

When Django’s parents named their son (whose name means "I awake" in Romanes) they could not have foreseen the impact their gifted child was to have on the world in the brief 43 years he was with us. A Gypsy who could not fully read or write and whose left hand was disabled in a fire when he was a young man, Django created not only a style and technique that enabled him to work around his disability, but an entirely new musical genre. He touched the lives of generations of guitarists who came after him and his music is as fresh today as it was 80 years ago. The unrivalled freedom and inventiveness of his improvisations stunned the world, and the ripples he created continue to influence musicians worldwide.

WORKSHOPS

Traditionally, Gypsies acquire their musical skills via absorption through the family, by ear without formal training. These workshops are a unique opportunity to learn from visiting masters: Tickets £35. Times: 10.30 – 12.30 Lunch 1.30 – 3.30.

FESTIVAL VENUE

Le QuecumBar & Brasserie is London's world premier Gypsy Swing venue, uniquely specialising in live concerts promoting Django Reinhardt, Gypsy Swing, and those who perform it. Seating just 70 people, with an ambiance, style and décor evocative of the time, it conveys the authentic flavour of this music as it was performed in its heyday - in the cafes and brasseries of pre-war Paris.

FESTIVAL ORGANISER

Le Q Records is an independent label set up to capture moments of musical magic from the stars who perform at Le QuecumBar, to promote their skills and talents and to open people’s hearts to their music.

TICKETS 

All tickets from www.wegottickets.com. Tables are allocated on arrival. Ticket monies go directly to performers. We reserve the right to make a £25 pp minimum spend on food & drink, with 15% service. Tables may have to share. Doors open at 6.00pm and food is served until 8.00pm. Please arrive early to avoid disrupting the live recordings.

CONTACT

Le QuecumBar & Brasserie,
42-44 Battersea High Street,
London, SW113HX
+44(0)20 7787 2227

info@quecumbar.co.uk
www.quecumbar.co.uk
www.myspace.com/lequecumbar.

Le Q Records, Sylvia Rushbrooke, Kevin Smith & Monika Kroll, info@leqrecords.com, www.leqrecords.com

THANK YOU

Le Q Records and Le QuecumBar would like to thank all the musicians who have made the effort to take part in this homage so far from home. We appreciate and highly value their skills and are thrilled to be able to share this unique festival of Gypsy swing/jazz with new and existing fans from around the globe. Watch out for the CD!

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FESTIVAL PROGRAMME - LIVE MUSIC

PLEASE NOTE: Seating is allocated at 6:00 p.m. and food is served until 8:00 p.m. Because there will be live recording, we reserve the right to refuse entry after 7:30 p.m.

SUNDAY 17th JANUARY

Support artist: FLEUR DE PARIS France & UK 7.15-8.15pm, 9.30-10.00pm, 11.00-11.45pm
QuecumBar favourites set the scene throughout the night with a chic and sparkling 1930s soiree. Playing the authentic French café and music-hall styles of pre/post war chanson and musette, interspersed with waltzes and swing tunes, this evocative music is brought to life by the beautiful and mesmerising lead chanteuse Lo Polidoro, who delivers Edith Piaf-style vocals accompanied by the accordion of Christian Dupont, Kirsten Hammond on violin and the guitar of Martin Brown. Et que vive la chanson francaise!
www.fleurdeparis.co.uk

Main artist: DAVID REINHARDT ENSEMBLE France & UK, 8.30-9.30pm, 10.00-11.00pm.
Performing here together for the first time and led by David Reinhardt (Django’s grandson and an accomplished jazz musician), the David Reinhardt Ensemble will take you back to the roots of Django through their own youthful and dizzying interpretations and improvisations, showing that the music of Django has longevity, style and timeless joy. All beyond their years in ability and creativity, they bring from Paris their extraordinary and exciting creativity and musical innovation and represent Django’s modern legacy. Leading a unique evening of spine-tingling virtuosity and driving the soloists with their powerhouse rhythm are the ever popular George on bass and the UK’s top Gypsy rhythm player, Ducato.
David Reinhardt: French Gypsy, guitar; Sebastien Giniaux: French, guitar;
Adrien Moignard: French, guitar; Ducato Piotrowski: Polish Gypsy, UK, rhythm guitar; George Trebar: UK, Bass.

NB: On the night George Trebar on bass was replaced with ace bass player Pete Kubryk Townsend who has worked/toured with Bireli Lagrene, Fapy Lafertin, Lollo Meier and Angelo Debarre featuring on his album album 'Impromptu'. He also plays regularly with the British guitar giant John Etheridge. From jazz to swing Pete does it all with passion and animation. Thank you Pete.

MONDAY 18th JANUARY (£15)

LES DOIGTS DE L’HOMME France

Hot world favourites from Ardeche Du Nord, France, Les Doigts de L’Homme have amazing, unstoppable energy and unique music melding Gypsy Swing, Jazz, Rock, world and some rampaging Gypsy fixed classical favourites. Uniquely musically rebellious and fascinating, these three smokin’ guitarists and a bassist seem to have 100 lightning fingers among them—and humour to match! Their latest album adds romping vocals, depicting daily human weaknesses and thoughtlessness tinged with a touch of abrasive humour, all mirrored in the show created for Django's Birthday. Stretching the style’s limits by burning new and exciting paths ahead of Swing and Jazz Manouche, they add world influences full of emotion, individuality and colour that give way to lightning-fast Tzigane-like tempos in honour of the master Django. Olivier Kikteff seeks to create original and inspirational music that is popular and accessible to everyone. He stamps his personality on his music and accomplishes a wild melding of exciting ingredients, intelligent and creative arrangements, and driving emotion whilst retaining musical interpretations that are clear, fluid and sensitive. Playing wild and fiery breakneck Gypsy guitar rhythms their music, their performances are breathless, dynamic, creative, dexterous, humorous and full of colour that demands your attention. You have never seen anything like them in the UK!
Olivier Kikteff: guitar, vocals, oud, banjo, cajon; Benoit 'Binouche' Convert: guitar;
Tanguy Blum: bass; Yannick Alcocer: rhythm guitar.
http://www.myspace.com/lesdoigtsdelhomme,
www.lesdoigtsdelhomme.com
germain.barataud@lamastrock.com
www.lamastrock.com

TUESDAY 19th JANUARY ( £15)

TCHA LIMBERGER TRIO Belgium

This legendary Gypsy-based trio from Django’s country of birth delivers a powerful mélange of authentic world Gypsy music with instrumentals and haunting vocals. Their captivating melodies and rhythms evoke the magical atmosphere of a Gypsy campfire. Playing here in the perfect intimate setting for their personal homage to Django, the trio’s extraordinary impact and delivery, once seen, are never forgotten.
Tcha Limberger: Belgian Gypsy, violin, vocals, guitar; Vivi Limberger: Belgian Gypsy, guitar, vocals; Vilmos Csikos: Hungarian: bass.

NB: Sadly due to illness Vivi was replaced at the last minute with Le QuecumBar Patron Dave Kelbie on rhythm guitar. Dave has played with the best and is known as the main tour promoter of Gypsy Swing in the UK including representing Tcha when he is in UK.www.lejazzetal.com. Thank you Dave.

WEDENSDAY 20th JANUARY (£20)

Patron Ritary Gaguenetti, Paulus Schafer, Andy Aitchison, Ducato Piotrowski and Noah Schafer

Another all-star line-up with these five stunning musicians, all virtuosos in their own right, who come together for the first time for this festival in honour of their idol Django Reinhardt. Be prepared to be dazzled by these masters of their instruments. It is a rare moment when five musicians of this calibre step on stage together in an intimate café setting and set the room aglow with their energy and shared love of music.
Patron Ritary Gaguenetti: French Gypsy, guitar; Paulus Schäfer: Dutch Gypsy, guitar; Andy Aitchison: UK violin; Ducato Piotrowski: Polish Gypsy UK, rhythm guitar; Noah Schäfer: Dutch Gypsy, bass.

THURSDAY 21st JANUARY (£15)

THE BIEL BALLESTER TRIO Spain

From Barcelona, Biel’s trio is the finest exponent of Gypsy Jazz in Spain, and they bring to this music an excitingly fresh and modern slant. By adopting the Latin rhythm forms of bossa nova, bolero and rumba, they fuse the traditional style with their own eclectic Spanish flavour, a perfect demonstration of how musicians around the globe continue to contribute to Django’s legacy with their own cultural influences. The Trio plays with virtuosity, vitality and passion, and will be joined by Patron Ritary Gaguenetti for part of this unique concert. Their original compositions are acclaimed in the Gypsy Swing world and beyond, with two tracks featured on the soundtrack of Woody Allen’s film, Vicky Christina Barcelona.
Patron Biel Ballester: Spanish, guitar; Graci Pedro: Spanish, rhythm guitar; Leo Hipaucha: Argentinian, bass; Special Guest Patron Ritary Gaguenetti: French Gypsy, guitar.

FRIDAY 22nd JANUARY (£20)

KUSSI WEISS QUINTET Germany
Another premier UK performance is that of these five gifted musicians with an unusual mix of swinging instrumentals and smooth vocals, playing both traditional Gypsy songs and other popular swing numbers. Their elegant arrangements enhance the classical Gypsy repertoire, but also rejuvenate non-Gypsy songs. Behind main players Kussi Weiss and Hugo Richter pulses the unique swing-stop that is the essential element of Gypsy swing/jazz. They have all played together since childhood and it shows. Combining their unique styles with Latin American and Spanish accents, the musicians honour the great Django Reinhardt by putting his music to their original arrangements.
Kussi Weiss: German Gypsy, guitar; Tschabo Franzen: German Gypsy, guitar;
Hugo Richter: German Gypsy, accordion; Freddy Wicke: German, vocals, rhythm guitar; Dietmar Osterburg: German, bass.

NB: Dietmar Osterburg was unable to make the festival due to teaching commitments and David Miles UK bass player (guitar player/teacher) stepped in and superbly covered the spot. Thank you David Miles

SATURDAY 23rd JANUARY “DJANGO’S BIRTHDAY”( £25)

Patron Lollo Meier: Dutch Gypsy, guitar; Patron Ritary Gaguenetti: French Gypsy, guitar; Kussi Weiss: German Gypsy, guitar; Hugo Richter: German Gypsy, accordion; Dietmar Osterburg: German, bass.

NB: Dietmar Osterburg was unable to make the festival due to teaching commitments and Andy Crowdy (guitar player/teacher) who has toured extensively with Lollo Meier, Angelo Debarre and other world greats, he stepped in with his rock solid style and as always did a superb job. Thank you Andy

SUNDAY 24th JANUARY (£25)

Patron Lollo Meier: Dutch Gypsy, guitar; Patron Ritary Gaguenetti: French Gypsy, guitar; Feigeli Prisor: Dutch Gypsy, guitar; Wattie Rosenberg: Dutch Gypsy, violin; Sani van Mullem: Dutch Gypsy, bass.

MONDAY 25th JANUARY “GRAND FINALE” (£30)

Stochelo Rosenberg: Dutch Gypsy, guitar; Patron Lollo Meier: Dutch Gypsy, guitar; Patron Ritary Gaguenetti: French Gypsy, guitar; Wattie Rosenberg: Dutch Gypsy, violin; Sani van Mullem: Dutch Gypsy, bass.

An extraordinary and fitting finale for Django Reinhardt’s 100th birthday, each night is a world first, with an all-star line-up and stellar performances. Three nights of Gypsy swing/jazz heaven with unrivalled talent from across Europe to honour and celebrate their Gypsy icon and founder of the genre. A formidable line-up, culminating in a last night that features three world master soloists, Stochelo, Lollo and Ritary, a unique and very special event featuring multiple stars on the same stage together, where their musical prowess, skill, technique and sensitivity can be enjoyed and appreciated in an intimate café-style atmosphere. These are nights like the nights when the music was born on the streets of 1930s Paris, when Django was the King of Gypsy Swing.

TUESDAY 26nd JANUARY (£20)

KUSSI WEISS QUINTET Germany
Another premier UK performance is that of these five gifted musicians with an unusual mix of swinging instrumentals and smooth vocals, playing both traditional Gypsy songs and other popular swing numbers. Their elegant arrangements enhance the classical Gypsy repertoire, but also rejuvenate non-Gypsy songs. Behind main players Kussi Weiss and Hugo Richter pulses the unique swing-stop that is the essential element of Gypsy swing/jazz. They have all played together since childhood and it shows. Combining their unique styles with Latin American and Spanish accents, the musicians honour the great Django Reinhardt by putting his music to their original arrangements.
Kussi Weiss: German Gypsy, guitar; Tschabo Franzen: German Gypsy, guitar;
Hugo Richter: German Gypsy, accordion; Freddy Wicke: German, vocals, rhythm guitar; David Miles: UK, bass.

 

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FESTIVAL PROGRAMME - WORKSHOPS

SUNDAY 17th JANUARY (£35)

Gypsy Swing/Jazz guitar workshop with
SEBASTIEN GINEAUX France
10.30 to 12.30 one hour for lunch then 1.30-3.30
All tickets at www.wegottickets.com/evenue/673

Work shop venue:
The Royal Academy Of Dance
36 Battersea Square
London, SW11 3RA
www.rad.org.uk

Sebastien began playing the cello at age 6, and at 18 started teaching himself the guitar, learning by ear. Influenced by Django, he then added Gypsy music, classical and modern jazz to his repertoire. He is a composer, arranger and band member for Norig and Taraf de Haidouks, and one of the soloists of Selmer #607. In his own acoustic trio he plays Gypsy swing/jazz, Balkan Gypsy, Malian music and his own compositions. An instinctive, sensitive, eclectic, passionate and prodigiously gifted musician, one of the hottest on the young Parisien Gypsy swing/jazz scene today, he can also be found playing with Stochelo Rosenberg, Toumani Diabaté, Cyrille-Aimée Daudel, Adrien Moignard, Mathieu Chatelain and Caravan Palace, amongst many others. www.myspace.com/sebastienginiaux

MONDAY 18th JANUARY (£35)

Gypsy Swing/Jazz guitar workshop with
OLIVIER KIKTEFF France
10.30 to 12.30 one hour for lunch then 1.30-3.30
All tickets at www.wegottickets.com/evenue/673

Work shop venue:
Institut Francais/Cine Lumiere
17 Queensberry Place
London SW7 2DT
www.institut-francais.org.uk
Nearest tube South Kensington

Olivier seeks to create original and inspirational music that is popular and accessible to everyone. He stamps his personality on his music and accomplishes a wild melding of exciting ingredients, intelligent and creative arrangements, and driving emotion whilst retaining musical interpretations that are clear, fluid and sensitive. Playing wild and fiery breakneck Gypsy guitar rhythms their music, their performances are breathless, dynamic, creative, dexterous, humorous and full of colour that demands your attention.
 

TUESDAY 19th JANUARY (£35)

Balkan Gypsy violin workshop with
TCHA LIMBERGER Belgian Gypsy
10.30 to 12.30 one hour for lunch then 1.30-3.30
All tickets at www.wegottickets.com/evenue/673

Work shop venue:
Le QuecumBar
42-44 Battersea High Street
London SW11 3HX
www.quecumbar.co.uk

A rare opportunity and worth the effort to work with a true master of this style: Tcha is an inspirational teacher and rarely gets time for these work shops in the UK.  He is happy to teach from basics to more advanced and has a wealth of information and experience to impart to any student enthusiastic and interested in this style. Tcha is a blind, multilingual multi-instrumentalist, Tcha has accomplishments that span violin, guitar, clarinet, and vocals. Born into a family of Gypsy musicians, he began performing with the De Piottos on clarinet, later swapping his clarinet for a guitar to play rhythm alongside Koen de Cauter in the ground-breaking Waso. At 17, he took up violin, inspired by stories of his grandfather, legendary violinist Piotto Limberger, and recordings from Hungarian Toki Horvat. Later, in Budapest, he studied classical and Gypsy music under Horvat Bela. He has worked closely with many Gypsy legends, including Fapy Lafertin and Angelo DeBarre. Tcha now lives in Transylvania and has set up a number of orchestras, in addition to making many recordings as a freelance instrumentalist. He also has students visit his home in Transylvania and is one of the hardest-working musicians on the scene. www.myspace.com/limbergertcha www.lejazzetal.com

WEDNESDAY 20th JANUARY (£35)

Gypsy Swing/Jazz guitar workshop with
PAULUS SCHAFER Dutch Gypsy
10.30 to 12.30 one hour for lunch then 1.30-3.30
All tickets at www.wegottickets.com/evenue/673

Work shop venue:
Institut Francais/Cine Lumiere Contact
17 Queensberry Place
London SW7 2DT
www.institut-francais.org.uk
Nearest tube South Kensington

Paulus, from a Dutch Sinti Gypsy family, is a young rising star on today’s Gypsy Jazz scene. In 2000, he founded his Paulus Schäfer Gipsy Band, which marries an authentic Hot Club sound with a more contemporary, funkier style, and which is now in great demand at numerous European festivals. With three albums under his belt, Paulus has developed an individualistic, energetic, upbeat sound. His virtuosity is apparent in his arrangements and improvisations, which fuse elements of Stochelo Rosenberg and George Benson.
www.sintimusicrecords.nl
www.paulusschafer.nl
www.myspace.com/sintimusic
www.sinisttimusic.nl

THURSDAY 21st JANUARY (£35)

Gypsy Swing/Jazz guitar workshop with
BIEL BALLESTER from Spain
10.30 to 12.30 one hour for lunch then 1.30-3.30
All tickets at www.wegottickets.com/evenue/673

Work shop venue:
Le QuecumBar
42-44 Battersea High Street
London SW11 3HX
www.quecumbar.co.uk

Born in Mallorca, gifted guitarist, composer, arranger and teacher Biel Ballester studied classical guitar at the prestigious Luthier School in Barcelona. He is a totally self-taught Gypsy swing player and was spotted as a potential master more than 10 years ago in Samois, where he spent many hours listening to, meeting and playing with Gypsy and non-Gypsy masters of the style. He has played with the best around the world. The Rosenberg Trio, Robin Nolan, Gustav Lundgren, Stephane Wrembel and other Gypsy greats.  A masterful player, with a clean, light and fluid style, Biel showcases his creativity not only in his fluid Latin-flavoured interpretations of Django’s classics, but also in his own highly-regarded
compositions.  Their original compositions are acclaimed in the Gypsy Swing world and beyond, with two tracks featured on the soundtrack of Woody Allen’s film, Vicky Christina Barcelona. www.myspace.com/bielballester
www.bielballestertrio.com

THURSDAY 21st JANUARY (£15)

Gypsy Swing/Jazz double bass workshop with
LEO HIPAUCHA from Argentina
10.30 to 12.30 one hour for lunch then 1.30-3.30
All tickets at www.wegottickets.com/evenue/673

Work shop venue:
Le QuecumBar
42-44 Battersea High Street
London SW11 3HX

Renowned bass player and Barcelona resident player, Leo graduated from Walter Malosseti’s Superior Jazz School (Buenos Aires), and also studied bass in the Manuel de Falla conservatory. Since 1993 he has worked as a session musician for TV and radio in Argentina and has recorded many CDs. He has played with outstanding Argentinean artists including Andrés Calamaro, Vicentico (Fabulosos Cadillacs), Diego Torresand and Sandra Mihanovich and has toured with Gloria Gaynor and James Brown.
www.myspace.com/leandrohipaucha
www.bielballestertrio.com

THURSDAY 21st & FRIDAY 22nd JANUARY ( £35 each day)

Gypsy Swing/Jazz guitar workshop with
RITARY GAGUENETTI French Gypsy
10.30 to 12.30 one hour for lunch then 1.30-3.30
All tickets at www.wegottickets.com/evenue/673

Work shop venue:
Institut Francais/Cine Lumiere Contact
17 Queensberry Place
London SW7 2DT
www.institut-francais.org.uk
Nearest tube South Kensington

Ritary a Sinti Gypsy born in 1978, Ritary began playing at 14, first learning from his father and teaching himself by listening to the Gypsy masters. He matured into a charismatic, virtuoso musician with a style that is smooth and melodious, clean and precise. At just 31, he is a young guitar master and composer and has recorded numerous CDs, demonstrating a musicality, versatility and technical expertise beyond his years. He is equally at home with traditional Django tunes as with bebop, funk and R&B, as displayed on his latest acclaimed album Gipsy Soul. He has collaborated with Matcho Winterstein, Andreas Oberg, Yorgui Loeffler and other greats, touring Europe, the USA and Canada with his trio to rapturous welcomes. His is a perfect example of this music’s enduring adaptability. Ritary appears by courtesy of his label, El Pescador de Estrellas, promoting jazz and world music based in Spain.
http://store.elpescadordeestrellas.com www.myspace.com/elpescadordeestrellas
www.ritary.com; www.myspace.com/ritary; www.myspace.com/rgacoustic 

SATURDAY 23rd JANUARY (£35)

Gypsy Swing/Jazz guitar workshop with
KUSSI WEISS German Gypsy
10.30 to 12.30 one hour for lunch then 1.30-3.30
All tickets at www.wegottickets.com/evenue/673

Works shop venue:
Jazz Cafe POSK,  The Polish Cultural Centre
238-246 King Street, Hammersmith, London W6 0RF
Tube: Ravenscourt Park - District Line
www.jazzcafeposk.co.uk

Kussi hails from a family of some of the most important and famous Sinti musicians in Northern Germany. As in Gypsy musical tradition, he began playing at just 10, taught by his uncle, Maurice Weiss, and released his first CD at age 19. At just 32, he has released numerous CDs and appeared at many international festivals. A virtuoso guitarist, he offers an elegant combination of Django Reinhardt's music with modern elements. His unique guitar style captivates his listeners with its authentic, acoustic traditional Gypsy Swing, and he endears himself to his audiences with his
 shy and unassuming demeanor.
www.myspace.com/gipsyconnectionquartette

SATURDAY 23rd JANUARY (£35)

Gypsy Swing/Jazz guitar workshop with
LOLLO MEIER Dutch Gypsy  
10.30 to 12.30 one hour for lunch then 1.30-3.30
All tickets at www.wegottickets.com/evenue/673

Works shop venue:
Thomas’s Schoo
28-40 Battersea High Street,
London SW11 3JB

SUNDAY 24 th  JANUARY (£35)

Gypsy Swing/Jazz guitar workshop with
LOLLO MEIER Dutch Gypsy  
10.30 to 12.30 one hour for lunch then 1.30-3.30
All tickets at www.wegottickets.com/evenue/673

Works shop venue:
The Royal Academy Of Dance
36 Battersea Square
London, SW11 3RA
www.rad.org.uk

Lollo was raised on Gypsy Swing from an early age and now a guitar master, composer, bandleader and arranger, Lollo comes from an elite family of Gypsy players and is cousin to the great Fapy Lafertin and Stochelo Rosenberg.  His goal: to carry on the music of Django with a style and technique that’s traditional, melodious, lyrical, sensitive and joyful. His mellifluous compositions have a refreshing authentic Django flavour and are played with extraordinary talent, unique style and amazing suppleness that clearly reflect that he makes the music he loves. His quartet, sought after around the globe for private functions and renowned jazz festivals, is famous for playing lesser-known Django tunes and his own compositions. A man of style, grace and humour, Lollo touches his audiences with his pure melodious playing and makes Django’s music as fresh today as it was 80 years ago. Outside of performing, he spends much of his time teaching sought-after master-classes, sharing his artistry and passing down Django’s legacy. He is a remarkable man with a remarkable style of playing.  Out of 15,000 international entries in the 2005 International Song Writing competition held in Nashville, USA, Lollo Meier became a finalist with “Melody for Le QuecumBar,” gained honorary status and became part of the top 1.4% of entrants. "...Brilliancies came and went so fast that there was hardly time to applaud...", Jack Massarik, London Evening Standard; “It felt like the legendary Django Reinhardt was performing again”, Zutphen Paper. www.lollomeier.nl www.myspace.com/lollomeier

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ARTISTS - ALPHABETICAL ORTHER (by first name)

ADRIEN MOIGNARD - French, guitar
Born in 1985, self-taught guitar-player Adrien was first influenced by blues and rock and roll. Discovering Django led him to immerse himself in Gypsy swing and jazz. One of a new generation of players evolving and imprinting their own language and sound on Django’s musical legacy, Adrien’s masterly technique and innovation can be experienced within the group ‘Ensemble Zaiti’ (with Matthieu Chatelain, Cedric Ricard and Jeremie Arranger). Adrien has played with the royalty of Gypsy guitarists, including Samson Schmitt, Ninine Garcia and Tchavalo Schmitt, and he is part of the critically acclaimed Selmer #607 project, with fellow young and talented guitarists, Rocky Gresset, Sebastien Giniaux, Richard Manetti and Noé Reinhardt. www.myspace.com/adrienmoignard

ANDY AITCHISON - UK, violin
At 14 Andy discovered The Quintette du Hot Club de France and modelled his style on the legendary Stephane Grappelli. After playing with various Greek, Iranian, Klezmer and rock bands, he returned to the Hot Club style and now focuses all his efforts on keeping the Grappelli legacy alive with his sweet, swinging violin. Violinist for the Kimbara Brothers for several years, he has toured throughout the UK and Europe, performing with John Etheridge (Patron), Tina May, Fapy Lafertin, Angelo Debarre, and Szapora and has recently been working with Gypsy guitar master, Lollo Meier. www.andyaitchison.com

PATRON BIEL BALLESTER - Spanish, guitar
Born in Mallorca, gifted guitarist, composer, arranger and teacher Biel Ballester studied classical guitar at the prestigious Luthier School in Barcelona. He is a totally self-taught Gypsy swing player and was spotted as a potential master more than 10 years ago in Samois, where he spent many hours listening to, meeting and playing with Gypsy and non-Gypsy masters of the style. He has played with the best around the world, The Rosenberg Trio, Robin Nolan, Gustav Lundgren, Stephane Wrembel and other Gypsy greats. A masterful player, with a clean, light and fluid style, Biel showcases his creativity not only in his fluid Latin-flavoured interpretations of Django’s classics, but also in his own highly-regarded compositions. www.myspace.com/bielballester www.bielballestertrio.com

DAVID REINHARDT - French Gypsy, guitar
Born in 1986, the son of Babik Reinhardt and grandson of Django Reinhardt, David made his first public appearance at age 6 alongside his father Babik. Now age 23, David’s talent ensures the continuation of his family’s musical legacy. His playing has technical brilliance, lyricism, emotion, and a sense of swing. He remains true to the roots of the genre whilst also developing his own more contemporary style. He has graced the most prestigious jazz stages of the world, including the Europa Jazz Festival du Mans, Philips Dubai International Jazz Festival, and Jazz à Vienne. Today, he continues to play regularly on the international jazz scene with Christian Escoudé, Noé Reinhardt, Romane and Stochelo Rosenberg, amongst many others. www.myspace.com/davidreinhardt1986

DIETMAR OSTERBURG - German, bass
Dietmar has been playing double bass for The Kussi Weiss Ensemble for 13 years, and it shows, he is the rock of the band and has a powerful, virtuoso playing technique and style. www.myspace.com/gipsyconnectionquartette

NB: Dietmar Osterburg was unable to make the festival due to teaching commitments and was replaced on FRIDAY 22nd JANUARY with the KUSSI WEISS QUINTET from Germany by David Miles UK bass player (guitar player/teacher) who stepped in and superbly covered the spot. Thank you David Miles. And on SATURDAY 23rd JANUARY “DJANGO’S BIRTHDAY” he was replaced by Andy Crowdy (guitar player/teacher) who has toured extensively with Lollo Meier, Angelo Debarre and other world greats, stepped in with his rock solid style and as always did a superb job. Thank you Andy

DUCATO PIOTROWSKI - UK-based Polish Gypsy, guitar
A Rom Gypsy from Poland, Ducato is the UK’s top Gypsy swing rhythm guitarist. Playing with Gypsy legends Moreno, Matcho Winterstein, and the UK’s Gary Potter, he is the preferred accompanist for visiting international Gypsy solo artists. A gentle man with a driving and accurate rhythm, combined with a true melodic sensibility, he is also a consummate soloist with an authentic style that is influenced by the great Tchavolo Schmitt.info@quecumbar.co.uk

FEIGELI PRISOR - Dutch Gypsy, guitar
A talented composer, arranger and band leader, Feigeli, only now hitting the limelight, has been well known for some time among Django fans. After playing in several groups and especially within his own Sinti community, in 2007 he founded his own group, Prisor Jazz Band, with his musical companion, Eddie Grünholz. Since then he has recorded two albums and was the highlight at the 2008 International Gypsy Guitar Festival in the UK. Never apart from his 70-year-old guitar, Feigeli uses his authentic style to take us back to Django’s era, and his melodic and lightning playing demands the audience’s full attention. www.myspace.com/sintimusic; www.sintimusic.nl; www.sintimusicrecords.nl; www.prisorjazzband.nl

FREDDY WICKE - German, rhythm guitar & vocals
Long-time friend, player and supporter of the whole Weiss family that surrounds Kussi, Freddy produced and played on Kussi’s first CD There Will Never Be Another You in 1996. His relaxed rhythm style and natural vocals add an unusual dimension to the band’s Gypsy Swing music. He is often seen and heard in other bands where his vocals enrich the performance of traditionally instrumental melodies; among others, he has played alongside two other well known Gypsy players: Titi Bamberger of Swing 42 and Tornado Rosenberg on tour in UK and Europe. www.myspace.com/gipsyconnectionquartette

GEORGE TREBAR - UK, bass
George discovered the bass at age 12, and jazz in his twenties. Highly regarded on the Gypsy swing/jazz scene, he has performed with Patron Gary Potter, Patron John Etheridge, Moreno, Matcho Winterstein, Tim Kliphuis, Andreas Oberg, Alessio Menconi, Lianne Carol, Ian Shaw and Bob Barnard. Adding variety to his repertoire, he has delved into Indian-influenced music, touring internationally with the Nasha Collective and supporting Nitin Sawney. www.myspace.com/georgetrebar

GRACI PEDRO - Spanish, rhythm guitar
Introduced to music at an early age by his father, a classical guitar player, Graci has learnt from numerous masters of many music styles. Fascinated by Gypsy swing, he now specialises in rhythm guitar and has played with many leading Gypsy Swing bands, including The Robin Nolan Trio and Ciryl Morin. His playing has been heard at high-profile festivals such as The Django Reinhardt Festival at Samois sur Seine, among others. Together with Leo Hipaucha, Graci is the heartbeat of the Biel Ballester Trio. www.myspace.com/gracipedro www.bielballestertrio.com

HUGO RICHTER - German Gypsy, accordion & piano
A German Sinti Gypsy, only 19 years old and musically mature beyond his years, Hugo adds to the group with his stunning accordion and piano playing. www.myspace.com/gipsyconnectionquartette

KUSSI WEISS - German Gypsy, guitar
Kussi hails from a family of some of the most important and famous Sinti musicians in Northern Germany. As in Gypsy musical tradition, he began playing at just 10, taught by his uncle, Maurice Weiss, and released his first CD at age 19. At just 32, he has released numerous CDs and appeared at many international festivals. A virtuoso guitarist, he offers an elegant combination of Django Reinhardt's music with modern elements. His unique guitar style captivates his listeners with its authentic, acoustic traditional Gypsy Swing, and he endears himself to his audiences with his shy and unassuming demeanor. www.myspace.com/gipsyconnectionquartette

LEO HIPAUCHA - Argentinean, bass
Renowned bass player and Barcelona resident player, Leo graduated from Walter Malosseti’s Superior Jazz School (Buenos Aires), and also studied bass in the Manuel de Falla conservatory. Since 1993 he has worked as a session musician for TV and radio in Argentina and has recorded many CDs. He has played with outstanding Argentinean artists including Andrés Calamaro, Vicentico (Fabulosos Cadillacs), Diego Torresand and Sandra Mihanovich and has toured with Gloria Gaynor and James Brown. www.myspace.com/leandrohipaucha www.bielballestertrio.com

PATRON LOLLO MEIER - Dutch Gypsy, guitar
Raised on Gypsy Swing from an early age and now a guitar master, composer, bandleader and arranger, Lollo comes from an elite family of Gypsy players and is cousin to the great Fapy Lafertin and Stochelo Rosenberg. His goal: to carry on the music of Django with a style and technique that’s traditional, melodious, lyrical, sensitive and joyful. His mellifluous compositions have a refreshing authentic Django flavour and are played with extraordinary talent, unique style and amazing suppleness that clearly reflect that he makes the music he loves. His quartet, sought after around the globe for private functions and renowned jazz festivals, is famous for playing lesser-known Django tunes and his own compositions. A man of style, grace and humour, Lollo touches his audiences with his pure melodious playing and makes Django’s music as fresh today as it was 80 years ago. Outside of performing, he spends much of his time teaching sought-after master-classes, sharing his artistry and passing down Django’s legacy. He is a remarkable man with a remarkable style of playing. Out of 15,000 international entries in the 2005 International Song Writing competition held in Nashville, USA, Lollo Meier became a finalist with “Melody for Le QuecumBar,” gained honorary status and became part of the top 1.4% of entrants. "...Brilliancies came and went so fast that there was hardly time to applaud...", Jack Massarik, London Evening Standard; “It felt like the legendary Django Reinhardt was performing again”, Zutphen Paper. www.lollomeier.nl www.myspace.com/lollomeier

NOAH SCHAFER - Dutch Gypsy, bass
A natural-born musician, Noah taught himself how to play bass, piano, violin and guitar and, at the age of 15, became the bassist in the Paulus Schäfer Gipsy Band. He has an enormous musical talent and effortlessly supports the fastest and most complex guitar rhythms. Now, at the age of 19, he focuses completely on the bass, a good choice, as he leaves his audiences stunned with his talent and skill. www.sintimusic.nl; www.sintimusicrecords.nl; www.myspace.com/sintimusic; www.paulusschafer.nl

PAULUS SCHAFER - Dutch Gypsy, guitar
Paulus, from a Dutch Sinti Gypsy family, is a young rising star on today’s Gypsy Jazz scene. In 2000, he founded his Paulus Schäfer Gipsy Band, which marries an authentic Hot Club sound with a more contemporary, funkier style, and which is now in great demand at numerous European festivals. With three albums under his belt, Paulus has developed an individualistic, energetic, upbeat sound. His virtuosity is apparent in his arrangements and improvisations, which fuse elements of Stochelo Rosenberg and George Benson. www.sintimusicrecords.nl www.paulusschafer.nl; www.myspace.com/sintimusic; www.sinisttimusic.nl;

PATRON RITARY GAGUENETTI - French Gypsy, guitar
A Sinti Gypsy born in 1978, Ritary began playing at 14, first learning from his father and teaching himself by listening to the Gypsy masters. He matured into a charismatic, virtuoso musician with a style that is smooth and melodious, clean and precise. At just 31, he is a young guitar master and composer and has recorded numerous CDs, demonstrating a musicality, versatility and technical expertise beyond his years. He is equally at home with traditional Django tunes as with bebop, funk and R&B, as displayed on his latest acclaimed album Gipsy Soul. He has collaborated with Matcho Winterstein, Andreas Oberg, Yorgui Loeffler and other greats, touring Europe, the USA and Canada with his trio to rapturous welcomes. His is a perfect example of this music’s enduring adaptability. Ritary appears by courtesy of his label, El Pescador de Estrellas, promoting jazz and world music based in Spain. http://store.elpescadordeestrellas.com/ www.myspace.com/elpescadordeestrellas www.ritary.com; www.myspace.com/ritary; www.myspace.com/rgacoustic

SANI VAN MULLEM - Dutch Gypsy, bass, vocals & guitar
This elusive player is the Gypsy musician's choice of bass player and is much in demand all over Europe. A close relative of Stochelo and the Rosenberg family, Sani has a wide reputation as a virtuoso bassist. He plays with many gifted artists in the Hot Club style and Gypsy genre: The Rosenberg Trio, Basily, The Gipsy Boys, Romane, Babik Reinhardt, Tchavalo Schmitt, Dorado, and many others. Renowned for his fantastic signature improvisations, he can be heard on numerous CD recordings. www.myspace.com/sintimusic; www.sintimusic.nl; www.sintimusicrecords.nl

SEBASTIEN GINIAUX - French, guitar & cello
Sebastien began playing the cello at age 6, and at 18 started teaching himself the guitar, learning by ear. Influenced by Django, he then added Gypsy music, classical and modern jazz to his repertoire. He is a composer, arranger and band member for Norig and Taraf de Haidouks, and one of the soloists of Selmer #607. In his own acoustic trio he plays Gypsy swing/jazz, Balkan Gypsy, Malian music and his own compositions. An instinctive, sensitive, eclectic, passionate and prodigiously gifted musician, one of the hottest on the young Parisien Gypsy swing/jazz scene today, he can also be found playing with Stochelo Rosenberg, Toumani Diabaté, Cyrille-Aimée Daudel, Adrien Moignard, Mathieu Chatelain and Caravan Palace, amongst many others. www.myspace.com/sebastienginiaux sebastien.giniaux@free.fr

STOCHELO ROSENBERG - Dutch Gypsy, guitar
Born in 1968, Stochelo is the world-class Gypsy Swing guitarist and band leader of the legendary Rosenberg Trio. Spotted as an exceptionally gifted talent when a young boy, he is now universally regarded as one of the most brilliant exponents of the genre and performs to enraptured audiences. Not just a virtuoso player, Stochelo is the man behind many classic compositions that reveal his unique ability to bring the melody to the forefront of even the most technically demanding solos. Combining effortless virtuosity and improvisational technique with pure melody, his playing touches the heart of any music lover. As well as numerous albums with The Rosenberg Trio, he has collaborated with many musicians, bands and orchestras, live or in the studio, including Bireli Lagrene's Gipsy Project and a series of albums with French Guitarist Romane. www.therosenbergtrio.eu France: ArtMada Productions. Worldwide: management@therosenbergtrio.eu Netherlands: Sascha Van Esdonk Produkties sascha@esdonk.nl

TCHA LIMBERGER - Belgian Gypsy, violin, guitar & vocals
A blind, multilingual multi-instrumentalist, Tcha has accomplishments that span violin, guitar, clarinet, and vocals. Born into a family of Gypsy musicians, he began performing with the De Piottos on clarinet, later swapping his clarinet for a guitar to play rhythm alongside Koen de Cauter in the ground-breaking Waso. At 17, he took up violin, inspired by stories of his grandfather, legendary violinist Piotto Limberger, and recordings from Hungarian Toki Horvat. Later, in Budapest, he studied classical and Gypsy music under Horvat Bela. He has worked closely with many Gypsy legends, including Fapy Lafertin and Angelo DeBarre. Tcha now lives in Transylvania and has set up a number of orchestras, in addition to making many recordings as a freelance instrumentalist. He also has students visit his home in Transylvania and is one of the hardest-working musicians on the scene. www.myspace.com/limbergertcha www.lejazzetal.com tcha.limberger@gmail.com

TSCHABO FRANZEN - German Gypsy, rhythm & solo guitar
A 34-year-old Sinti Gypsy from Berlin, Tschabo has played rhythm guitar for many years with the high profile and international Martin Weiss Ensemble. www.myspace.com/gipsyconnectionquartette; www.myspace.com/moricefranzen

VILMOS CSIKOS - Hungarian, bass
Budapest's best bass player, now living in Brussels, Vilmos became good friends with Tcha five years ago. Vilmos has played with numerous famous high-profile Gypsy violin players, including Jaroka Sandor, Boross Lajos, and Roby Lakatos. www.myspace.com/limbergertcha; www.lejazzetal.com

VIVI LIMBERGER - Belgian Gypsy, guitar & vocals
Tcha’s father, the legendary Vivi Limberger, played for years with the De Piottos and the world-renowned Waso quartet, which was responsible for the latter-day renaissance of Gypsy Swing. www.myspace.com/limbergertcha; www.lejazzetal.com

WATTIE ROSENBERG - Dutch Gypsy, violin
At just 25, Wattie is the leading violinist of the Dutch Sinti Gipsies. Born into the legendary Rosenberg family, he started playing violin at age 12 and in 1996 founded his own band, Sonnekai (meaning ‘gold’ in Romanes). He has recorded for Jon Larsen’s Hot Club Records. He is the son of Bakro Rosenberg, violinist and brother of Hans’che Rosenberg, both founders of Romanes, one of the original Dutch Gypsy swing groups. Wattie has grown into a musician with his own strong identity, and every time he plays, he speaks with more authority and swing. A true storyteller through his music, which is captivating and mesmerising from one so young, he lets his soul speak through his violin. www.myspace.com/sintimusic www.sintimusic.nl www.sintimusicrecords.nl

GEORGE TREBAR - UK, Bass
NB:On the opening SUNDAY 17th JANUARY with the DAVID REINHARDT ENSEMBLE George Trebar on bass was replaced with ace bass player Pete Kubryk Townsend who has worked/toured with Bireli Lagrene, Fapy Lafertin, Lollo Meier and Angelo Debarre featuring on his album album 'Impromptu'. He also plays regularly with the British guitar giant John Etheridge. From jazz to swing Pete does it all with passion and animation. Thank you Pete.

NB: Sadly due to a last minute illness Vivi was replaced TUESDAY 19th JANUARY TCHA LIMBERGER TRIO Belgium with Le QuecumBar Patron Dave Kelbie on rhythm guitar. Dave has played with the best and is known as the main tour promoter of Gypsy Swing in the UK including representing Tcha when he is in UK. www.lejazzetal.com. Thank you Dave.

LE QUECUMBAR PATRONS:
Le Quecumbar is proud to have the support and approval of its patrons, some of the best Gypsy swing/jazz musicians in the world, who validate the quality of our musical offerings. Our friends, we thank them all: Biel Ballester Trio, Spain, guitar; Angelo DeBarre, French Gypsy, guitar; John Etheridge, UK, guitar; Ritary Gaguenetti, French Gypsy, guitar; John Jorgenson USA guitar, clarinet; Dave Kelbie, UK, rhythm guitar; Hank Marvin, UK, guitar; Lollo Meier, Dutch Gypsy, guitar; Moreno, French Gypsy, guitar; Kevin Nolan, UK, rhythm guitar; Robin Nolan, Netherlands, guitar; Andreas Oberg, Sweden, guitar; Gary Potter, UK, guitar; Nomy Rosenberg, Dutch Gypsy, guitar; Aurore (Voilqué) Quartet, France, violin; Stephane Wrembel, France, guitar. Le Q Records latest double album, “Stars of Gypsy Swing”, features 26 tracks donated by our Patrons, some of the tracks recorded by them being just for the album and never heard before. Purchase at www.linnrecords.com, CD Baby and Amazon. Our next album will be the commemorative 3CD set of the festival. Please register your interest at info@leqrecords.com