The Road to Django Collective celebrates the life of Django Reinhardt and the music of the Roma. The show is tailored to fit the event, from intimate concerts to Balkan and swing dance parties, from solo performances to festivals with up to 14 musicians and 8 dancers. This show draws on a talented pool of musicians each of whom provide their unique musicality and energy to make and shape this original and exciting show.
Following the gypsy trail from India through Persia, Turkey, the Balkans, and Spain, ending with the gypsy jazz of Django Reinhardt, this show will take you on a musical journey through exotic lands to the swing era of the Quintet of the Hotclub of France! North Battleford Show
Cam Neufeld – violin A long time fixture in the Edmonton music scene, Cam has played his own style of fiddle music in clubs and festivals across the prairies and around the world. From the street to the concert hall, his musical journey has spanned the gamut of styles from traditional fiddling to jazz . Cam has spent the last three years tracing the route of the gypsy’s from India through Turkey, the Balkan’s, France and Spain and studying and composing music inspired by this journey.
Billie Zizi – guitar and vocals Billie Zizi’s music spans a broad range of styles from straight ahead acoustic gypsy jazz to Balkan beats to electro live looping. A recent graduate of the jazz program at Grant MacEwan, Billie had been fronting the band Billie Zizi and the Gypsy Jive, playing with Nadine Kelman and the Black Wonders and pursuing a solo career.
Clint Pelletier – guitar A protege of his father, Freddie Pelletier, Clint has toured extensively across North America and Europe. After settling back into Edmonton he has become one of the most sought-after freelance guitarists in the Country, Folk and Jazz scenes. In the Rd to Django show, his fiery guitar work pays homage to Django Reinhardt.
Don Ross – clarinet Don’s rich musical background includes numerous recordings and broadcasts of traditional masterpieces and new work. A seasoned soloist, session player, conductor, clinician and adjudicator, Don Ross brings the sound of the Balkan clarinet to the show.
Farley Scott – bass Having played with a long list of luminaries including k. d. lang , Ellen Mcilwaine, Lester Quitzau, Dawn Chubai, Terry Morrison, Johnny Winter, Otis Talyor and many others, Farley brings his vast experience and creativity to the show.
Geoff O’Brian – percussion Fluent in many styles, Geoff plays darbuka, cajon, and drum kit laying down the powerful rhythms and energetic percussion needed to keep the dance floor hopping.
Lisi Sommer – vocals A vocal power house, reminiscent of the queen of the gypsies, Esma Redzepova, Lisi sings in 6 languages with a passion and virtuosity that always brings the house down!
Get your tickets now for this great show.
$20 members $25 non-members