Van Django | The Lawless Hot Club

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VAN DJANGO

Van Django is an acoustic string ensemble made up of four of Canada's most talented and eclectic musicians; violinist Cameron Wilson, guitarist Budge Schachte, guitarist/cellist Finn Manniche and bassist Brent Gubbels. Van Django's music is well-rooted in the gypsy jazz of 1930's Paris France, but beyond that it's all pure blue-skying; flights of dazzling fancy, driving rhythms and boundless creativity featuring original compositions and arrangements including humorous mash-ups that showcase their eclectic influences in full regalia.

Since the group's formation in 1998, they have toured extensively in Canada as well as international forays to the USA, Europe and China. The group has had repeat performances at Djangofest Northwest (DFNW) on Whidbey Island in 2008, 2010 and 2016.

They have released 3 CDs Tiptoe Trip, Waltz in the Shape of a Tree and a Christmas themed outing with special guests LJ Mountenay and Keith Bennett titled Cool Yule. Their CDs have been well received and played on many radio stations at home and abroad including; CBC, RDI, Espace Musique, NPR and Lyric FM in Ireland. The group has just finished a new CD Hotel Europe, and copies should be available at the concert!

Perhaps Nick Lehr, director of Djangofest Northwest, summed it up best describing Van Django when he said: "In an increasingly crowded niche, Van Django is a standout act. With a clever mix of contemporary standards, classical ditties, rock homages and solid originals they effortlessly whip the audience into a joyful frenzy. Attending a Van Django concert is the most fun you can have sitting down with your clothes on."

THE LAWLESS HOT CLUB

The Lawless Hot Club is the new Gypsy jazz group on the block made up of several musicians from disparate bands. Guitarist Michael Dunn has been a fixture in the Gypsy jazz world in Vancouver from its beginnings in the late sixties. His group the Hot Club of Mars has been part of April in Paris since the very beginning! Don Ogilvie, whose guitar playing mastery is firmly rooted in the Gypsy style, has played in more groups than anyone can count. He has partnered with Michael on and off for just about 40 years. They recorded a guitar duet CD in 2002. Their newest discovery is Edgar Bridwell. Edgar played with the late Ray Condo and his repertoire includes anything from Mendelssohn to Grappelli and whatever is between. Joe Bourchier a journeyman bassist can be found playing all over the city in many bands. And chanteuse Eleanore Dunn, whose repertoire encompasses music from the American songbook, has what people have described as an “old fashioned voice” ideally suited to the music of the time. The group will feature some original Django pieces seldom heard as well as some surprises.

The Rogue Folk Club is pleased to provide great Sponsorship Opportunities for all our shows. For a nominal cost, individuals or businesses can sponsor any of our shows and reap a number of benefits - free tickets, reserved table, recognition on literature, our web site and at the concerts. For more information simply contact our Sponsorship Director Morris Biddle at mobiddley@me.com

Please note that the admission price for this concert includes a $1 Venue Improvement Fee that we are required by the St. James Square to collect from every patron. Starting in September 2016, the proceeds from this temporary fee will be used for construction projects such as air conditioning that will make the hall a nicer place for you to visit in the future. If you wish, you can make a secure donation of any amount over $5 (NOT $100 as it says) by clicking on the big blue button at the bottom of the page at www.sjcommunitysquare.org. For information on donating by phone or post, please contact the St. James Square office at 604-739-9373.