We are van django

 

Our 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 wearing 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 US, Europe and China.

The group has had repeat performances at Djangofest Northwest (DFNW) in 2008-2016 sharing the stage with gypsy jazz luminaries such as the John Jorgenson Quintet, the legendary gypsy jazz guitarist Romane and many others.

We have released 4 CD's "Tiptoe Trip”, “Waltz in the Shape of a Tree", “Hotel Europe” and a Christmas CD with special guests titled, “Cool Yule”. They have been well received and played on many radio stations including; CBC, RDI, Espace Musique, NPR and Lyric FM in Ireland CD.

Perhaps Nick Lehr, former 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."

Violin / Cameron Wilson
Guitar / Budge Schachte
Guitar & Cello / Finn Manniche
Bass / Brent Gubbels

 
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Cool Yule 2023 - 2 shows

The perfect answer to winter chill, come share some hot and swinging family-friendly Christmas cheer with Vancouver’s hottest swingin’ jazz group VanDjango, stellar vocalist LJ Mounteney and superb celtic guitarist and singer Andrew Hillhouse!  

Van Django’s Cool Yule is a merry Christmas mix of nostalgic favourites, jazz standards, sing-alongs, pop tunes, some classical touches, and a few surprises – all delivered in their swinging gypsy jazz style. You’ll hear everything from the evocative I’ll Be Home for Christmas to Let it Snow, Silent Night and Silver Bells to Christmas Time is Here, a bit of Beethoven, and of course all with a touch of Django Reinhardt’s style – something every ear, heart, and tapping foot will enjoy. 

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Hotel Europe

by Van Django

News & Updates

COOL YULE 2023 - 2 SHOWS

The perfect answer to winter chill, come share some hot and swinging family-friendly Christmas cheer with Vancouver’s hottest swingin’ jazz group VanDjango, stellar vocalist LJ Mounteney and superb celtic guitarist and singer Andrew Hillhouse!  

Van Django’s Cool Yule is a merry Christmas mix of nostalgic favourites, jazz standards, sing-alongs, pop tunes, some classical touches, and a few surprises – all delivered in their swinging gypsy jazz style. You’ll hear everything from the evocative I’ll Be Home for Christmas to Let it Snow, Silent Night and Silver Bells to Christmas Time is Here, a bit of Beethoven, and of course all with a touch of Django Reinhardt’s style – something every ear, heart, and tapping foot will enjoy. 

We’re very happy to have been invited to play for the Inlet Music Series on Saturday January 21 2023. Also looking forward to our first performance in the New Year! We’ll be playing an eclectic mix of music from our 25+ years of performing together. We hope to see you there!

CLICK HERE FOR TIX

Greeting Friends, we’re excited and extremely proud to have just performed our 3rd Symphony show within the last year and this one was with the Victoria Symphony featuring conductor Giuseppe Pietraroia. The two concerts were on October 1st & 2nd 2022, At the Royal Theatre in Victoria BC.

Both shows were well attended and a joy to be a part of. We’re looking forward to presenting many more Symphony shows in the future! Please sign up for our newsletter if you’d like to be informed of when and where our next shows will be.

OCTOBER 19 2021

Hi Everyone,

Once again we’re performing our symphony show this time with the Kamloops Symphony Orchestra upcoming; November 5,6 2021. We’d love to see you in the audience, please pass this info on to anyone who may be in the area who would enjoy our show.

Of course we’re thrilled to be included in the Orchestra’s program and are very much looking forward to this exciting collaboration!



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APRIL 10 2021

We’re excited to have recently (January 2021) performed in a taped concert with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra.

The concert was taped in the Orpheum Theatre downtown Vancouver over 4 days.

It was an incredible experience working with such a talented orchestra. We’d like to also say a special thanks to the amazing Conductor Andrew Crust who created such a smooth and joyful working environment.

This Concert is available for streaming on the VSO website here:

Dec 1, 2020

SHOW JUST ANNOUNCED: The Rogue Folk Club & The Harrison Festival Present:

The 8th Annual Seasonal Celebration!

Van Django's 'Cool Yule'

DECEMBER 18TH 2020 7pm

We’re excited to perform an online concert which will be filmed live from the Saint James Hall. VAN DJANGO TRIO will perform with special guests.

Click here for info