Tim Kliphuis & Jimmy Grant Under Paris Skies

 


Sun, Oct 4, 7pm - 9pm PDT

Linda Mar Boulevard

Pacifica CA, United States

 

“Django Under Paris Skies” highlights the origins and evolution of European gypsy jazz, a style born in the 1930s and 40s. Django Reinhardt, one of the first major jazz talents in Europe, formed the influential Quintette du Hot Club de France with violinist Stéphane Grappelli in 1934. Their group was among the first to showcase the guitar as a lead jazz instrument.

 

Reinhardt’s legacy is as much about resilience as it is about innovation. After a fire left him with severe burns on his left hand, doctors doubted he would ever play again. But during his recovery, Reinhardt adapted his technique, developing a unique style that relied almost entirely on just two fingers.

 

The history surrounding the music adds gravity to the performance. During World War II, the Romani Gypsies, including Reinhardt, faced persecution and genocide. Jazz itself was condemned by the Nazi regime as un-German, but the music persisted.

 

About Tim:

 

Award-winning Dutch violinist Tim Kliphuis blends classical, gypsy jazz, and folk, earning acclaim as a ‘current-day improvising Paganini.’ His innovative approach connects deeply with audiences and inspires new string players.

 

Kliphuis’s latest work, ‘Kosmos,’ incorporates insights from Dutch star scientists to raise environmental awareness. He has performed his climate suite ‘The Five Elements’ at the UN General Assembly and the Royal mission to Stockholm.

 

A Sony Classical artist, Kliphuis has released several acclaimed albums, including Vivaldi-inspired works. His Tim Kliphuis Trio, formed after the Richard Strauss Festival, breaks down stylistic barriers and has performed at major festivals and with renowned orchestras across Europe. The Tim Kliphuis Sextet further captivates audiences with a vibrant crossover of classical and jazz.

 

About Jimmy:

 

Jimmy Grant, hailing from Northern California, discovered Django Reinhardt's vibrant sounds while touring with his dad’s bluegrass band. His unique style, shaped by influences like Bach and Joe Pass, was honed under the mentorship of guitarists Jim Nichols and Howard Alden.

 

Jimmy has performed with renowned artists such as David Grisman, Gonzalo Bergara,  and many more showcasing his talent at prestigious events like Djangofest Northwest and The New York Hot Jazz Festival, as well as venues throughout the US & Europe.

 

As an educator, he teaches across the U.S. and hosts "Camp Django" in Ashland, OR. He contributes to "Gypsy Jazz Secrets Magazine" and has recorded two albums. His original composition "Insomnia" was a finalist in the John Lennon Songwriting Competition.

https://events.humanitix.com/tim-kliphuis-and-jimmy-grant-under-paris-skies