Django's Birthday Celebration
WE ARE OFFICIALLY SOLD OUT!
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!
The premier Gypsy Jazz event in the 518!
3rd Annual Gathering
Friday, January 23, 2026
At Our New Home
Yes, as usual, we're convening on his actual birthday!
It's a Friday!!
This year food and drink are available before the show and throughout the show and jam.
We continue to build a vibrant Hot Swing community here in the 518.
Come to listen, to learn, to jam, to celebrate each other, the music, and the man.
It's a Friday!!
This year food and drink are available before the show and throughout the show and jam.
We continue to build a vibrant Hot Swing community here in the 518.
Come to listen, to learn, to jam, to celebrate each other, the music, and the man.
Friday, January 23, 2026
~ Classes* 4:45 ~
~ Concert 7:00 ~
~ Jam 9-10 ~
Food and drink available before the show and throughout.
A real party with fine food and drink available at our new digs!
The Van Dyck Music Club is part of and located upstairs above Stella Pasta Bar & Seven Points Brewery
Make a reservation for fine dining (menu here) at Stella's before heading upstairs for the show OR enjoy a "club menu" and upstairs Van Dyck bar once the club doors open and until the night jam ends.
Make a reservation for fine dining (menu here) at Stella's before heading upstairs for the show OR enjoy a "club menu" and upstairs Van Dyck bar once the club doors open and until the night jam ends.
2026 Headliner
The Olli Soikkeli Trio
Olli Soikkeli
https://www.youtube.com/@ollisoikkeli3587
https://www.ollisoikkeli.com/
https://www.instagram.com/ollisoikkeli/?hl=en
https://www.facebook.com/olli.soikkeli
Born in Nurmes, Finland and based in NYC, Soikkeli was introduced to the music of great Django Reinhardt and Gypsy Jazz, which has been his primary focus since. Olli played in jazz clubs and festivals across Finland, and toured Europe with Sinti Guitarist Paulus Schäfer. While still young, he’s already played with notable artists such as Bucky Pizzarelli, Stochelo Rosenberg, Tommy Emmanuel, Andreas Öberg, Cyrille Aimee, Antti Sarpila and Marian Petrescu.
After move to New York City in 2014. Olli has played legendary venues such as Town Hall, Herbst Theatre, Birdland Jazz Club, Blue Note, Iridium and the Lincoln Center.
After move to New York City in 2014. Olli has played legendary venues such as Town Hall, Herbst Theatre, Birdland Jazz Club, Blue Note, Iridium and the Lincoln Center.
Brad Brose
https://www.instagram.com/bradbrose/?hl=en
https://www.facebook.com/brad.brose.7
https://www.instagram.com/bradbrose/?hl=en
https://www.facebook.com/brad.brose.7
Originally from Hollywood, California, Brad has performed with some of the best swing musicians that the USA has to offer. After playing in swing dance clubs and for festivals across the USA, Brad decided to move to France to study Europe's greatest contribution to jazz: Jazz Manouche. In his 7-8 years in Paris, he played with the most respected jazz manouche artists such as Tchavolo Schmitt, Stochelo Rosenberg, Romne, Angelo Debarre, and others in the all of the legendary gypsy jazz clubs and festivals across Europe.
Many of you may know Brad from his recent few years living in NYC and the Capital Region where he played with many of the NYC greats as well as being a member of Hot Club of Saratoga. He and his family have since moved back to France. While now calling Lyon his home he frequently tours here in the USA as well as throughout Europe.
Many of you may know Brad from his recent few years living in NYC and the Capital Region where he played with many of the NYC greats as well as being a member of Hot Club of Saratoga. He and his family have since moved back to France. While now calling Lyon his home he frequently tours here in the USA as well as throughout Europe.
Wallace Stelzer
https://www.wallacestelzermusic.com/about
https://www.instagram.com/the_first_jazzvenger/?hl=en
https://www.facebook.com/Wallace.Stelzer.Music
https://www.wallacestelzermusic.com/about
https://www.instagram.com/the_first_jazzvenger/?hl=en
https://www.facebook.com/Wallace.Stelzer.Music
Wallace Stelzer is an esteemed New York City-based double bassist. Drawn to the city by his love of jazz, blues, and Brazilian music, the Houston native maintains a busy performance and recording schedule as both a sideman and bandleader in his own right. His thoughtful approach to the instrument found him a niche in the city’s competitive jazz scene and continues to bring him wonderful performance opportunities across many of the most prestigious stages domestically and abroad, with some of the world’s finest musicians.
Wallace is well known for his active tenure with Tatiana Eva-Marie and the Avalon Jazz Band, and his time spent in Patrick Bartley’s J-Music Pocket Band and NYC swing band The Hot Toddies. He is honored to have taken the stage at such venues and events as the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, NYC Winter Jazzfest, New York Hot Jazz Festival, Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola (a part of Jazz at Lincoln Center), Blue Note, Joe’s Pub, Symphony Space, Minton’s Playhouse, and Ginny’s Supper Club, among many others. Several notable collaborators include Don Hahn, Stéphane Séva, Carol Morgan, Gene Bertoncini, Carlos Bauzys, and Robyn Adele Anderson.
Wallace is well known for his active tenure with Tatiana Eva-Marie and the Avalon Jazz Band, and his time spent in Patrick Bartley’s J-Music Pocket Band and NYC swing band The Hot Toddies. He is honored to have taken the stage at such venues and events as the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, NYC Winter Jazzfest, New York Hot Jazz Festival, Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola (a part of Jazz at Lincoln Center), Blue Note, Joe’s Pub, Symphony Space, Minton’s Playhouse, and Ginny’s Supper Club, among many others. Several notable collaborators include Don Hahn, Stéphane Séva, Carol Morgan, Gene Bertoncini, Carlos Bauzys, and Robyn Adele Anderson.
Hot Club of Saratoga Opens Show
Hot Club of Saratoga will feature a very special surprise guest in the Django chair. Yes, Brad usually takes that chair when he is in NY. But he's not doing double duty this year. Though we're keeping it under wraps, to fill out the quartet this year, we are excited to bring back another of our old friends who we know you'll happy to see and hear again!
For those of you who don't yet know us yet, Hot Club of Saratoga is upstate New York’s premier gypsy swing ensemble, specializes in the timeless sounds of Django Reinhardt and the vibrant atmosphere of 1930's Paris. Their music brings the magic of hot swing to life, and they are known for their captivating performances. Whether you're a fan of gypsy jazz or simply looking to experience something unique and delightful, the Hot Club of Saratoga is sure to deliver an unforgettable musical experience.
For those of you who don't yet know us yet, Hot Club of Saratoga is upstate New York’s premier gypsy swing ensemble, specializes in the timeless sounds of Django Reinhardt and the vibrant atmosphere of 1930's Paris. Their music brings the magic of hot swing to life, and they are known for their captivating performances. Whether you're a fan of gypsy jazz or simply looking to experience something unique and delightful, the Hot Club of Saratoga is sure to deliver an unforgettable musical experience.
Registration For Workshops Before The Concert Is NOW Closed
!!Thank You!!
All workshops are 4:45 - 6:15 ~ $60
Please pre-register select the appropriate ticket type for your chosen workshop when you purchase your ticket.
Olli Soikkeli: Advanced Soloing in Gypsy Jazz
>>> This workshop is suited to those players who have good facility with soloing, a Master Class, if you will. <<<
Olli uses a unique hybrid picking style borrowing from many genres using rest stroke, alternate picking, sweeps, and other techniques while maintaining the Gypsy Jazz sound.
Thanks to Denis Chang (DC Music School), for permission to use this video excerpt from his excellent video, "In The Style Of Olli Soikkeli, Vol. 1". Guitar with Olli Soikelli: Guitar in the Django Style, Vol 1."
>>> This workshop is suited to those players who have good facility with soloing, a Master Class, if you will. <<<
Olli uses a unique hybrid picking style borrowing from many genres using rest stroke, alternate picking, sweeps, and other techniques while maintaining the Gypsy Jazz sound.
Thanks to Denis Chang (DC Music School), for permission to use this video excerpt from his excellent video, "In The Style Of Olli Soikkeli, Vol. 1". Guitar with Olli Soikelli: Guitar in the Django Style, Vol 1."
Brad Brose: Beginner/Intermediate Gypsy Jazz Guitar
>>> Participants should have basic fretboard knowledge and be comfortable with basic chords. <<<
In addition to playing worldwide, Brad has taught hundreds of guitarists. Many may know him from years teaching and playing at Django in June where his workshops have always been extremely well received. Brad will focus on on Gypsy Rhythm and hints for developing solos in the style for beginning to early intermediate players.
>>> Participants should have basic fretboard knowledge and be comfortable with basic chords. <<<
In addition to playing worldwide, Brad has taught hundreds of guitarists. Many may know him from years teaching and playing at Django in June where his workshops have always been extremely well received. Brad will focus on on Gypsy Rhythm and hints for developing solos in the style for beginning to early intermediate players.
Bass Workshop with Wallace Stelzer
Along with his performing career, Wallace is also a committed educator, composer, and sound engineer. Wallace has taught privately for many years, and is pleased to be a faculty member at the Larchmont Music Academy. In addition to the educational content he creates for social media, Wallace has published several articles for LearnJazzStandards--an excellent online resource for aspiring jazz musicians. When not gigging, teaching, or practicing, Wallace also enjoys writing and producing new music in his home recording studio in Manhattan.
Along with his performing career, Wallace is also a committed educator, composer, and sound engineer. Wallace has taught privately for many years, and is pleased to be a faculty member at the Larchmont Music Academy. In addition to the educational content he creates for social media, Wallace has published several articles for LearnJazzStandards--an excellent online resource for aspiring jazz musicians. When not gigging, teaching, or practicing, Wallace also enjoys writing and producing new music in his home recording studio in Manhattan.
Violin Workshop with Tucker Callander
Tucker began playing violin at age 5 and never stopped. He studied classical violin earn his Bachelor’s d\Degree in Violin Performance at Syracuse University. In addition to being a founding member of Hot Club of Saratoga he is a sought after violinist playing every genre. Classical, jazz, country, pop, and Celticana are among the ensembles that Tucker regularly inhabits as a sideman or leader.
Tucker began playing violin at age 5 and never stopped. He studied classical violin earn his Bachelor’s d\Degree in Violin Performance at Syracuse University. In addition to being a founding member of Hot Club of Saratoga he is a sought after violinist playing every genre. Classical, jazz, country, pop, and Celticana are among the ensembles that Tucker regularly inhabits as a sideman or leader.
Workshops Before The Concert
All workshops are 4:45 - 6:15 ~ $60
Please pre-register select the appropriate ticket type for your chosen workshop when you purchase your ticket.
Open Gypsy Jazz Jam After Show
Open to all levels. All concert goers are welcome to play or stay after the concert sets to listen and enjoy. There will be space inside to store instruments during the show.
"Vintage" 2025 Tee Shirts $15
2026 Tees are still in the planning stages.
This may or may not come to fruition.
Stay Tuned.
All proceeds from these sales will go toward making this and future celebrations possible.
Shirts will be on sale at the event or you may pre-order a shirt to insure getting the size, color and design you like. Use the form below. Preorders can be paid for and picked up at the event.
All tees are 100% cotton(except any "heather" colors - 90/10 blend), unisex adult, sizes S - XXL. All colors may not be available at all times.
This may or may not come to fruition.
Stay Tuned.
All proceeds from these sales will go toward making this and future celebrations possible.
Shirts will be on sale at the event or you may pre-order a shirt to insure getting the size, color and design you like. Use the form below. Preorders can be paid for and picked up at the event.
All tees are 100% cotton(except any "heather" colors - 90/10 blend), unisex adult, sizes S - XXL. All colors may not be available at all times.
BLACK IMAGE
Shirt Colors: white, blue, red, maroon, heather purple, heather gray, heather green. (not black) |
COLOR IMAGE
Shirt Colors: 2025 Bday Tees - Assorted colors in various sizes left from 2025. |
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Sponsors
Thanks to our sponsors for supporting the gypsy jazz community and local live music.
Without them, this event would not be possible.
Without them, this event would not be possible.
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This event is produced by Hot Club of Saratoga and Stella Pasta Bar/Seven Points Brewery/Van Dyck Music Club to foster an appreciation of Django's musical legacy and grow the Upstate NY Gypsy Jazz Community.
We would welcome sponsors for this event to help us build the Upstate NY Gypsy Jazz Community and live music in general. If you are interested, please contact Chuck at [email protected].
We would welcome sponsors for this event to help us build the Upstate NY Gypsy Jazz Community and live music in general. If you are interested, please contact Chuck at [email protected].