January 29, 2026, Seward Folly

On February 7, the Seward Arts Council presents “Django Under Paris Skies,” a concert that promises a night of world-class musicianship. The performance features Dutch violinist Tim Kliphuis, an award-winning figure in European jazz, and American guitarist Jimmy Grant, a standout in contemporary gypsy jazz artists. Together, they pay tribute to the legendary partnership of Stéphane Grappelli and Django Reinhardt.

Apache – Gypsy Jazz Duets with Tim Kliphuis and Jimmy Grant

This show is part of a statewide tour, with stops in Homer, Anchorage, Juneau, Denali, and Seldovia, before heading to audiences in the Lower 48. Kliphuis and Grant draw from a deep well of musical traditions, blending the unmistakable sound of Django-era jazz with contemporary classical and folk influences.

“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.

For those in Seward who appreciate music with history, depth, and technical mastery, “Django Under Paris Skies” is not to be missed. Tim Kliphuis and Jimmy Grant are both at the forefront of modern gypsy jazz, and their performance will offer a rare chance to hear this powerful tradition brought to life.

Django Reinhardt’s Fleche d’Or – Gypsy Jazz Duets with Tim Kliphuis and Jimmy Grant