Following a home fire that immobilized two of his fingers, Django Reinhardt invented his own method of navigating the guitar’s fret board — a style later popularized as “hot jazz.” Although the legendary musician died in 1953, Asheville’s Gypsy-jazz enthusiasts come together each year to celebrate Reinhardt’s life and music on his birthday. For the seventh annual party, The Grey Eagle will host Gypsy Swingers in the bar room along with stage performances by One Leg Up, The Page Brothers, Hot Point Trio and headlining act Howard Alden. Now praised as a virtuoso in his own right, Alden’s online bio credits Reinhardt as one of the artists who inspired him to pick up a guitar at age 10. The birthday bash takes place Saturday, Jan. 23, at 6:30 p.m. $17/$20. thegreyeagle.com. Image courtesy of the organizers
Smart bets: Django Reinhardt’s Birthday Party
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Django Fest has been postponed two weeks til February 6 due to weather