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First Annual 'Django Jazz Festival' Hitting Right Notes In Baltimore

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Django Reinhardt was one of the world's greatest guitarists. His music is making a comeback. You'll have a chance to hear it and much more this weekend in Baltimore.

Ron Matz has more on how they're hitting all the right notes in Highlandtown.

Because of an accident, Django Reinhardt played guitar with only two fingers.

"This style is known by many different names--gypsy jazz, gypsy swing, jazz manouche--all kinds of names. It's basically like a mix of gypsy folk music with American jazz," said Harris.

His style of gypsy jazz will be on display this weekend at the Creative Alliance at the Patterson.

"We've had artists performing in the style of Django Reinhardt here and there, but we really noticed a trend going on and we thought we really wanted to do something to tap into that energy that's happening in Baltimore and nationally," said Josh Kohn, performance director at the Creative Alliance at the Patterson.

Michael Joseph Harris and his group, Ultrafaux, will perform this unique style of music Friday night.

"We have three people in our group--two guitarists and a bass--but we have special guests, too. I always like to have surprises at Creative Alliance. It's the perfect place to have that element of surprise because it's a theatrical setting. There's great lighting, great sound and every seat is a good seat," said Harris.

Four bands over two nights will celebrate Baltimore's first annual Django Jazz Festival.

"We are celebrating our 21st anniversary in 2016 at the Creative Alliance. There's exciting activities happening throughout the year--our first annual Django Jazz Festival is one of them. We have exhibitions, we have free programming. There's interesting things all year celebrating our 21st," said Kohn.

And no matter what you call it, it's a sound you won't forget

"We'll have four bands total Friday and Saturday, but each band will have a little different take on the style," said Kohn.

"We tour the south, too," Harris said. "And when people see us picking on these guitars, they love it. It's got a swing feel to it. It's upbeat."

For information about tickets to this weekend's Django Jazz Festival, CLICK HERE.

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