‘The most fun you can have sitting down with your clothes on’; Van Django’s holiday show is back!
It’s that time of year.
Yeah yeah, Christmas. Yeah yeah, turkey. Yeah yeah, stockings (maybe).
One of the greatest traditions for Vancouver audiences — and now for all of us who can join in online — is the Van Django holiday concert. It’s back this Friday at Mel Lehan Hall at St. James. You can find info and tickets at https://roguefolk.bc.ca/ or call 604-736-3022.
Renowned for quality musicianship and great entertainment, Van Django puts on a show that’s a festive Christmas mix of nostalgic favourites, jazz standards, pop tunes, classical elements and sing-alongs — plus a few surprises — all delivered in swinging gypsy jazz style. Folks of all ages can celebrate the season at this fun and festive yule-time show. Joining Van Django’s violinist Cameron Wilson, guitarist/cellist Finn Manniche and bassist Brent Gubbels are stellar vocalist L.J. Mounteney and guitarist/vocalist Andy Hillhouse.
A huge success every time they’ve played the Rogue since 2013, the band returns to the Mel Lehan Hall again this year! They will come armed with copies of their Christmas CD for those folks wishing to take memories of the concert home with them.
Also returning is the infamous Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest! Wear your best ugly sweater while watching the show and maybe win a great prize, including tickets to upcoming Rogue Folk shows!! (For some tips on where to pick up the perfect item for the occasion, go here.)
Van Django’s music is punchy, driving and rhythmically inventive, combining a wealth of musical influences while maintaining strong roots in the gypsy jazz made famous by Django Reinhardt and the 1930’s Quintet of the Hot Club of France. On stage, “they effortlessly whip the audience into a joyful frenzy,” according to Nick Lehr of Djangofest.
“Attending a Van Django concert is the most fun you can have sitting down with your clothes on,” he added.
The perfect answer to the winter’s chill is to come share some hot and swinging Christmas cheer with Van Django bells this year!
