Stephane Wrembel Ensemble
Just Friends Jazz Series
Mon & Tue • March 23 & 24, 2026 • 7:30 pm
Pavilion
Stephane Wrembel stands as one of the world’s most celebrated guitarists. Originally from Fontainebleau, France, Wrembel is renowned for his masterful blend of jazz, gypsy swing and world music, enchanting audiences across the globe with his unique sound.
Wrembel is also a highly respected composer. His original compositions have graced the acclaimed films Midnight in Paris (“Bistro Fada”), Vicky Cristina Barcelona (“Big Brother”) and Rifkin’s Festival (original score). Midnight in Paris won the Grammy Award for Best Compilation Soundtrack at the 2012 Academy Awards, and Wrembel was handpicked by renowned composer Hans Zimmer to join his all-star band, performing alongside luminaries like Esperanza Spalding, Pharrell and Shelia E.
With an already impressive discography of 19 albums released under his name and the pseudonym, The Django Experiment, Wrembel recently released a triptych—three CDs, entitled Phase 1, 2 and 3, recorded with his band and Canadian improvisational pianist Jean-Michel Pilc. Released in April 2024, the triptych has received glowing press in Downbeat, Guitar Player Magazine, Acoustic Guitar Magazine, New York Jazz Record and more. Wrembel’s collaborations with other top musicians, such as mandolinist David Grisman and Grammy-nominated guitarist Raul Midon, highlight his remarkable versatility.
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Additionally, Wrembel is a dedicated musical director and educator. Since 2003, he has curated the Django a Gogo Music Festival, a celebrated week-long event honoring the Sinti guitar style, held in Maplewood, NJ, and in prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall and The Town Hall featuring a series of master guitar classes.
Wrembel has shared the stage with legends, including Elvis Costello, Patti Smith, The Roots, Medeski Martin & Wood, Me’shell Ndegeocello, John Scofield, Larry Keel, Stochelo Rosenberg and Sam Bush. His performances on NPR’s prestigious Mountain Stage and the syndicated radio show WoodSongs Old Time Radio Hour further showcase his diverse talent. His performances transcend genre boundaries, offering something different to every music enthusiast. As he himself puts it, “I just play my own music. It’s not only for the rock music lover, the Django Reinhardt lover or jazz lover. It’s for the music lover.”
“Perhaps the most creative improviser in Gypsy jazz today, Mr. Wrembel plays the guitar with a rich and colorful lyricism.” – The New York Times
“Stephane Wrembel just might be the greatest acoustic guitarist alive.” – The Aquarian
