Stephane Wrembel - An Evening of Gypsy Jazz in Honor of Warren Bickel

Stéphane Wrembel is a French-born guitarist whose mastery of Gypsy jazz has earned him international acclaim. Raised in Paris, Wrembel studied classical piano from age four and later turned to guitar, drawing deep inspiration from Django Reinhardt’s legacy. After earning a scholarship to Berklee College of Music, he immersed himself in jazz, composition, and improvisation, forging a path that blends tradition and innovation.Over his career, Wrembel has released numerous recordings—especially through his ongoing Django Experiment series—pushing the boundaries of classic manouche sound while honoring its roots. His compositions have also crossed into film, most notably contributing “Big Brother” and “Bistro Fada” to Woody Allen’s Vicky Cristina Barcelona and Midnight in Paris.On stage, Wrembel’s performances are electrifying yet intimate: virtuosic single-line runs, rhythmic swing, and tasteful interplay that brings the spirit of Les Quintette du Hot Club de France into a modern era. This evening’s concert offers a rare chance to hear him breathe new life into the Gypsy jazz tradition.This performance is dedicated in loving memory of Warren Bickel, whose generous support of live music helped make tonight and nights like this possible. Warren believed that cultural experiences could change the way we see the world, and we are honored that his legacy continues to inspire creativity and connection through music. His passion for this art form—especially gypsy jazz—lives on in every note performed tonight.‍Professor Warren Bickel, whose innovative approach to addiction research saved lives, was one of the founding investigators at Virginia Tech’s Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC. Photo by Clayton Metz for Virginia Tech.