Sat Sep 26
World Renowned Gypsy Jazz Virtuoso Joscho Stephan Comes to The Mainstay
The Mainstay is proud to welcome internationally acclaimed guitarist Joscho Stephan and fellow guitarist Rafael Mueller for an unforgettable evening of Gypsy Jazz on Saturday, September 26 at 7:30 PM.
Widely regarded as one of the most exciting figures in acoustic guitar today, Joscho Stephan has redefined Gypsy Jazz for a new generation. While deeply rooted in the tradition of legendary guitarist Django Reinhardt, Stephan's music extends far beyond the boundaries of classic Gypsy Swing. His performances seamlessly blend elements of Latin music, classical music, pop, and rock, creating a style that is both respectful of tradition and unmistakably modern.
What sets Stephan apart is not only his extraordinary technical mastery but also his remarkable creativity and musical imagination. Whether interpreting timeless standards or exploring contemporary influences, he brings a fresh perspective that has captivated audiences around the world. His concerts are celebrated for their energy, spontaneity, and virtuosity, appealing equally to devoted jazz enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
A major milestone in Stephan's career came with the release of Paris Berlin, a direct to disc vinyl recording made at Berlin's legendary Hansa Studios. In addition to numerous studio and live recordings, Stephan has built a global following through his highly successful YouTube channel, which has attracted nearly 40 million views. The channel's popularity ultimately led to the release of Playlist, a collection featuring some of its most celebrated performances.
Stephan has performed sold out concerts throughout Germany and has appeared at prestigious festivals including the Leverkusen Jazz Days and the Rheingau Music Festival. His international touring schedule regularly takes him across Europe, and he continues to expand his audience worldwide through performances in North America and beyond.
Over the course of his career, Stephan has collaborated with many of the most respected names in guitar and jazz, including Bireli Lagrene, Stochelo Rosenberg, Tommy Emmanuel, Daniel Hope, Richard Smith, Rory Hoffman, Peter Kraus, Frank Vignola, and John Jorgenson. He was also selected as the only European guitarist invited to participate in the prestigious George Benson Camp alongside guitar legends Al Di Meola, Steve Lukather, Tommy Emmanuel, and George Benson himself. Another notable career highlight was a series of performances at New York City's legendary Birdland Jazz Club with Frank Vignola and John Jorgenson.
Joining Stephan for this special Mainstay appearance will be guitarist Rafael Mueller, whose musical partnership brings additional depth, interplay, and excitement to the duo's performances.
For Mainstay audiences, this concert offers a rare opportunity to experience one of the world's premier Gypsy Jazz guitarists in the intimate setting of Rock Hall's renowned listening room. Expect dazzling musicianship, infectious rhythms, breathtaking improvisation, and a musical journey that stretches from the cafés of Paris to concert halls around the world.
Joscho Stephan with Rafael Mueller will appear at The Mainstay on Saturday, September 26 at 7:30 PM. Tickets are $25 and are available at www.mainstayrockhall.org or by calling 410-639-9133.
This performance is generously sponsored by The Durham Family.