North Beach Django presents Emmet Ray Guitar Swing Jam

Step into the streamlined elegance of the 1930s as North Beach Django hosts an evening of acoustic swing at Stookey’s Blue Room. This session, titled the Emmet Ray Guitar Swing Jam, is a tribute to the high-velocity jazz manouche style pioneered by Django Reinhardt. Whether you are a musician looking to sit in or a listener who appreciates the driving rhythm of la pompe, this event transforms Lower Nob Hill into a Parisian jazz salon.

The Style: The music is rooted in the Gypsy Jazz tradition. Expect a night defined by acoustic guitars, upright bass, and swinging violin or accordion leads. The repertoire focuses on the Great American Songbook and European swing standards of the 1920s through the 40s.

The Format: This is a professional-grade jam session. While a core house band from the North Beach Django collective sets the pace, instrumentalists are invited to bring their guitars, violins, or clarinets and join the circle. The atmosphere is collaborative and spirited, emphasizing improvisational skill and rhythmic precision.

The Theme: The session’s nod to Emmet Ray—the fictional “second greatest guitar player in the world”—sets a playful tone for the evening, celebrating the technical mastery and the slightly rebellious spirit of the swing era.

The Venue

Stookey’s Blue Room: This is the dedicated performance companion to the famous Stookey’s Club Moderne. With its signature glossy blue walls, Art Deco details, and intimate stage, the room is designed to feel like a film noir set. It is widely considered one of the best listening rooms in the city for acoustic jazz.