PUTNEY, Vt. – Next Stage Arts presents the Stéphane Wrembel Band on Saturday, June 27, at 7:30 p.m., at Next Stage Arts, 15 Kimball Hill in Putney. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. Tickets can be purchased discounted in advance at www.nextstagearts.org, or at the door at full price.
Widely regarded as one of the world’s most extraordinary guitarists, Wrembel returns to Next Stage with his acclaimed ensemble for an evening of dazzling musicianship that blends jazz, gypsy swing, world music, and original compositions. Originally from Fontainebleau, France, Wrembel has built an international reputation for performances that are both technically breathtaking and emotionally compelling.
Rolling Stone described Wrembel as “a revelation,” while The Aquarian declared, “Stéphane Wrembel just might be the greatest acoustic guitarist alive.”
A prolific composer as well as performer, Wrembel’s music has reached audiences far beyond the concert hall. His compositions “Bistro Fada” and “Big Brother” were featured in acclaimed films by director Woody Allen, including “Midnight in Paris” and “Vicky Cristina Barcelona.” His contribution to the “Midnight in Paris” soundtrack helped earn a Grammy Award for Best Compilation Soundtrack. In 2012, legendary composer Hans Zimmer invited Wrembel to perform as part of the Academy Awards “All Star Band” alongside celebrated artists including Esperanza Spalding, Pharrell Williams, and Sheila E.
Over a career spanning more than 20 albums, Wrembel has continually expanded the possibilities of contemporary acoustic music. His 2024 recording “Triptych,” a collaboration with pianist Jean-Michel Pilc, received critical praise from DownBeat, Guitar Player, Acoustic Guitar Magazine, and New York Jazz Record. His newest release, “Django New Orleans II: Hors-Série” (2025), merges the brass-band traditions and rhythms of New Orleans with his signature jazz manouche style, featuring original compositions and his debut as a vocalist.
Wrembel’s collaborators and performance history reflect his broad artistic reach. He has shared stages with Elvis Costello, Patti Smith, The Roots, John Scofield, Medeski Martin & Wood, and Sam Bush, and has appeared on NPR’s Mountain Stage and WoodSongs Old-Time Radio Hour.
Despite the many influences woven into his music, Wrembel resists easy categorization. “I just play my own music,” he says. “It’s not only for the rock music lover, the Django Reinhardt lover, or jazz lover. It’s for the music lover.”
Joining Wrembel for this performance are acclaimed musicians Adrien Chevalier on violin, Ari Folman-Cohen on bass, and Nick Anderson on drums, forming a world-class ensemble that brings both precision and spontaneity to the stage.
“Stéphane Wrembel is one of those rare artists whose music appeals equally to devoted jazz fans, guitar enthusiasts, and audiences who simply love exceptional live performance,” said Heather Ahrenholz, Next Stage’s communications director. “His concerts are adventurous, joyful, and deeply engaging.”
The San Diego Union-Tribune wrote, “Stéphane Wrembel repeatedly soars whether performing his own music or classics by Django Reinhardt and Duke Ellington.”
For more information, call 802-387-0102.