Name: The Whitney Garden Party featuring Djangophonique
Start: 2026-07-02T16:00:00-04:00
End: 2026-07-02T19:00:00-04:00
Location: The Whitney Garden Party featuring Djangophonique

Jul 2
4:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Website

Overview

The Whitney is pleased to announce the return of its popular Garden Parties for the summer season, along with the debut of a new Sunday afternoon event series featuring themed dining experiences and live music.
A long-standing warm-weather tradition in Detroit, the Whitney Garden Parties invite guests to enjoy an evening of live entertainment in a historic outdoor setting. This year’s series promises an expanded lineup and a fresh addition of Sunday programming designed to enhance the summer experience.

Djangophonique is an award winning project that delivers the infectious joy, and expressive freedom that is at the heart of Django Reinhardt’s jazz manouche. With respect for the tradition and a fearless creativity that bends the conventions of the style, Djangophonique is keeping the Hot Club revival alive and well. The result is a sound that’s unmistakable to fans of the music, and alluring to the uninitiated—a sound that can bring the lively energy of a Parisian dance hall to the quietest listening room or captivate a buzzing festival audience with the aching nostalgia of a shimmering ballad. Djangophonique has been described as “...the cleanest, most genuine manouche jazz that can be heard in Michigan” (Local Spins). Led by guitar player Andrew Brown, a true disciple of the style, the project has cultivated a community of musicians who channel the tenacious agility that the music demands. In 2022 the group released their first studio album, “Introducing Djangophonique,” which featured Tyler Rindo on Clarinet and Jorian Olk-Szost on double-bass and won Best Jazz Album, Traditions Award, as well as earning them Artist Of The Year at the WYCE Jammies. In 2023, the group began a new chapter with the addition of vocalist Katie Smith, who’s soulful approach channels the mystery and appeal of an unplaceable era. With a second studio album and a full concert schedule for 2026, and joined by David Stearns on upright bass and David Bendena on rhythm guitar, Djangophonique is poised to forge a connection with an expansive audience through the resonance of their artistry.