Le Jazz Hot

Le Jazz Hot Quartet brings the spirit of Django Reinhardt's legendary Quintette du Hot Club de France to The Dawn Club, the basement venue in SOMA where San Francisco's jazz revival took root in the 1930s. Led by guitarist Paul Mehling, often called the "godfather of American gypsy jazz," the quartet captures the smoky intimacy of 1930s Parisian jazz clubs through their all-string instrumentation of violin, bass, and guitars.

Mehling's lightning-fast fingerwork and effortless solos anchor the group's sound, drawing from over 30 years of celebrating this historic music. The ensemble breathes new life into classic Django tunes and original compositions with innovative arrangements that have been called "intricate, scorching and often brilliant" by Acoustic Guitar magazine. Their eleven albums and international touring—from festivals in Mexico and France to concert halls across North America—have entranced audiences worldwide.

The quartet's performances blend technical mastery with infectious joy, creating the kind of musical synergy where both band and audience become part of the experience. Their live shows transport listeners back to the refined lounges of the Hotel Ritz or the tight jazz clubs where this music first flourished, yet feel completely alive in the present moment.

With The Dawn Club's art deco atmosphere and studio-quality sound in an intimate 125-capacity room, this gypsy jazz evening promises the perfect setting for music that has kept the flame of Django's legacy burning bright for decades. The venue's whiskey selection and period-appropriate decor add to the vintage ambiance that makes Le Jazz Hot's performances feel like stepping into jazz history.