Once again, Langley’s streets are alive with Django music. From September 20-24, visitors and residents will be treated to the toe-tapping, enthralling music that is Gypsy Jazz. Produced by the Whidbey Island Center for the Arts (WICA), DjangoFest Northwest (DFNW) is a five-day heritage festival that brings together performers from around the world. This year’s festival will feature eight concerts, more than ten workshops, and countless Djam sessions—all in the spirit of music pioneered by Django Reinhardt.

“The festival is the most fun we have all year,” says Deana Duncan, WICA’s executive artistic director. “Whidbey Island and Langley specifically are very similar to the small town in France where the festival was born; Samois-sur-Seine. Our festival combines an amazing musical program…with many creative, fun and artistic activities like jazz workshops, outdoor ‘Djam’ sessions, and even craft cocktails at the local restaurants. Our DFNW lounge is open every day from noon to midnight with custom merchandise, food and drink and a chance to meet and hear artists in a casual atmosphere.”

This is the festival’s 23rd year, and features local performers like the Hot Club of Troy as well as international artists like Duved Dunayevsky. Each year, WICA and DjangoFest Northwest Artistic Director Simon Planting work with artists from around the world to curate the festival, which involves months of planning—from coordinating visas to booking travel and local accommodations. Made even more difficult this year due to the increase in the number of travelers worldwide, getting artists to Whidbey Island is a feat in and of itself.

For some, the visa process is one such hurdle, as Duncan witnessed this year in coordinating with embassies and officials. “Our European artists just needed a case number to get their embassy appointment and paperwork,” says Duncan. “But the Brazilian performers needed to have their paperwork in hand, which they didn’t. The line was so long, they decided to stay overnight in the embassy, hire a courier service by phone to print and pick up the forms, and then hand the forms through a gate the following morning.”

It is this hard work and a commitment to the festival, as well as the effort by both performers and the producers to make DjangoFest Northwest a memorable experience each year, that ensures it remains well-known and beloved around the world. And, after months of preparation, WICA is excited to welcome guests back for the first full festival with international artists since the start of the pandemic, making this a can’t-miss event.

For those looking to experience DjangoFest Northwest, visit www.djangofest.com for the performance lineup, workshop schedule, and more ways to enjoy all that the festival has to offer.