Every Wednesday night, Noce hosts an all night happy hour. Doors at 6, music 7-10pm, no cover all night! $5 green tea shots, $6 well drinks, $7 house wine, $8 specialty cocktails. Some of the top jazz musicians in the region are featured each week. 

LESLIE VINCENT is a prolific songwriter and jazz vocalist. Equally at home singing the Great American Songbook, musical theater, and contemporary rock and pop, she has become one of the most notable voices to emerge in the vibrant Minneapolis music scene, being hailed for her joy-filled performances and her “fun, human, beautiful interpretations” (Levi Weinhagen). Born into a military family, Vincent spent childhood moving along the East Coast and United Kingdom, where she spent her spare time singing along to Frank Sinatra and the Les Mis soundtrack. The one constant was music. Today, Vincent has become an accomplished bandleader, playing 50+ shows a year, using her theatrical chops to bring drama, comedy and poise to the stage. In 2023, she released her second album "About Last Night," mixing jazz standards, vintage blues, and her own fresh originals. This release has garnered much critical attention from fans and music critics locally and nationwide, including a write-up in DownBeat Magazine. Her next album, featuring jazz and blues originals is set to come out in 2025. 

Sean Kiefer and his 7-piece ensemble presents the music from artists such as Ambrose Akinmusire, Kenny Wheeler, Wolfgang Muthspiel, and other ECM record artists. The arrangements, done by Sean Kiefer, feature a readaption of the pieces into a three horn setting. --- Sean Kiefer is an award winning jazz trumpeter and composer/arranger currently studying jazz performance at the University of Northern Iowa. He studies under Dr. Scott Hagarty, Dr. Michael Conrad, and Chris Merz. He has previously studied with Dr. Randy Grabowski. As a trumpeter, he has performed at the local, state, and national levels, including a residency at the Telluride Jazz Festival in August of 2024. Additionally, he was a third place winner in the jazz division of the prestigious 2025 National Trumpet Competition. He regularly performs his compositions and arrangements at Iowa’s premiere jazz club, Noce, with his own group. He has collaborated with artists such as Mike Stern, John Clayton, Annie Booth, Terell Stafford, Dave Rivello, Steven Feifke, and many others. As a composer/arranger, he has had his works praised by organizations including Downbeat Magazine, ASMAC (American Society of Music Arrangers and Composers), and ISJAC (International Society of Jazz Arrangers and Composers). He was selected as the 2nd place winner of the 2024 Bill Conti Big Band Arranging Competition, the 3rd place winner of the 2024 Van Alexander Arranging Competition, and the 1st place winner in the undergraduate division of the 2024 ICF Composition Contest. He regularly does freelance engraving work and has recently opened up for commissions. 

Noce presents a late night show hosted by a rotation of musicians every Friday night following the conclusion of the prime time show. No cover & happy hour prices at the bar! 

In the mid 1990s, The New York Times described Larry Goldings, Peter Bernstein, and Bill Stewart as “the best organ trio of the last decade.” The trio, which has now been together for over 30 years, has been recognized for charting new ground, with its synergistic playing, and thoughtful music. They have over a dozen recordings, all of which display their distinctive sound, whether exploring the depths of jazz standards, or playing their own original compositions. Of their newest offering, Toy Tunes (Pirouet), Downbeat said, “The whole album subtly subverts organ-trio cliches, offering not chicken-shack party stomps but instead some hip after-hours atmospherics…4 stars” Larry Goldings With his signature Hammond organ style and versatility on many keyboards, Boston native Larry Goldings (b. 1968) has traversed not only the wide spectrum of jazz where he is perhaps best known, but also the worlds of funk, pop, and electronic music. High in demand as a sideman, Goldings’ sound can be heard on scores of albums by artists in a variety of musical genres. Over the years, Goldings has been closely associated with John Scofield, Michael Brecker, Jim Hall, Maceo Parker, Madeleine Peyroux, Pat Metheny, and pop artists James Taylor and John Mayer. In 2007, Goldings, Jack DeJohnette and John Scofield, received a Grammy nomination in the category of Best Jazz Instrumental Album Individual or Group for their album, Trio Beyond – Saudades (ECM). Goldings also is active as a composer, arranger, and producer. His compositions have been recorded by Michael Brecker, Jim Hall, John Scofield, Jack DeJohnette, Sia, Vulfpeck, Lea Michele, Bob Dorough, Jane Monheit, Gaby Moreno, Curtis Stigers, and Toots Thielemans. Goldings’ music also has been featured in television shows and motion pictures, including, The Office, Proof, Funny People, and Neighbors. He scored his first feature film, Dealin’ With Idiots in 2013, directed by Jeff Garlin, and is currently the composer for the upcoming Netflix mini-series, Madam CJ Walker, starring Octavia Spencer. Peter Bernstein Jazz guitarist Peter Bernstein (b. 1967, New York City) has been a part of the jazz scene in New York and abroad since 1989. During that time he has participated in over 200 recordings and numerous festival, concert and club performances with musicians from all generations. As a leader, Peter has released 12 albums and a DVD, Live at Smoke. He got his first break while attending the New School when he met the legendary guitarist Jim Hall. Hall asked Peter to participate in his Invitational Concert as part of the 1990 JVC Jazz Festival. The event featured such guitarists as John Scofield and Pat Metheny and was released as “Live at Town Hall Vol. 2” by Music Masters. Hall noted that Peter “…has paid attention to the past as well as the future. He is the most impressive guitarist I’ve heard. He plays the best of them all for swing, logic, feel and taste.” Also in 1990, Peter Bernstein was discovered by alto saxophonist Lou Donaldson and took part in the first of four recordings with him. He was a regular member of his group throughout the 1990s. “Some people just have it.” Donaldson said. “…most of the time you have to teach someone what to do, but Peter knows it all.” Peter has also enjoyed long musical associations with legendary drummer Jimmy Cobb (Cobb’s Mob), as well as organist Larry Goldings and drummer Bill Stewart as a member of their highly acclaimed trio. The New York Times called them “the best organ trio of the last decade”. Together they recorded a dozen of records, all of which display their distinctive sound, whether exploring the depths of jazz standards or playing their original compositions. From 1995 through 1997, Peter was a member of Joshua Redman’s band and played on Redman’s Freedom in the Groove CD. He played with Diana Krall’s quartet from 1999 through 2001 and with Dr. Lonnie Smith, the legendary organist who made his debut on the George Benson Cookbook albums. He has also recorded five CDs with organist Melvin Rhyne, known for his association with Wes Montgomery. In addition, Peter has appeared in groups led by Sonny Rollins, Bobby Hutcherson, George Coleman, David Fathead Newman, Etta Jones and Nicholas Payton. Current Projects include a solo record, “Solo Guitar – Live at Smalls” in 2013, the albums “Let Loose” w/ Gerald Clayton, Doug Weiss, and Bill Stewart in 2016 and “Signs LIVE!”, featuring pianist Brad Mehldau, bassist Christian McBride and drummer Gregory Hutchinson, in 2017, both released on Smoke Session Records as well as the highly acclaimed organ trio with organist Larry Goldings and drummer Bill Stewart with whom he has released numerous albums and toured world wide for almost 30 years. The most recent releases are “Ramshackle Serenade” (2014) and “Toy Tunes” (2018), both on Pirouet records. Bill Stewart Originally from Des Moines, Iowa, drummer/composer Bill Stewart (b. 1966) made his name as the rhythmic force behind guitarist John Scofield since 1990 and still collaborating with him regularly since 1990. He is now one of the most sought after jazz drummers in the world. Stewart’s playing is distinguished by its melodic focus, and its polyrhythmic, or layered, character. Although his drumming bears the influence of various melodic and swinging drummers who preceded him, Stewart’s voice is clearly his own, and has influenced a younger generation of drummers. Stewart has toured extensively with John Scofield, Pat Metheny, Maceo Parker, Kevin Hays, Joe Lovano, Joshua Redman, Charlie Haden, Steve Wilson, Marc Copland, Bill Carrothers,Nicholas Payton, Joe Henderson and many others in addition to leading his own band on tours in Europe and at the Village Vanguard in New York City. An excellent composer in his own right, Stewart has made several records as a leader that predominantly feature his own music, bearing the same thoughtfulness, humor, and impeccable taste that one hears in his playing. He has recorded 6 cds as a leader. Stewart’s Blue Note recording “Snide Remarks” was selected as one of the top 10 cds of 1997 by The New York Times, and his latest is Band Menu (2018, self released on cdbabyitunes/amazon), a trio with Walter Smith III and Larry Grenadier. 

Vocalist/pianist Max Wellman along with local jazz musicians play standards from the end of Saturday night's primetime show (9:30 or 10:30) until 11:30 or midnight. --- Vocalist Max Wellman is enticing music lovers throughout the region. With a sound evoking the likes of Sinatra and Connick, Wellman’s recordings & performances promise that the Great American Songbook is alive & well for a new generation of listeners. Wellman co-founded Noce, a state-of-the-art jazz club in the Western Gateway neighborhood of downtown Des Moines. Additionally, Wellman has appeared at some of the great clubs throughout the country, from Dizzy's Club Coca Cola at Lincoln Center to Andy's Jazz Club in Chicago to Dazzle in Denver & many in between. 

Every musician in Iowa loves Tina, come and find out why! Originally hailing from Algona, Tina combines her early years as a horn player (Drake University trumpet student!) with a true spirit of love for the music. Equally at home in groups small or large, WE know that when she sings in front of a roaring big band, she has few equals. A beautiful soul as well as a gifted vocalist, Tina will leave you wishing she sang with us every week! 

Every Wednesday night, Noce hosts an all night happy hour. Doors at 6, music 7-10pm, no cover all night! $5 green tea shots, $6 well drinks, $7 house wine, $8 specialty cocktails. Some of the top jazz musicians in the region are featured each week. 

Napoleon Douglas and The Dirty Lowdown, an elite funk band based in Des Moines, highlight Stevie Wonder, Luther Vandross, & more. --- Napoleon M Douglas is an International Actor, Teaching Artist, and Entrepreneur whose performance experience includes Stage Theatre, Film, Commercial, Voice Over, Instrumental Music, Dance, and Vocal Music among others. Theatre (selected): International - Simba in The Festival of the Lion King (HKDL); National - Louie in Mr. Holland’s Opus (World Premiere & Dance Captain - Ogunquit Playhouse); Joe Alves & Carl Gottlieb Cover in BRUCE (World Premiere - Seattle Repertory); Jimmy Early in Dreamgirls (2018 Ostrander Winner - Best Supporting Actor in a Musical), Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar (Arvada Center), NoMax in Five Guys Named Moe (Westchester Broadway), as well as leading and supporting roles in Hairspray!, Sister Act, Superior Donuts, A Christmas Carol, Miss Saigon, Romeo & Juliet, and White Christmas. TV/Film (Selected): Hulu’s WuTang: An American Saga (Co-Star), and Oscar Micheaux (Cannes Short Selection, Urban Film BET Short Premiere Selection - 2018). Educationally, Napoleon has worked as a Choreographer, Director, Music Director, Studio Voice Instructor, and Teaching Artist for theatres and companies across the U.S. including The Summer Conservatory at Memphis Playhouse on the Square, The Academy at Midtown Arts Center, and The Denver Center for the Performing Arts. Institutionally, He serves as a Board Member and Artist-in-Residence for City Voices - a community-centered nonprofit that provides free, high quality, individualized music instruction to underserved students in the Des Moines Metro area and Board Member of Sing For Your Seniors (www.singforyourseniors.org). Napoleon is a former member of the renowned Isiserettes Drill and Drum Corps who performed for both Inauguration Parades for President Barack Obama, and for President Joe Biden. Drake University (B.A. Theatre Arts, ’14). SNHU (M.B.A. Entrepreneurship, ’18). Phi Gamma Delta. Actors Equity Association. 

Noce is proud to present “Voix de Ville,” an original ever-evolving cabaret produced by Max Wellman featuring arrangements spanning from the 1920s to the 2020s. A modernized creation inspired by the vaudeville shows that ushered in the Jazz Age, Voix de Ville includes an elite jazz orchestra under the direction of Jason Danielson alongside drag & ballet professionals. The show opened in September of 2024 & will have an ongoing rotating cast of performers for a different show each week. Past shows have featured drag queens Tyona Diamond & Domita Sanchez, ballet professionals Amelia & Logan Hillman, Napoleon Douglas, & more. 

Noce presents a late night show hosted by a rotation of musicians every Friday night following the conclusion of the prime time show. No cover & happy hour prices at the bar! 

Son Peruchos, based in Des Moines, Iowa, is a fusion of Andean and South American folk music utilizing traditional instruments such as the zampona, quena and charango. This musical group also integrates their traditional Andean sound with more modern Latin and Caribbean rhythms such as cumbia, bachata and rock en español. --- Come to listen, or come to dance! 

The Des Moines Big Band, a storied ensemble that goes back to the 1950s, has played with some of the greatest names in jazz, from legends like Clark Terry to some of the more local household names such as Scott Smith. --- The band often invites high school & college groups in to play during the set break. The first Tuesday of every month, though, the band plays their own full night highlighting the work of a different iconic jazz artist or composer. 

Every Thursday night, Noce hosts an all night happy hour. Doors at 6, music 7-10pm, no cover all night! $5 green tea shots, $6 well drinks, $7 house wine, $8 specialty cocktails. Some of the top jazz musicians in the region are featured each week. 

Gina Gedler and company have teamed up to produce an evening of Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award winning vocalist Linda Ronstadt's music. Arguably the most versatile vocalist of the modern era, Ronstadt forged a four-decade career establishing herself as a powerhouse in pop, country, rock & roll, big band, opera, Broadway, Latin and Afro-Cuban influences. Gina Gedler's range perfectly fits the bill for this variety of styles, supported by her powerhouse vocals and undeniably charming stage presence. This performance is not to be missed! 

Noce is proud to present a new show from Lauren Vilmain featuring a full 10-piece jazz orchestra playing the arrangements of Brian Martin from some of Lauren's favorites along with some new tunes, ranging from Amy Winehouse to Kander & Ebb & more. This is a fully produced show for one of Iowa's great singers in one of Iowa's most beautiful rooms. --- Vocalist, Lauren Vilmain is a graduate of Drake University where she majored in vocal performance with a minor in musical theatre. In her studies she fell in love with both the thrill of live performance and the beauty of self-expression. While being classically trained, Lauren also dove into musical theater repertoire. After her studies she found a challenging and deep love for American Jazz music. Her repertoire ranges widely from Nina Simone, Melody Gardot and Madeleine Peyroux to blues artists like Lizz Wright, Tracy Chapman, and Eva Cassidy. She performs locally with NOLA Jazz Band as well as her Quintet and is proud to regular the Noce Jazz Club in Downtown Des Moines. Lauren is privileged to work with some of the best musicians in the state and to collaborate with them for her personal projects. 

Noce presents a late night show hosted by a rotation of musicians every Friday night following the conclusion of the prime time show. No cover & happy hour prices at the bar! 

For Cyrille Aimée, music is a way of life as much as an art form, setting her free to pursue her creative talents wherever the promptings of her diverse heritage take her. She has developed a remarkable multi-award winning, continent-spanning career as a singer, songwriter, lyricist, and educator, while always remaining true to her roots. She grew up in a multilingual household full of music where dancing was an everyday activity, sound tracked by the Afro-Caribbean rhythms of the bachata and merengue from her mother’s native Dominican Republic. The family home was in Samois-sur-Seine, the location of the Django Reinhardt Festival, one of the biggest annual gatherings of gypsy musicians in Europe. The teenage Cyrille would climb out of her bedroom window at night to mingle with the players, igniting a passion for jazz, and inspiring her with the idea of living within a global community of music, united in creativity and spontaneity, without limits or borders. By the time Cyrille was 20, she had already lived on four different continents. A spell in Santo Domingo was followed by a move to New York City, attending SUNY Purchase by day and moonlighting as a singer in the Manhattan jazz clubs by night. Her talents quickly gained her a reputation among her peers as a fearless, warm, witty improviser and a matchless interpreter of song: she performed and recorded with Roy Hargrove, stole the show in front of the notoriously hard-to-please crowd at the Harlem Apollo, and won a string of competitions culminating in First Prize at the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition. A contract with Mack Avenue Records, the home of many of the US premier league jazz artists, resulted in two highly acclaimed albums which attracted the attention of one of the premier league songwriters - Steven Sondheim. The musical theatre icon invited her to star alongside the legendary Bernadette Peters in an Encores Special Presentation tribute at New York’s City Centre in November 2013, backed by Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Centre Orchestra, which was hailed by the New York Daily News as “a revelation.” Her 2019 album Move On featured versions of Sondheim’s songs which received praise from Sondheim himself, and one of its songs, "Marry Me a Little", was nominated for a 2019 Grammy Award. Starting in 2020, she reached out into the digital realm via a string of YouTube video collabs with the pianist and jazz influencer Emmet Cohen, and their version of ‘La Vie enRose’ has been viewed more than 7 million times to date. At the height of her New York success, new horizons beckoned. A growing interest in sharing her vision of the interaction of spontaneity and creativity, and the importance of community, led to her developing her ideas into a TEDx Talk about the laws of improvisation and how they apply to life. A visit to New Orleans resulted in her falling in love with the city and moving there in 2017. NO’s unique mix of Latin, French and African-American Jazz heritage allowed her to fully explore all the sides of her own musical identity, freeing her to look beyond the constrictions of genre and to engage with her own inner creativity. Energized, unstoppable, in 2021 she bought a plot of land in the forests of Costa Rica, designed and built a house on it, and there in the calm of the forest started putting together material for a new project: songs drawn from her own life, encompassing every aspect of her journey so far. Linking back to New York to connect up all the dots, she teamed up with producer/multi-instrumentalist Jake Sherman, and together they have created her latest album, Grammy Nominated à Fleur de Peau. 

In only a few short years The NOLA Jazz Bands “gutsy and heartfelt” blues and jazz stylings has earned them a nationwide fan base. This 5 generation, 8 member group led by clarinetist Jeff Kane has played with some of the biggest movers and shakers in the New Orleans, Hot Jazz, and NYC Traditional Jazz scenes including: Bria Skonberg, Marla Dixon and Shotgun Jazz Band, Paul Mehling and Hot Club of San Francisco, Davina & the Vagabonds, and many others. Band members have also played in Europe and at well-known clubs in New Orleans and New York including the Spotted Cat, Bamboula’s, Iridium, and Smalls Jazz Club. 

In the latest innovative revue at Noce, Max Wellman and his big band highlight the works of Frank Sinatra, his contemporaries, and those that followed. Fly Me to The Moon features songs made famous by Harry Connick Jr, Michael Bublé, Dean Martin, and more. Wellman includes newly commissioned arrangements from some of today’s great Big Band arrangers; this new format will allow for an ever-changing, dynamic set list each time the band takes the stage. –––––––––– Vocalist Max Wellman continues to entice music lovers throughout the region, with a sound evoking Sinatra and Connick. Wellman’s recordings & performances proclaim that the Great American Songbook is alive and well for a new generation of listeners. Noce is a state-of-the-art jazz club (co-founded by Wellman) in the Western Gateway neighborhood of downtown Des Moines. In addition to performing at Noce, Wellman has appeared at some of the great clubs around the country, including Dizzy's Club Coca Cola at Lincoln Center, Andy's Jazz Club in Chicago, and Dazzle in Denver. 

Noce presents a late night show hosted by a rotation of musicians every Friday night following the conclusion of the prime time show. No cover & happy hour prices at the bar! 

Napoleon Douglas and The Dirty Lowdown, an elite funk band based in Des Moines, highlight Stevie Wonder, Luther Vandross, & more. --- Napoleon M Douglas is an International Actor, Teaching Artist, and Entrepreneur whose performance experience includes Stage Theatre, Film, Commercial, Voice Over, Instrumental Music, Dance, and Vocal Music among others. Theatre (selected): International - Simba in The Festival of the Lion King (HKDL); National - Louie in Mr. Holland’s Opus (World Premiere & Dance Captain - Ogunquit Playhouse); Joe Alves & Carl Gottlieb Cover in BRUCE (World Premiere - Seattle Repertory); Jimmy Early in Dreamgirls (2018 Ostrander Winner - Best Supporting Actor in a Musical), Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar (Arvada Center), NoMax in Five Guys Named Moe (Westchester Broadway), as well as leading and supporting roles in Hairspray!, Sister Act, Superior Donuts, A Christmas Carol, Miss Saigon, Romeo & Juliet, and White Christmas. TV/Film (Selected): Hulu’s WuTang: An American Saga (Co-Star), and Oscar Micheaux (Cannes Short Selection, Urban Film BET Short Premiere Selection - 2018). Educationally, Napoleon has worked as a Choreographer, Director, Music Director, Studio Voice Instructor, and Teaching Artist for theatres and companies across the U.S. including The Summer Conservatory at Memphis Playhouse on the Square, The Academy at Midtown Arts Center, and The Denver Center for the Performing Arts. Institutionally, He serves as a Board Member and Artist-in-Residence for City Voices - a community-centered nonprofit that provides free, high quality, individualized music instruction to underserved students in the Des Moines Metro area and Board Member of Sing For Your Seniors (www.singforyourseniors.org). Napoleon is a former member of the renowned Isiserettes Drill and Drum Corps who performed for both Inauguration Parades for President Barack Obama, and for President Joe Biden. Drake University (B.A. Theatre Arts, ’14). SNHU (M.B.A. Entrepreneurship, ’18). Phi Gamma Delta. Actors Equity Association. 

Vocalist/pianist Max Wellman along with local jazz musicians play standards from the end of Saturday night's primetime show (9:30 or 10:30) until 11:30 or midnight. --- Vocalist Max Wellman is enticing music lovers throughout the region. With a sound evoking the likes of Sinatra and Connick, Wellman’s recordings & performances promise that the Great American Songbook is alive & well for a new generation of listeners. Wellman co-founded Noce, a state-of-the-art jazz club in the Western Gateway neighborhood of downtown Des Moines. Additionally, Wellman has appeared at some of the great clubs throughout the country, from Dizzy's Club Coca Cola at Lincoln Center to Andy's Jazz Club in Chicago to Dazzle in Denver & many in between. 

The Des Moines Big Band, a storied ensemble that goes back to the 1950s, has played with some of the greatest names in jazz, from legends like Clark Terry to some of the more local household names such as Scott Smith. --- The band often invites high school & college groups in to play during the set break. The first Tuesday of every month, though, the band plays their own full night highlighting the work of a different iconic jazz artist or composer. 

Every Thursday night, Noce hosts an all night happy hour. Doors at 6, music 7-10pm, no cover all night! $5 green tea shots, $6 well drinks, $7 house wine, $8 specialty cocktails. Some of the top jazz musicians in the region are featured each week. 

Blake Shaw is an upright/electric bassist, composer & arranger, bandleader and private teacher. Shaw has played at festivals such as the main stage of the Iowa City Jazz Fest, Twin Cities Jazz Fest, 80/35, Camp Euforia, Summer Camp, Iowa Soul Fest, Iowa Stock Music Fest, Mission Creek and Grey Area. Influences come from various genres and instrumentalists with experience from jazz, rock, classical, bluegrass, to latin, funk, R&B, and anything in between. His main bass influences include Dave Holland, Christian McBride and John Clayton. Current bands Shaw books with include: The Blake Shaw Quintet, Thrio, Goose Town, PSA, Elizabeth Moen, River Glen, and The Clinton St House Band. 

Stéphane Wrembel is quite simply one of the finest guitarists of his generation. Renowned for his unparalleled breadth and depth as a musician, composer, and educator, Wrembel has spent over two decades shaping a sound that transcends genre and borders. Since his debut in 2002, he has released a steady stream of acclaimed recordings, establishing himself as one of the most distinctive and original guitar voices in contemporary music. ​ His live performances are celebrated worldwide for their virtuosity and emotional range. Wrembel has headlined stages at Jazz at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, The Town Hall in New York City, and the Lyon Opera House in France. He has performed and collaborated with musical luminaries including Jean-Michel Pilc, Sam Bush, Stochelo Rosenberg, Esperanza Spalding, and Al Di Meola. His festival appearances span the globe, from the Montreal and Monterey Jazz Festivals to the Django Reinhardt Festival in France, the Ellnora Guitar Festival, and Caramoor Jazz Festival. Internationally, he has toured across Canada, France, Israel, the UK, India, and Nigeria. ​ Born in Paris and raised in Fontainebleau—the birthplace of Impressionism and home of legendary guitarist Django Reinhardt—Wrembel began his musical journey on classical piano at age four. As a teenager, he discovered the guitar and became immersed in rock, particularly inspired by David Gilmour of Pink Floyd. “I had a classical background, a passion for rock music, and then I found out about Django,” he recalls. “I fell in love with the very strong impressionist feel in his music.” ​ Captivated by Reinhardt’s artistry, Wrembel immersed himself in Sinti culture, spending years learning from the masters of this living musical tradition. “I spent six or seven years going to the camps,” he says. “That’s how you learn this music—it’s specific to a culture. Music is not only the notes. Without the culture, something is missing.” He studied with renowned Sinti guitarists including Angelo Debarre and Serge Krief before moving to the United States to attend Berklee College of Music, where he graduated summa cum laude in 2002. ​ That same year, he released his debut album, Introducing Stéphane Wrembel, hailed by Vintage Guitar Magazine as “pure dazzle and dash, a stunning storm of notes that blankets the melody in a rain of arpeggiated tones.” After relocating to New York City in 2003, his reputation quickly spread among musicians and audiences alike. His early albums Gypsy Rumble (2005)—featuring mandolin legend David Grisman—and Barbes-Brooklyn (2006) drew critical acclaim. Woody Allen later selected Wrembel’s “Big Brother,” from Gypsy Rumble, for the 2008 film Vicky Cristina Barcelona. His fourth release, Terre Des Hommes (2008), further cemented his growing influence. ​ In 2003, Wrembel founded Django à Gogo, an annual music festival and guitar camp celebrating the art, culture, and evolution of Sinti-inspired guitar. The event has grown into a weeklong international celebration, bringing together some of the world’s finest musicians to perform at venues such as Carnegie Hall, The Town Hall and Symphony Space. Based in Maplewood, New Jersey and New York City, the festival has recently expanded with editions in Los Angeles, Canada, and beyond. Wrembel serves as its artistic director and driving force, nurturing the next generation of musicians through performance and education. ​ Wrembel’s global breakthrough came with his composition “Bistro Fada,” the charming waltz that became the theme for Woody Allen’s 2011 Oscar®-winning film Midnight in Paris. The song appeared on his fifth album Origins and on the film’s Grammy®-winning soundtrack. In 2012, Wrembel performed “Bistro Fada” live at the Academy Awards® alongside Hans Zimmer and an all-star ensemble. ​ He has continued to expand his artistic reach with each project. Dreamers of Dreams (2014) showcased his dynamic quartet, while two live recordings—Live in India and Live in Rochester (2016)—captured his deep rapport with audiences around the world. From 2017 to 2021, Wrembel released six volumes of The Django Experiment, recorded live in-studio with longtime collaborators Thor Jensen (guitar), Ari Folman-Cohen (bass), Nick Anderson (drums), and Nick Driscoll (saxophone/clarinet). These albums reimagined the music of Django Reinhardt and other composers through a modern lens, earning acclaim from DownBeat, JazzTimes, Acoustic Guitar Magazine, Guitar World, The New York City Jazz Record, and more. ​ In 2019, Wrembel produced Les Yeux Noirs, the debut album by Django’s great-grandson Simba Baumgartner, and released Django L’Impressionniste, a groundbreaking recording of 17 rarely heard solo guitar preludes composed by Reinhardt between 1937 and 1950. Wrembel spent four years transcribing and mastering these works, publishing them in a beautifully bound book of sheet music in 2021—the first complete collection of its kind. ​ Wrembel also composed the original score for Woody Allen’s 2020 film Rifkin’s Festival, starring Gina Gershon, Christoph Waltz, and Wallace Shawn. In November 2021, he introduced Django New Orleans, a nine-piece ensemble that fuses New Orleans brass and rhythms with the intricate guitar style rooted in his French heritage. The group’s debut at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Dizzy’s Club sold out eight consecutive nights, followed by Shades of Django in Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Rose Theater, which also sold-out multiple performances. In May 2023, Wrembel released Django New Orleans in conjunction with the Django à Gogo Festival. ​ In 2024, he unveiled Triptych—a three-part recording (Phases I, II, and III) with celebrated pianist Jean-Michel Pilc—earning glowing reviews in DownBeat, Guitar Player, and Acoustic Guitar Magazine. His forthcoming album, Django New Orleans II: Hors-Série, will be released on November 14, 2025, offering fresh interpretations of timeless classics alongside two new original compositions, including Wrembel’s debut as a vocalist. ​ Today, Stéphane Wrembel is recognized as one of the world’s preeminent guitarists and composers—an artist who transcends genre while honoring tradition. His music draws from jazz, classical, blues, flamenco, and rock, yet it coalesces into a singular sound: unmistakably, and only, Stéphane Wrembel. ​ “I just play my own music,” he says. “I like to believe that it is beyond any one genre and that there is something in it for everyone. It’s not only for Django lovers or jazz lovers—it’s for the music lover.” 

Noce presents a late night show hosted by a rotation of musicians every Friday night following the conclusion of the prime time show. No cover & happy hour prices at the bar!