Our 150 Most Interesting People who have Graced our Stage list continues with Stephane Grappelli who was a French jazz violinist, best known as a founder of the Quintette du Hot Club de France with guitarist Django Reinhardt in 1934. After a tough childhood due to the conditions of World War I, Grappelli began playing violin at the age of twelve and enrolled at the Conservatoire de Paris to learn his craft. Grappelli would begin his career in the streets of Paris busking full time to support himself. Grappelli bounced around and eventually was exposed to jazz which drew his attention greatly, leading him to play with more jazz-oriented musicians. Then in 1931 he met gypsy jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt and his career took off from there. In the beginning most of his performances were centered around London and Paris, but post World War II he would start touring the world. On occasion he would tour still with Reinhardt, but mostly it was with his bands. In the 1970s he would join forces with Yehudi Menuhin (another name you will see on our list of 150) to collaborate on duets mixing Menuhin’s classical training with Grappelli’s jazz. Grappelli would continue to tour up until his death in 1997. Grappelli left behind a large discography and his career earned him a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and induction into DownBeat Hall of Fame. Stephane Grappelli performed at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall on three occasions; 5/18/1983, 4/29/1984 and 9/21/1996. All three concerts drew large jazz crowds to the Music Hall for their chance to see this legend live. On his final visit, at age 88, he drew rave reviews with one reviewer claiming that “Grappelli delivered a performance that was nothing short of wondrous … and inspiring, too.” Grappelli ran his trio through the American popular songbook that night with some of the highlights coming via Cole Porter’s “I Get a Kick Out of You” and an ebullient encore of “Lady Be Good.” “As vibrant, fresh and fluid as a mountain creek in springtime, Grappelli’s talented fingers and his resolutely young spirt overcame the limitations of his body” exclaimed the local review. It was clear at his advanced age; that he was not going to disappoint any of the patrons in attendance. Check the comments for some of the archives we found! (fb)

Box Office Hours Update: As we are in our intermission phase during construction, our Box Office hours will be changing. We're happy to assist you on Mondays from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, both in person and over the phone. For the rest of the week, feel free to leave us a message—we’ll get back to you as soon as we can. 518-273-0038 When exciting new shows go on sale, the Box Office will be open and ready to help. Thank you for your patience and continued support! (fb)