Southern California's foremost proponent of Gypsy Jazz Club Django will perform at the next evening of "Third Sundays" presented by The Diamond Valley Arts Council (DVAC). The program featuring music by and in the style of legendary Gypsy guitarist Django Reinhardt will take place 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 15 at the Esplanade Arts Center (EAC) in San Jacinto.
In the 1930s and 40s, Belgianborn Reinhardt developed his unique style of swing music, fusing elements of American jazz with indigenous French and gypsy styles. Django's music has been made newly popular in the past few years by its use in movies such as Chocolat by Lasse Hallstrom and Sweet and Lowdown by Woody Allen. What has come to be called "gypsy jazz" is still considered Europe's greatest contribution to jazz, and festivals worldwide pay homage to Django and the style he created.
The members of Club Django are Joe Jewel and Don King, guitars, Daniel Blank, violin, and Roger Shew, bass, who are respected and accomplished performers, recording artists and teachers. Prominent Club Django appearances have included the premiere concert in the Guitarra Del Mar Guitar Series in Pasadena and performances and lectures on the music of Django Reinhardt at the Jazz Guitar Festival at the State University of New York at Oswego. Club Django has also performed for the Whittier College Guitar Series and for Boatman/Summers Presents, as well as the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Pasadena, The Renaissance at Dana Point, and La Creperie in Long Beach. Their first CD release is in the works.
"Third Sundays" take place on the third Sunday of each month at the Esplanade Arts Center, located at 2181 W. Esplanade Avenue in San Jacinto and operated by the Diamond Valley Arts Council.
Visit www.theDVAC.org for more information, or to buy tickets, which are $20 in advance, or $25 at the door. Each ticket includes two glasses of wine, hors d'oeuvres, and the opportunity to enjoy the latest exhibit in the EAC Gallery.
Proceeds will benefit the various arts-related activities, events, and programs of the DVAC. Info is also available by calling 651-1964. Seating is very limited, so advance ticket purchase is recommended.
For more information about Club Django, v isit http:// clubdjango.com/bios.html for more information.
