event Midwest Gypsy Swing Festival

Once again affirming that Madison, of all places, has a thriving gypsy-jazz scene, of all things, the two-day Midwest Gypsy Swing Festival showcases a couple of bands who admirably nurture the genre here in town, alongside some of its practitioners from around the world. Locals Harmonious Wail and Caravan Gypsy Swing Ensemble both have their own variations on the mix of American jazz and elegant Eastern European melody pioneered by Django Reinhardt. Guitarist Robin Nolan and his trio come all the way from Amsterdam to recast the old swing sounds with a more modern outlook, and Rumba Kings and guitarist Gonzalo Bergara even mix the day up with Latin-infused takes. Speaking of Latin, Alfonso Ponticelli And Swing Gitan also incorporate flamenco sounds, rounding out a diverse exploration of a genre that might seem narrowly defined to newcomers. See midwestgypsyswingfest.com for a more detailed schedule.

Once again affirming that Madison, of all places, has a thriving gypsy-jazz scene, of all things, the two-day Midwest Gypsy Swing Festival showcases a couple of bands who admirably nurture the genre here in town, alongside some of its practitioners from around the world. Locals Harmonious Wail and Caravan Gypsy Swing Ensemble both have their own variations on the mix of American jazz and elegant Eastern European melody pioneered by Django Reinhardt. Guitarist Robin Nolan and his trio come all the way from Amsterdam to recast the old swing sounds with a more modern outlook, and Rumba Kings and guitarist Gonzalo Bergara even mix the day up with Latin-infused takes. Speaking of Latin, Alfonso Ponticelli And Swing Gitan also incorporate flamenco sounds, rounding out a diverse exploration of a genre that might seem narrowly defined to newcomers. See midwestgypsyswingfest.com for a more detailed schedule.