Posted by: Kim_Hamilton on 08/11/2008 02:06 PM
Updated by: Kim_Hamilton on 08/19/2008 10:53 PM
Expires: 01/01/2013 12:00 AM
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Gypsy Swing Music Closes The Summer’s Music in the Parks on Wednesday August 20th!
Arnold, CA....The band Swing Gitane, a quartet from the Sonora Area, will close out this summer’s “Music in the Parks” series presented by the Calaveras Arts Council. As usual, the last concert is in Arnold at the Cedar Center Amphitheatre starting at 6:30 pm on August 20th. Bring your own picnics and chairs and your friends to this free performance.....
Swing Gitane plays acoustic swing music. Comprised of two guitars, violin and stand-up bass, Swing Gitane’s music often has a European Gypsy twist because many of their tunes are inspired by the great European gypsy guitarist, Django Reinhardt. Reinhardt was an illiterate nomad with a handicapped left hand and an undisputed musical genius in the 1930’s and ‘40’s before he died in 1953. His “hot club” group mixed French musette styles, the American jazz repertoire with the exciting rhythms of his Gypsy roots.
The infectious syncopation and nuttiness of 1930's swing-era music, mixed up with the enchanted sounds of fingers flying on acoustic stringed instruments will transport you to a time when Parisian cafes and music clubs were the places to be. Playing lead guitar is Ralph Ashmead, violin bow maker from Tuolumne who started with studying classical guitar in the mid 70's but is primarily self taught. He started learning jazz and swing in the mid 90's. On rhythm guitar is Dan Krynytzky, architect from Murphys. Matt Nesper is on bass and he’s a Sonora radiologist. Rick Barlow, violin, spent many years in Colorado playing old-time fiddle. Since 1984, he's concentrated on swing styles.
A major sponsor of this concert is Mark Twain St. Joseph’s Hospital which has a full-service Family Medical Center located in Arnold. To reach Cedar Center, go east on Highway 4 to downtown Arnold. Turn north on Oak Circle and look for the park in the middle of the ”horseshoe.”
The Calaveras Arts Council extends a big thank-you to all the folks who have supported their musical efforts this summer. The crowds were huge and generous with their contributions, according to Penny West of the council. For more info, call (209)754-1774.
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