Jazz performance to feature music of Django Reinhardt

PENSACOLA — Jazz Gumbo will feature Caravan performing the music of Django Reinhardt from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Sept. 18 in Phineas Phogg's, Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

The evening of gypsy jazz is free courtesy of long-time Jazz Pensacola supporter Christine Pfeiffer.

Caravan includes Kevin Lee, narrator; William Howell playing guitar; Clinton Hall playing guitar; Patti Easton playing violin; Joanna Hayes tap dancing and singing; Joe Occhipinti playing clarinet; Sean Dietrich playing accordian; Tom Latenser playing bass; and Fred Domulot playing traps.

Reinhardt was a Belgian-born, Romani-French jazz guitarist and composer, regarded as one of the greatest musicians of the 20th century. He was the first jazz talent to emerge from Europe and remains the most significant by far. After losing most of the control in two of his fingers in a fire in his youth, he modified his technique to overcome his disability and went on to forge an entirely new "hot" jazz guitar style, now known as gypsy jazz or jazz manouche and still a vibrant living musical tradition within gypsy culture in France and neighboring countries.

Reinhardt's innovations on the guitar completely revolutionized the instrument's potential, particularly within jazz, in which he elevated far above its prior position as a simple, often superfluous rhythm instrument.

While admission is free, gumbo tickets are $2. Hold onto admission tickets for door prize drawings. Attendees can also purchase 50-50 tickets for a cash drawing. The winner gets half, and Jazz Pensacola gets half to benefit its music program.

Jazz Pensacola is a non-profit organization of business and professional people, musicians, teachers, students and listeners working together for the purpose of advancing jazz music and education in Pensacola and the surrounding area.

Call 433-8382, or visit jazzpensacola.com for membership and information.

This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Jazz performance to feature music of Django Reinhardt