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This event has been postponed until further notice.
Crosstown Arts presents The Cutaway Acoustic Guitar Series, a monthly concert series showcasing internationally acclaimed guitarists in partnership with the Little Rock-based Argenta Acoustic Music Series. September’s performance features Pearl Django in an intimate performance.
Tickets: $20
Doors at 7 pm | Show at 7:30 pm
With a performance history spanning more than two decades, Pearl Django endures as one of the most highly regarded Hot Club style groups working today. Although the band’s roots are firmly in the music made famous by Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli, its extensive repertoire includes traditional jazz classics and original compositions. Pearl Django has performed at festivals, dances, and nightspots throughout the U.S. and abroad. They have played at the prestigious Festival Django Reinhardt in Samois sur Seine and have been featured on NPR’s “All Things Considered.” The band’s signature style is marked by pristine and dexterous string work, colors of Bal Musette, the steady pulse of rhythm guitar, and an unmistakable swing that delights audiences of all musical sensibilities. Throughout the years, Pearl Django has cultivated a devoted and enthusiastic following and they continue to play to packed houses wherever they perform.
“Pearl Django play(s) gypsy jazz … and they do it with such verve, skill, and pleasure that they’re pretty much irresistible to jazz and non-jazz listeners alike.” — Seattle Weekly
“Pearl Django: The gypsy jazz of Django Reinhardt done to perfection!” — Paul de Barros, The Seattle Times
Members: Tim Lerch & Jim Char, Guitar; Michael Gray, Violin; David Lange, Accordion; Rick Leppanen, Bass
The group’s inception was as a trio in Tacoma, Washington in 1994. The focus of Pearl Django was, and is, to incorporate the music of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli with American swing music. They quickly expanded to a quintet, adding a violinist and a third guitarist. In 1999, along with the release of their third and fourth CDs, the group incorporated their own record label, Modern Hot Records. At about the same time, MHR signed a national distribution agreement with City Hall Records in San Rafael, California. The October 2000 release of Avalon put the group on the national map with seven weeks of Gavin top-forty airplay and current sales of over 17,000 copies. In May 2001, Pearl Django was featured on All Things Considered. In June 2002, Pearl Django performed at the prestigious Festival Django Reinhardt in Samois sur Seine, just outside of Paris, France. As of 2007 Pearl Django is working as both a quartet and a quintet (with accordionist, David Lange). All of the members are contributing original compositions to the band’s expansive repertoire. They have released 13 CDs to date.
“If Paris is the city of love, then Pearl Django’s music is the flirtatious accompaniment.”
— 6Moons.com, review of Under Paris Skies.
