Ensemble keeps Reinhardt music, memory in public eye

In whatever dimension he is lurking these days, the late Gypsy guitarist Django Reinhardt, a legend in the swing era, probably is smiling broadly whenever Madison’s Caravan Gypsy Swing Ensemble plays a set.

These instrumentalists claim Reinhardt as their primary muse. However, they also drink deeply from the musical wells of jazz, traditional Latin sounds, vintage Parisian waltzes and more.

The quartet members are veterans of the 2005 Midwest Gypsy Swing Festival, the Isthmus Jazz Festival, WORT Block Party, Djangofest Madison, the Art Fair Off the Square and other music extravaganzas.

The band will play on campus Friday, Dec. 9, as part of the Memorial Union’s “Behind the Beat” series. Things start to roll at 4 p.m. in the Rathskeller, free and all are welcome. For more information, call 262-2215 or e-mail music@union.wisc.edu.