In a town that loves its music, few things are as exciting as a night of live jazz, and this April, Wayzata Musicales is set to deliver a performance sure to have toes tapping and hearts soaring. The Gypsy Mania Quartet, a renowned Twin Cities-based ensemble, will take the stage at Blue Water Theatre on Saturday, April 5, for an evening of high-energy, improvisational swing jazz in the Django Reinhardt tradition.
Gypsy Mania, known for its signature blend of Roma-inspired melodies and American swing, has been captivating audiences for over 16 years. The quartet boasts an all-star lineup: jazz violinist Gary Schulte, world guitarist Glen Helgeson, jazz bassist Steve Pikal, and drummer Jay Epstein, each bringing a lifetime of musical expertise to the stage. Their ability to blend virtuosity with spontaneity ensures that no two performances are ever quite the same.
“Gypsy Mania Hot Club Quartet is the best in local jazz music! They had our audience totally engaged. The musicianship of this group is amazing,” states Sandy Nadeau, Executive Director of the St. Cloud Symphony Orchestra.
Organized by Chip Williams, a longtime advocate for fine arts education, Wayzata Musicales was launched to bring professional musicians to the west metro while supporting young artists. The concert series benefits the Blue Water Theatre Company, a local youth theatre group, as well as the Budnick-Williams Fund, which provides scholarships for Wayzata High School students pursuing music studies.
“When I dreamed up the idea of this concert series,” says Chip Williams, “I really had two primary goals. First, I thought the Wayzata and west metro area would enjoy hearing terrific Twin Cities artists. Second, as a former band director in the Wayzata Schools, I wanted to support young people involved in the Fine Arts,” states Williams.
For those unfamiliar with Gypsy Jazz, think Paris in the 1930s, where Reinhardt and violinist Stéphane Grappelli pioneered a new kind of swing, blending the music of Roma culture with traditional jazz. That same spirit lives on in the Gypsy Mania Quartet, whose lively, intricate performances have earned rave reviews across Minnesota.
The event begins at 7:00 p.m., and with no intermission, the 75-minute set promises to be an uninterrupted journey through one of jazz’s most dynamic and evocative styles. Tickets are available now through the Blue Water Theatre website, with pricing set at $26 for adults, $21 for seniors, and $16 for students.
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Whether you’re a longtime jazz aficionado or just looking for a unique night out in Wayzata, this is one show you won’t want to miss. As Williams puts it, “We’re bringing world-class music to our backyard. Come out and enjoy it.”
For tickets and more information, visit https://bluewatertheatre.com/tickets.
