Tag: Wayzata Musicales Concert Series

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.

The beloved Wayzata Musicales concert series is back, bringing world-class performances to the heart of Wayzata. After a highly successful inaugural season, the Woody Budnick-Chip Williams Fund and Blue Water Theatre Company have teamed up once again to deliver unforgettable musical evenings to the west metro.

Kicking off Season 2 on Saturday, November 9, at 7:00 p.m., is a performance by the renowned vocalist Erin Livingston. Known for her versatility in jazz, blues, and country music, Livingston is a familiar face at premier venues like Crooners and the Dakota. Her recent tribute to Helen Reddy wowed audiences across the Twin Cities.

With a ten-piece band behind her, Livingston has earned accolades not just for her stage presence but also for her work with senior centers and veterans’ homes. For her Wayzata debut, she’ll deliver timeless classics from the Great American Songbook—promising, in her own words, “songs with a twist… of lime!”

Joining her on stage will be pianist Dale Alexander and bassist Gary Raynor. Livingston is excited to support the Wayzata Musicales’ mission, saying, “I was inspired by the junior high and high school music programs that fed my love of music. I’m thrilled to give back.”

A Concert Venue Like No Other

The intimate setting of the Blue Water Theatre ensures a unique experience for concertgoers. Last year’s attendees couldn’t stop raving about it. Leigh Kallestad, a local resident, described the venue’s cozy ambiance and praised the acoustics, saying, “The connection between the performers and the audience was incredible—you could feel every emotion.”

Music with a Purpose

Proceeds from the concert series support both the Blue Water Theatre Company and the Budnick-Williams Fund, which aim to inspire and educate young musicians. Chip Williams, one of the series’ founders and a former Wayzata Schools band director, emphasized the dual mission: “We want to bring top-tier artists to the Wayzata community, while also nurturing the next generation of musicians.”

More Concerts on the Horizon

Following Livingston’s performance, the season continues with three more exceptional concerts. On February 1, 2025, Copper Street Brass will dazzle with arrangements spanning from Mozart to Madonna at Wayzata High School. Then, on April 5, 2025, Gypsy Mania “Hot Jazz” Quartet will bring their lively sound to Blue Water Theatre. The season wraps up on May 31, 2025, with Brad Olson’s One Man Band—a high-energy show you won’t want to miss.

Tickets for the event are available through the Blue Water Theatre Company’s website. Given the venue’s limited seating, early booking is recommended. For more information, visit www.bluewatertheatre.com or call 952-855-9147.

Get ready for another season of outstanding music, right in your own backyard!

After the success of its debut season, Wayzata Musicales is back for another round of headline performances, bringing top-tier musicians to the heart of the west metro.

Sponsored by the Woody Budnick-Chip Williams Fund in partnership with Blue Water Theatre Company, Season 2 of Wayzata Musicales promises a series of can’t-miss concerts.

The season kicks off on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, with vocalist Erin Livingston making her Wayzata Musicales debut. Known for her soulful voice, Livingston will perform a unique twist on classics from the Great American Songbook, accompanied by pianist Dale Alexander and bassist Gary Raynor.

In February, the award-winning Copper Street Brass will take the stage with a diverse program featuring their original arrangements spanning from Mozart to Madonna. Their concert on Feb. 1, 2025, at Wayzata High School, is expected to be a standout performance.

On April 5, 2025, the talented Gypsy Mania “Hot Jazz” Quartet will bring their French jazz flair to Blue Water Theatre. With over 16 years of experience, their high-energy performances have been known to keep audiences on their feet.

The season wraps up on May 31, 2025, with the one-man musical phenomenon Brad Olson. Olson, a multi-instrumentalist with over 40 years in the industry, will showcase his talents in a high-energy, dynamic show.

“When I dreamed up the idea of this concert series, I had two primary goals,” said Chip Williams, one of the series’ founders and a former band director in the Wayzata Schools. “First, I thought the Wayzata and west metro area would enjoy hearing some of the terrific artists the greater Twin Cities has to offer. Second, I wanted to support young people who want to be active in the Fine Arts.”

Proceeds from the concert series benefit both the Blue Water Theatre Company and the Woody Budnick-Chip Williams Fund, with the goal of inspiring and supporting the next generation of young artists.

Tickets for all Wayzata Musicales concerts are available through the Blue Water Theatre Company website. All concerts, except for Copper Street Brass, will take place at the Blue Water Theatre in Wayzata. Seating is limited, so attendees are encouraged to buy tickets early.

Concert Lineup:

• Erin Livingston – Nov. 9, 2024
• Copper Street Brass – Feb. 1, 2025 (Wayzata High School)
• Gypsy Mania “Hot Jazz” Quartet – April 5, 2025
• Brad Olson’s One Man Band – May 31, 2025

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Blue Water Theatre Company website or call 952-855-9147.