Local gypsy jazz group Montana Manouche is set to perform for Bozeman during the month of January. The quartet will present “The Life and Music of Django Reinhardt” in the Bozeman Public Library’s Community Room as part of the Library’s Exploring the Arts program on Monday, January 25th at 7pm.
Django Reinhardt was a Gypsy guitarist who was Europe’s most famous jazz musician during the 1930s, inventing a style of music that came to be called “gypsy jazz.” The program will feature performances of Django Reinhardt’s compositions along with the fascinating history behind his music, enhanced with a Powerpoint presentation. Montana Manouche began in 2012. Ray, Nancy and Dave started jamming on gypsy jazz tunes and decided to do some gigs. Bassist Jerry joined shortly thereafter. They often add vocalist Ann, who got on board in April 2013. The group does a few original tunes, but their repertoire largely focuses on those recorded by Django Reinhardt, Stephane Grappelli, and the Hot Club of France. This music was very popular in the 1930s, and has enjoyed a worldwide resurgence in recent years.
They’ve performed at concerts, weddings, private functions, fundraisers, restaurants and coffee houses. Following its outdoor concert in July 2014, the Bozeman Public Library Foundation said, “We had a fantastic turnout for Montana Manouche outside on the lawn at the Library on a lovely summer evening. And it’s no wonder–their music is enjoyable for all ages with its feel good, toe-tapping, sophisticated, yet fun for all, sound! They are a pleasure to watch and Ann Dickensheets is a pleasure to hear!” Local resident Gary Gannon said, “My wife and I organized a French-themed summer party and invited lots of good friends. We had heard Montana Manouche play in town and invited them to play for our party. This was a great move. The music was spectacular and provided a fantastic background to the event. All our guests were very impressed and pleasantly entertained with their wonderful music.
This is a great group that would make Django Reinhardt proud. We are lucky to have such a great group here in Montana.” To learn more about Montana Manouche, go to montanamanouche.com/ or visit their official Facebook page. •
