Pearl Django in Concert with Special Guests Douce By WICA - Langley Chamber of Commerce - Sat Jan 19 at 7:30PM   Pearl Django in Concert with Special Guests Douce Whidbey Island Center for the Arts presents “Pearl Django in Concert with Special Guests Douce Ambience” on Saturday, January 19, 2013at 7.30 pm. Pearl Django started as a trio in Tacoma, Washington in 1994. Their focus 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. An interview on NPR’s All Things Considered in 2001 brought the group to national attention. 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 11 CDs to date. The band members are Troy Chapman, Guitar; Ryan Hoffman, Guitar; David Lange, Accordion; Michael Gray, Violin; and Rick Leppanen, Bass. With a performance history spanning almost 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 Stephan Grappelli, its extensive repertoire includes traditional jazz classics and original compositions. 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 welcomes special guests Douce Ambience, a string trio of violin, viola and cello. They cover that wonderful and vast terrain that is best described as “Brahms meets Wayne Shorter”. Jazz standards, Brazilian choros, Musette waltzes, American fiddle tunes, and original compositions highlight their live performances. Their first CD will be released on January 19, 2013 during the WICA concert. Douce Ambience members are Gwen Franz, Michael Gray, and James Hinkley. Tickets are $22.50 and available by contacting the WICA Ticket Office (360) 221-8268 or (800) 638-7631.  Langley WA source categories: Tourism event syndication by Syndical