An Evening of Gypsy Jazz at Mason District Park

Gypsy jazz group Le Hotclub de Biglick will perform tonight at as part of the Spotlight by Starlight summer concert series. The group’s performance marks the end of the summer series. The local musicians are proud to announce that they are the recipients of a grant from the Virginia Commission for the Arts for 2009-2011.

Learn more about tonight’s performance in this Q&A with band members Jeff Hofmann (bassist), Robert Casey (rhythm guitar/vocals), Scott Fore (lead and rhythm guitar) and Dan Adams (violin, melodica and arranger/composer).

What inspired you to pursue a musical career in 1930s gypsy jazz? 

Jeff Hofmann: It was a style of music I had heard for years and I always loved how it made me feel.

Robert Casey: I was introduced to Django's music about 10 years ago while playing in another band and have been smitten by the emotions evoked in his playing. Gypsy jazz is also a musical challenge that I will pursue until I can no longer play.

Scott Fore: I was inspired to play gypsy jazz because of the fire in the music and its similarity to bluegrass.  

How do you feel about being the final performance of the summer at the Spotlight by Starlight summer concert series?

Jeff Hofmann: I think this is a great way to end the season. We are really looking forward to the performance.

Robert Casey: It is an honor to play [there]. I have never been to [this] venue and am really excited about playing there.

Scott Fore: I am very excited to be performing at the Spotlight by Starlight summer concert series.  

Dan Adams: I am proud to be closing out the concert series and love the opportunity to play this music for new audiences.

Can you give us a sneak peek of what you have in store for concertgoers this evening? 

Jeff Hofmann: We will be doing our arrangements of classic jazz standards, some original songs which have a very "gypsy jazz" sound, some Django Reinhardt songs(the father of gypsy jazz), and some classic old-world gypsy songs that most people haven't gotten to hear yet. Very exciting!

Robert Casey: There are a few clips of our music on our website. If I had to sum up a performance, I'd say a "swinging fun time."

What do you love most about performing in Le Hotclub de Biglick?

Jeff Hofmann: I love that we can introduce this style of music to people who may not have gotten a chance to hear it. It helps keep this old art form alive. When you hear this music, it transports you in time. Also, the name of the group is a tip of the hat to Django Reinhardt's Le Hotclub de Paris. Our group is based in Roanoke, VA. "Biglick" is the old name for Roanoke, because of the salt licks. 

Robert Casey: The songs we play together. I also like it when we start and stop a song together. It is very important for a little orchestra to do that.

Scott Fore: The thing I love most about performing in the Hotclub is the interplay between the musicians and the exciting venues we get to play.

Click here to learn more about Le Hotclub de Biglick.

For last minute performance cancellations due to inclement weather, call 703-324-SHOW (7469) one hour prior to the program start time.

Wednesday, Aug. 31, 7:30 p.m.; Free
6621 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA; (703) 324-SHOW