The Rimrock Hot Club, and Route 66

The Rimrock Hot Club, and Route 66

On Friday, June 8 the Basin Arts Center and Security State Bank will host the first-ever Gypsy Jazz Festival featuring two of the hottest Gypsy Jazz groups in the Northwest: The Rimrock Hot Club, and Route 66.  Security State Bank hosting a reception at 6 p.m. in the BCAC Ballroom is sponsoring this free Gypsy Jazz Festival with the music starting at 7 p.m. for all to enjoy!  Donations to the BCAC are welcome!

“Gypsy Jazz is a style of jazz that originated back in the thirties and forties, pioneered by legendary guitarist Django Reinhardt and violinist Stephan Grappelli,” says Ron McClure, founder of the Lovell duo Route 66. “It’s Gypsy dance music fused with American Jazz and Big Band Swing.”

In recent years Gypsy Jazz has seen an amazing resurgence in popularity, both in Europe and America. “I think it’s due to the energy of the music,” says McClure. “People love listening to hot acoustic guitar and violin players. It’s the kind of music that kicks, without being deafening. Plus, people can dance to it.”

The Billings based Rimrock Hot Club is a gypsy jazz ensemble that was formed by Alex Nauman who is originally from Basin.

“Alex is probably the hottest guitarist in Billings,” McClure says. “His acoustic gypsy playing is truly amazing.”

Their group features two guitars, bass, violin and percussion, and their repertoire includes everything from tunes by Reinhardt and Grappelli to jazz standards and modern pop.

Route 66 is a duo featuring Ron McClure on guitar and vocals, and Emelyn Pimentel on rhythm guitar and string bass. Their sets include acoustic Parisian gypsy jazz, 30s and 40s swing music and the songs of Nat King Cole. For the past five years Route 66 has been the house band in the Speakeasy Restaurant, located in the basement of the Historic Greybull hotel.

“The atmosphere at the Speakeasy is perfect for our style of music,” says McClure. “There’s something special about playing in antiquated surroundings, which is one of the reasons we’re looking forward to performing in the Basin Arts Center. It should be a very swinging experience for everyone, and I hope there’s enough space for people to get up and dance.”

Security State Bank Reception is at 6 p.m. in the BCAC Ballroom followed by the free concert at 7 p.m.  For more information contact Jennifer @ 568-9346.  The Basin City Arts Center is a nonprofit organization developing and supporting the arts in our community.