Hot Club of Detroit Swings into Town September 8 for Jazz at Five 2010 Finale

Hot Club of Detroit will make its Jazz at Five debut September 8 for the final performance of Jazz at Five 2010. The jazz quintet features bandleader Evan Perri on guitar, Andrew Kratzat on bass, Paul Brady on rhythm guitar, Julian Labro on accordion, and Carl Cafagna on saxophone. Also joining Hot Club of Detroit is special guest Connie Evingson on lead vocals.

Perri's father was a professional jazz guitarist who encouraged his son's interest in music, first through the piano at age four and eventually the bass and guitar. His first interest in gypsy swing came after reading that Jerry Garcia was a fan of Django Reinhart, the gypsy guitarist who led the Hot Club of France in the 1930s and 40s.

Once I heard 'Honeysuckle Rose' that was it—the guitar didn't sound like anything we hear in the United States," Perri explained. "At the time no one had heard of gypsy swing and a jazz band without a drummer interested me." Perri sold his electric guitars and saved up to buy his first gypsy-style guitar, which was modeled after Reinhardts' Selmer Maccaferri. He then founded the Hot Club of Detroit in 2003 with fellow Wayne State University classmates.

Hot Club of Detroit, which is both a tribute to and an evolution from Reinhard's original, has released three albums, most recently It's About That Time in April 2010. The album features arrangements from each member showcasing the diversity of the band. "We took a lot of risks and worried we would lose our loyal fans," Perri said. "But we have received great feedback from all parts of the world and are playing new gigs."

TDS: The Exclusive Headline Sponsor of Jazz at Five

It doesn't get any better than sitting on State Street on a summer night, drinking a cold beer from Capital Brewery, and listening to jazz. Sound good? Then join us August 11 as we kick off the 17th season of Jazz at Five—once again bringing free live jazz to the heart of downtown Madison.

This non-profit music series in Dane County would not be possible without the generous support of our headline sponsor, TDS Telecom. For the past eight years, this provider of innovative voice, Internet, and entertainment services has sponsored headliners like Ben Sidran, Gerri DiMaggio, Jan Wheaton, and the Suzanne Grzanna Quartet.

"We've been sponsoring Jazz at Five for so long people think it is our event," said Bill Martin, Strategic Account Executive for TDS. The company also sponsors a table for potential and current clients to join in the fun. The result? Several companies have chosen TDS over competitors, in part because of TDS' generous support for a free community event like Jazz at Five.

Martin has been with TDS for 13 years; he was appointed as Strategic Account Executive five years ago. His main task is talking to new customers and providing exceptional customer service to 25 large accounts, including Promega and CUNA. Fortunately, the recession has not caused TDS to cut back on contributions to Jazz at Five and other organization such as the Overture Center, Madison Mallards, and United Way. In addition, TDS indirectly supports organizations throughout Dane County by offering its employees paid hours to do community service.

Jazz at Five is thrilled to have TDS as headline sponsor again this year. But, TDS can't do it all. We need more sponsors to fulfill our goal of bringing national acts to Madison.

If your company is interested in becoming a sponsor, please visit Support Jazz at Five or email us for more information.

Free Live Jazz—Right in the Heart of Downtown Madison

Jazz at Five performances take place on our outside stage at 100 State Street—at the top of State Street in Madison, Wisconsin.

This is a prime location in downtown Madison, just steps away from some of the capital city's best restaurants, bars, hotels, and attractions.

Additional details:

• Each performance begins at 5:00 PM and runs to approximately 8:00 PM.
• Parking is available for $5 maximum after 6:00 PM in any cashiered city ramp, several of which are located within walking distance of the Jazz at Five stage.
• We encourage fans to bring chairs or to rent one for $2 from the Information Tent. You can also experience Jazz at Five in style by reserving a table.
• A variety of food is available from local providers along with award-winning beer from Capital Brewery (all beer proceeds are donated to Jazz at Five).
• Jazz at Five is conveniently located near the Overture Center, where performances will be held in the event of rain. For weather updates, we encourage you to sign up for the Jazz at Five mailing list.

Jazz at Five: A Downtown Madison Tradition

Jazz at Five, now entering its 17th season, is a downtown Madison tradition. Each year the series consistently provides exceptional free jazz concerts in a stunning locale—the 100 block of State Street, where State Street meets the Capitol Square. When the sun is shining and the music is flowing, there is no better place to be than at Jazz at Five.

In addition to the special setting, Jazz at Five features the best local, regional, and national jazz talent. That's why Jazz at Five is one of the most important free, non-profit cultural music series in Dane County.

But, don't take our word for it. Instead, watch our video to hear jazz fans explain in their own words why they love Jazz at Five.

Jazz at Five is a production of Jazz at Five, Inc., a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. All donations to Jazz at Five are tax deductible.