Music At The Library: Gypsy Moon

Music At The Library: Gypsy Moon

Imagine yourself out on a cool night, swaying gently to the music, staring into the campfire beneath a Gypsy Moon. The San Marcos Public Library is pleased to host Gypsy Moon featuring guitarists Ray and Linda Sriro at a free concert on Thursday, January 22 from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Full of rhythm and romance, this music will soothe your soul and excite your senses. This year Ray and Linda will again be joined by Grant Mazak on the uke bass, and Mollie Fischer on cello.

As with last year at this time, this well attended library event is the kick off concert for Gypsy Moon’s appearance at the 12th Annual Django Reinhardt Festival at Arts Fifth Ave. in Ft. Worth January 23-25. The library’s concert style appearance affords the local audience a chance to hear and see the same show Gypsy Moon will be performing at the festival.

Ray and Linda Sriro fell in love with the music of Django Reinhardt and have been working hard to bring exposure to this fascinating and little known style of guitar. Forged by the work of Django Reinhardt – arguably the finest jazz guitarist of all time – Manouche, or Gypsy swing, is a fascinating blend of Gypsy virtuosity and American jazz. In 1930s France, this new ‘swing’ music had a profound impact on the local musical scene and although the music’s creator died in 1953, his music remains highly influential to this day. Django Reinhardt created a tradition which has been perpetuated and developed by many exceptional contemporary musicians.

Mollie Fischer was introduced to the cello at age 10 and felt an instant connection, most likely due to its rich and powerful, yet gentle tone. By age 16 she was studying privately and performing professionally. She also participated in competitions as a soloist, chamber musician, and within large ensembles in Missouri, Kansas, and New York City. Linda reports that she hadn’t been so touched by another performer’s talent in a long time. Ray feels that she takes Gypsy Moon to a place he calls celestial.

Grant Mazak has played guitar for over forty years and holds a degree in Classical guitar from Southwest Texas State University where he has been teaching guitar since 1994. Grant has experience in fingerstyle folk music, Christian music, rock, blues, heavy metal, and country and has worked with Grammy award winning artists, Terry Hendrix and Marc Benno, as well as Texas singer songwriter Randy Rogers. Grant has been interested in the music of Django Reinhardt for decades. You will be amazed at the full upright sound of his Uke Bass.

Gypsy Moon performs every 2nd and 4th Sunday for the Jazz Brunch at the beautiful Palmer’s Restaurant in San Marcos from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.   They are fast becoming popular with wedding planners and restaurants as well as private functions. The wedding season is drawing near and Gypsy Moon is now taking bookings for the spring and summer. For booking information call 512-396-7171. You can hear Gypsy Moon on their website www.gypsymoonguitars.com. For information on the Django Reinhardt Festival at Arts Fifth Ave. in Ft. Worth, visit the website at www.artsfifthavenue.com.