Local gypsy-swing band takes on Jackie O’s stage

Jackie O's Brewery is hosting Coolville Hotclub's CD release party this Saturday from 8-11 p.m. Snacks will be provided by Restaurant Salaam.

The Coolville Hot Club, based in Athens, first got together to play music inspired by gypsy-jazz musicians, Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli. According to a release, the band's name comes from the original band formed in the 1930s by Reinhardt and Grappelli: The Quintet of the Hotclub of Paris.

"Many modern-day players of this kind of music have their own adaptation of that name. There's the Hotclub of Detroit, the Hotclub of San Francisco," said Mark Burhans, violinist for the band. "I thought the name 'Hotclub Sandwich' would be pretty cool, but it was already taken. 'Coolville Hotclub' identifies us regionally, besides being a cool name all by itself."

Guitarists Jeff Carr and Art Werger have played together for many years; violinist Mark Burhans joined them in 2005, and upright bassist Michael Sisson signed on in early 2007. Emily Singer, Burhans daughter, began singing with them in 2008.

"She's really the star of the band," Burhans said. "Of course, I'm biased, but everybody who hears her is blown away by her singing."

For more information on the release party or the group, contact Mark Burhans at (740) 707-1518 or swingfiddle@gmail.com