April 2 ~ Club Luncheon ~ Concert in the Park Preview!

Django Shredders, jazz guitarists Alex Ciavarelli and Rudy Marquez, demonstrate exuberant energy and a virtuosity beyond their years when they perform “The Life and Times of Django Reinhardt”. Regarded as one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century, Belgian jazz guitarist Reinhardt has inspired songwriters and performers worldwide for decades. In a compelling exploration of the late master’s legendary music as well as the music of those he influenced, Ciaverelli and Marquez trace the story of the rise of the “gypsy jazz” style and sound Reinhardt established.

San Diego natives, Marquez and Ciavarelli met while undergraduates in the jazz studies program at San Diego State University. Their mutual interest in Reinhardt led them to develop this fascinating program which shares their joy in his music, as well as some of the history behind it. Together the two have toured the Southwest, including performances at Django Vegas and at the San Diego Gypsy Jazz Festival. In January they had a nine-concert residency at the Sonoma County Libraries. While in Northern California they also appeared as part of the “Center on the Go” concert series at the Grass Valley Center and the Bothwell Arts Center in Livermore. This summer they are back in Las Vegas and have tours to Iowa and Arizona in the Fall.

Well-versed in all styles of jazz, as well as rock and pop, Ciavarelli performs solo and with his band throughout Southern California at various clubs and venues. He has been a featured guest artist at Concerts in the Park on Coronado Island and in Balboa Park, as well as at the Kyoto Prize Gala. Originally eager to become a rock and roll musician, Marquez instead ended up studying classical guitar before discovering his passion for jazz. He played in a gypsy jazz group at SDSU called Hot Bananas and performs with a jazz organ trio.