Django in Chicago ?

Jazzaferri

Hi All

I will be in the Chicago area for the first two weeks in June

Is there anything of note or interest in the Djangoworld? Jams, people to hear, etc etc. I won't have my guitar but I will be picking up another sax so I wont be without instrument.

jay

Passacaglia

Jay, Alfonso Ponticelli plays a weekly gig at Capone's old hang, the Green Room, though it looks like he's heading to a fest in Middle Ca. after week 1 in June. Here's his page.

Adrian Holovaty also has a page on Chicago GJ. Hasn't been updated in awhile, but might be helpful.

You probably know Michael Bauer hails from Chicago - and I'm sure he's dialed in.

Have fun. I don't miss the size of my old digs (prefer bucolic green over concrete gray for our lad), but do badly miss the access to music.

Jazzaferri

Thanks Paul

Looks like a real Mecca. I am sure I will catch Alphonso

Passacaglia

Jealous!

Have fun, Jay.

sfishman59

I recommend seeing Alfonso as well, he had a Gypsy/flamenco night that I had a fantastic time at. Also, though there has been some controversy lately surrounding it, there is a Gypsy Jazz guitar store called Caravan Guitars that might be worth your while if you get bored.

Of course, no store is comparable to Michael's fantastic collection

Passacaglia

sfishman59 wrote:

I recommend seeing Alfonso as well, he had a Gypsy/flamenco night that I had a fantastic time at. Also, though there has been some controversy lately surrounding it, there is a Gypsy Jazz guitar store called Caravan Guitars that might be worth your while if you get bored.

Of course, no store is comparable to Michael's fantastic collection

I find Alfonso's flamenco influences to be out of this world. Very fond memory of a late night few years back, at the Green Mill. Closed the night, with a sonic, and celestial, Dark Eyes. In between, tons of guitar drumming and astounding flamenco flames.

I've only had one experience with Caravan, and despite that experience, well - I know I'm not perfect ( :shock: ), and everyone can have an off day. The jams they regularly host are a service to us all. I do think it's great they are doing what they do, and wish them success - as I do everyone trying to make a living sustaining this music.

Jazzaferri

A couple of years ago I took a class with Alfonso at DFNW. I ended up the only student that day, maybe first day I think, anyway we had a blast for a couple of hours and bought him and Tony dinner that night.

I had forgotten that he is based in Chicago. I have FBd a message to him. Gad this memory thing sucks as I get older. Hopefully Tony will be playing violin, he has such a wicked sense of humor and a vast arsenal of jokes.

Passacaglia

Jazzaferri wrote:

A couple of years ago I took a class with Alfonso at DFNW. I ended up the only student that day, maybe first day I think, anyway we had a blast for a couple of hours and bought him and Tony dinner that night.

I had forgotten that he is based in Chicago. I have FBd a message to him. Gad this memory thing sucks as I get older. Hopefully Tony will be playing violin, he has such a wicked sense of humor and a vast arsenal of jokes.

Jay, what a blast. I love Tony as well. Hate to tell you, but the man has flown the coop and resettled in California, as I understand it. Not to worry, another violinist is now playing with Alfonso and Co., and at the moment I really regret forgetting his name as he's a great player, IMHO (saw them at our local fest, few months back). I do miss seeing Tony, though - soulful, lyrical playing with screaming chops to boot, great guy. Glad he's apparently thriving in my native land (yes, I'm actually from S. California). 8)

Loritmo

Tony Ballog is not with Alphonso and Swing Gitane anymore?! What a pity. He and Alphonso were incredible at DFNW a couple of years ago. That seems to explain the billing for Djangofest Mill Valley: "Alphonso Ponticelli with Tony Ballog" instead of "Swing Gitane." And here I've been hoping to get back to Chicago for a visit and see them play at the Green Mill....

Lorretta

Jazzaferri

I am saddened to hear that, as I really love his playing. However, I will still enjoy Alfonso. Tough act to follow Tony though.

Passacaglia

I hope I'm not giving out wrong info, a friend of mine is a luthier, who has done some work for Tony, and he first told me. Alfonso did say he was in Ca., when I saw him at the Midwest thing.

Yep, agreed. Alfonso and Tony are both incredible artists.