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Tickets on sale for ‘Paris’

 

The Sebastiani Theatre s gearing up for an evening of music, entertainment and poetry with a Parisian twist on Monday, Feb. 11, at 7:30 p.m. Northern California gypsy jazz band Rue Manouche will return for its popular “One Night in Paris” fundrasing event to benefit the historic theater.

 New this year, guest artist Christina Strohe, a jazz pianist and vocalist, will take the stage.

 To understand the music, you must first appreciate its history. Hailed as one of the greatest guitar players who ever lived, Django Reinhardt was foremost among a group of gypsy guitarists working in and around Paris in the 1930s through the ’50s. Reinhardt and his companions used the classic gypsy style melded with American jazz to create a new sound. The six musicians of Rue Manouche bring their own version of that classic style to the Sebastiani. 

 Michel Saga, a French blues singer and actor, is the lead vocalist who also plays the Orgue de Barbarie, an instrument from the 19 century. Jeff Magidson plays the gypsy rhythm guitar; Paul Mehling plays bass and Isabelle Fontaine is an accomplished vocalist and guitarist. The band also includes Evan Price, a respected jazz violinists and David Miotke, an accomplished accordionist.

 Reserved seating tickets are $25 and can be purchased in Sonoma at Readers’ Books or at the Sebastiani Theatre by calling 996-9756.

All of the wine bar sales and 50 percent of the ticket sales will benefit the Sebastiani Theatre Foundation, whose mission is to preserve and enhance the classic theater.