IF YOU GOWhat: The Gypsy Hombres in concert.When: 7:30 tonight.Where: The Arts Center, 320 N. White St., Athens, Tenn.Admission: $15 adults, $8 studentsPhone: 423-745-8781.Website: www.athensartscouncil.org.
Nashville-based string trio The Gypsy Hombres will perform tonight as part of the Black Box Concert Series at The Arts Center in Athens, Tenn.
The acoustic trio of Peter Hyrka (violin), Rory Hoffman (guitar, accordion) and Jason Oettel (upright bass) blends traditional jazz with European, South American and classical music to create a sound with a lively, gypsy-flavored spirit. Equally at home with Chopin, Gershwin and Ellington, the Hombres feature original arrangements of standards that incorporate their signature riffs and melodies.
The Hombres are favorites on the Nashville scene, and their high level of musicianship has led each to work with an international cast of musicians on various projects as arrangers and session musicians. Their influences range from Stephane Grappelli to Chet Atkins, seasoning their original compositions with fresh sounds.
The Nashville Symphony Orchestra commissioned composer Conni Ellisor to write a piece incorporating the Hombres' original songs, melodies and riffs in a tribute to the legendary gypsy guitarist Django Reinhardt. The Gypsy Hombres were featured musicians on this recording, which was broadcast on NPR.