Occidental Gypsy

Internationally renowned, Occidental Gypsy plays an exhilarating blend of gypsy, jazz, and folk music that enraptures listeners with a complex acoustic sound, burnished by smooth vocals reminiscent of the first era of swing. The band’s pioneering approach to gypsy music pays homage to Django Reinhardt and expands the genre to include elements of Western (Occidental) sounds and rhythms, including blues, klezmer, and Latin.

Occidental Gypsy’s original compositions are deeply complex and are often considered a natural evolution of Reinhardt’s sound. The band’s energetic shows have garnered it fans among the most discerning musicians and new gypsy lovers alike. Occidental Gypsy’s performances include original music and classic covers from their latest album 44070. Eli Bishop, Occidental Gypsy’s violinist who is a featured soloist on many of the compositions, was awarded a Guinness World Record for being the world’s fastest clapper, a talent that clearly informs his stellar and lively violin playing.

The band has performed to packed houses at the Green Mill, the Jazz Kitchen, World Cafe Live, Old Town School of Folk Music, the Bluebird Cafe, the Ark, and many other venues. In addition, Occidental Gypsy has shared the stage with greats, including Rickie Lee Jones, Jorma Kaukenen, Stanley Jordan, Joe Sample, and David Bromberg, who also said, “These guys have great singing, fantastic guitar and violin work, and high-energy originals that leave the crowd crazy. An awesome band.”

More information about Occidental Gypsy can be found on the band’s website.

The views expressed by performers during this event are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Cleveland Museum of Art.