Gypsy jazz

This Hot Club has nothing to do with punk rock, South Street or David Carroll. Nope. Far from it. Instead, The Hot Club of Philadelphia is all about that potent Gypsy jazz patented by Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli in the 1930s. With only the use of his fret hand's first and second fingers, Belgian guitarist Reinhardt and his French violinist buddy Grappelli turned the cabarets and cafes of Europe on their frappe with a "sweet and lowdown" sound that was rhythmically ferocious, mind-blowingly fast and melodically precocious. Be it a haunting ballad or speeding swing number ("Minor Swing" is their anthem) Reinhardt/Grapelli's Hot Club of France—notoriously inspired by Philly guitarist Eddie Lang and violinist Joe Venuti—was the height of continental elegance. Philly's Hot Club picks up where that one left off.

"This music is jazz for people that don't necessarily like jazz," says local guitarist Barry Warhoftig of his band. "It's fast and unpretentious and swings like mad with a touch of Gypsy fire." Along with ace Django-mates Mark Campiglia (fiddle/vocals), Rich Yescalis (rhythm guitar) and Jim Stager (stand-up bass), Warhoftig's been doing this band for three years, rapidly flailing and strumming his guitar like it owed him money, in dedication to the memory of Reinhardt and Grappelli. "We're dedicated to keeping this music alive, and to expanding the fan base for Gypsy jazz," says Warhoftig. "But in reality, we play this for the sheer joy of it." It shows.

Sat., Jan. 7, 4-8 p.m., free, The Westin, 99 S. 17th St., 215-563-1600; Thu., Jan. 12, 7-10:30 p.m., $5 suggested donation, Café Habana, 102 S. 21st St., 215-561-CUBA, www.hotclubphilly.com.