International Festival: Swing into the past with LuLu Quintet’s sparkling hot club jazz
Shari Gasper
Put on your dancing shoes and get ready for a musical trip back in time to the 1920s, 30s and 40s as LuLu Quintet performs sparkling French and Romany “hot club” jazz at Overture Center’s 2024 International Festival, June 29-30.
“We play lively, quick-paced music that makes you want to dance,” said member Kate Zirbel of Madison.
LuLu Quintet, formed 10 years ago, is comprised of Zirbel on clarinet, Phil Schwinn on mandolin, Mark Kunkel on guitar, Simon Puleo on bass and Tom Klein on accordion. Both Zirbel and Klein also lead vocals.
The group’s “hot club” jazz blends elements of French musettes, which is the working-class dance music of the 1880s-1920s (which evokes for Americans the classic French café scene), Romany folk music and early American jazz. LuLu Quintet’s music is inspired by the Romany jazz guitarist and composer Django
Reinhardt.
“Reinhardt’s music holds a special place in the hearts of the French because when the Nazis took over France during WWII, they banned all forms of French nationalism. Django Reinhardt’s music came to stand in for French nationalism and resistance against the Nazis,” explained Zirbel. “His music is also a deep source of pride among the Romany people and certainly the most well known in modern times.”
Watch: Lulu Quintet's 2023 International Festival Performance
In the 1930s, Reinhardt’s Paris-based Quintette du Hot Club de France was among the first to play jazz that featured guitar as a lead instrument. Zirbel particularly enjoys playing Romany folk music because it is so evocative.
“It makes me feel connected to my grandma’s family, who were Romany,” she said. “But as a clarinetist, I also love early jazz. It is so much fun for me.”
The festival provides a meeting place for friends, a chance to meet new people and a showcase of diverse cultures.
“Through the International Festival, Overture Center provides a positive view of the world, a chance to expand what you know. People, especially children, may get their first exposure to new cultures and gain this happy understanding of how beautiful these different cultures are,” said Zirbel, who brought her own children many times when they were younger. “Plus, it’s so much fun!"
If you’d like to hear more music by LuLu Quintet this summer, you’ll likely find them performing around Madison and Milwaukee at parties, weddings, festivals and beer gardens. They also lead “hot club jam” sessions most Tuesdays at Leopold's Books Bar Caffè, welcoming players of all levels.
But first, join them at International Festival, a celebration of the rich cultural heritage within our community, featuring more than 30 free performances throughout Overture by artists who call Dane County home. Indulge in cuisines from around the world, browse stunning arts and crafts available for purchase, and learn about the many local businesses with global connections. Guests may participate in person at Overture or online for select livestreamed performances.
“Experience the joy!” said Zirbel. “The festival is a great opportunity to see beautiful performances. Life is short… take advantage of these simple sources of joy that remind you of how great life can be.”
LuLu Quintet performs on Saturday, June 29 at 10:45 a.m. and Sunday, June 30 at 2:45 p.m. in Overture Hall Main Lobby.
