Imagine yourself in the idyllic French countryside in the 1930s. Sometime before dark, a gypsy caravan sets up camp in a field outside of town, luring the locals out for an evening’s fun. The wanderers travel with a film projector, pointing it at the side of a barn. As the images flicker to life beneath the stars, gypsy musicians play their guitars and fiddles, matching every movement on the screen with characteristic virtuosity, passion and humor. Reviving this lost entertainment, The Hot Club of San Francisco presents Cinema Vivant, an evening of vintage silent films accompanied by live Gypsy swing, at the Tryon Fine Arts Center.

Cinema Vivant is a celebration of imagination and innovation. Described as “the most cohesive and entertaining Gyspy swing band in the United States (San Francisco Chronicle),” The Hot Club of San Francisco perfectly captures the unmistakable sounds of Gypsy swing—music so resonant and powerful you can’t help but move. Watch as the band creates a live soundtrack as silent films are screened on stage right beside the performers.

The Hot Club of San Francisco’s unforgettable performance, Cinema Vivant, will happen one night only on October 1 at 8 p.m. Tickets are available at tryonarts.org or by calling 828-859-8322.

Cinema Vivant is sponsored by Pacolet Milliken Enterprises, Inc. The 2016-2017 Main Stage Series is sponsored by Parsec Financial.

Season tickets are also available now. The 2016-2017 Main Stage Season kicks off with Cinema Vivant on Oct. 1 and continues with Jackie Tohn on Nov. 12; Nnenna Freelon and the John Brown Trio on Dec. 10; Sierra Hull on Jan. 14; George Winston on March 25; and J. Mark McVey on April 22.

– article submitted by Marianne Carruth