The Hot Club of San Francisco, performing on Sunday, February 13, 2005 at 3:00pm at the Algonquin Arts Theatre, is a Valentine gift that could have been chosen by Cupid himself.

Praised by Acoustic Guitar as "intricate, scorching, and (filled with) often brilliant solos," The Hot Club of San Francisco carries audiences back to the 1930's to the small, smoky jazz clubs of Paris and the refined lounges of the famous Hotel Ritz. Often called Gypsy Jazz, the music originated with Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli's Hot Club de France. Mr. Reinhardt was the first hugely influential jazz figure to emerge from Europe and Stephane Grappelli is known as one of the all-time great jazz violinists. Both were original members of the Quintette du Hot Club de France that became one of the pioneer groups of European jazz.

Ten years ago a new Hot Club emerged to carry on the style of this jazz of string instruments. The Hot Club of San Francisco stays true to the French club's use of violin, bass and guitars, but breathes new life into the music with innovative arrangements of classic tunes and original compositions. The band is a five-piece group driven by acoustic bass and two rhythm guitars. This is jazz that is sizzling and sassy, described as a melding of flamenco and swing. At times the music is sweet and lilting, at other times upbeat and downright danceable.

Under the direction of lead guitarist and founder Paul Mehling, The Hot Club of San Francisco has kept Gypsy Jazz flourishing in France, Mexico and in concert halls across North America. Rick Justice of the Charleston Daily Mail says, "the only thing missing from the evening was static from our old Philco radio. Sometimes a little static brings out the best of the best and that would be The Hot Club of San Francisco." This warm-up to Valentine's Day treat performs on Sunday, February 13 at 3:00pm. Tickets are $29 for adults and $25 for students and seniors. The Club will also give a one-hour program on Monday, February 14 at 10:30 am for students and seniors as part of the STAGE ONE series. STAGE ONE is a monthly music education and enrichment series that has been generously supported since its inception by the OceanFirst Foundation. Call the Algonquin Arts Box Office at (732) 528-9211 or fax (732) 528-3881 or e-mail info@algonquinarts.org. For directions to Algonquin Arts, located at 173 Main Street in Manasquan, go online at www.algonquinarts.org.

Algonquin Arts was founded in 1992 as a nonprofit corporation to promote and advance artistic, social, literary, education, and community theatrical endeavors in Central New Jersey. Algonquin Arts' outreach programs bring cultural and educational programs to schools, community centers, and long-term adult care facilities throughout Monmouth and Ocean Counties. Algonquin Arts nonprofit supporters include Gannett Foundation, Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, Holm Charitable Trust, Intercat, Inc., Johnson & Johnson, Manasquan Savings Bank, New Jersey Natural Gas, New Jersey State Council on the Arts, OceanFirst Foundation, PNC Foundation, Point Pleasant Boro Rotary, Target Stores, Todino Family Foundation, Tolchin Foundation, Verizon, Wachovia/BlueClaws Educational Winners Circle, as well as many generous individuals and local businesses.