Ranger & The Re-Arrangers with Libor Michalak

Gypsy Jazz Clarinet Concert

Ranger and the ‘Re-Arrangers’ evoke the spirit of a Paris cafe and the raucous energy of a Gypsy campsite with their version of Gypsy jazz.

Spearheading the band is RANGER SCIACCA, who began playing violin at the age of six. A chance encounter with a CD of violin jazz ignited Ranger’s interest in the music of Joe Venuti, Stuff Smith, Stephane Grappelli and Django Reinhardt.  His mastery of his instrument and natural feel are impossible to miss in their contagious live shows.

“Our goal is to make this a really fun event, with amazing musicians on a variety of instruments.”

At the heart of their sound is Ranger Sciacca’s sweet violin playing… his sense of melody and daring improvisations”. – World Rhythm Webzine
The band also features MICK NICHOLSON, who played bass for 11 years with the US Navy Band in Washington, D.C. He has toured extensively throughout the world, and has performed for three sitting presidents and countless heads of state.

Percussionist JEFFREY MOOSE was born in Mexico and raised in West Africa. He is loved by fans for his creative, high-energy percussion and playful vocal performances.

MIKE SCIACCA  is Ranger’s father, and has been backing up Ranger on rhythm guitar for over 15 years. Ranger and Mike are descended from Sicilian immigrants, who played jazz in New York at the start of the 20th century.

LIBOR MICHALAK is one of Vancouver BC’s top players on clarinet and saxophone. He attended the Toronto School of Music, began performing jazz in 2005, and now leads a Django-style jazz group, Swing2Beat. He’s also a frequent guest with other Vancouver gypsy jazz groups. The Re-Arrangers met Libor at the annual Djangofest NW event, where he became one of their favorite musicians to jam with–they are very excited to bring him to Bainbridge Island for the first time!