Imagine Django Reinhardt jamming with Frank Sinatra, with a touch of Big Band thrown in. Those who love jazz of all eras will find an evening of bliss at the November Community Concerts presentation of Black Market Trust.

According to bassist Brian Netzley, the quintet plays everything from jazz standards to Gypsy jazz, personified by Django Reinhardt in the ’30s up to present-day guitar wizard Gonzalo Bergara.

The unusual name of the group prompts people to ask, “What does it mean?”

There’s no deep meaning or mystery in the name.

The group, four at the time, hadn’t really become a band yet, but when ABC put out a call for music for its series, “Happy Endings,” they wrote some music, were hired, and suddenly needed a name for the show credits, “like right now,” Netzley added.

Not wanting a boring name, they started throwing words around and came up with Black Market Trust.

“I wish we had a more interesting story,” Netzley said. “It doesn’t really mean anything.”

The original group consisted of Jeff Radaich, lead guitarist; Nick Coventry, violin; Brandon Laws, drums; and Netzley on bass. Then they added Kale Stiles on rhythm guitar, sax and clarinet. They all sing as well as play.

Radaich and Netzley grew up in southern California, listening to and playing rock and roll. Then someone gave Radaich a Gypsy jazz album. Meanwhile, Netzley had been playing jazz standards with a French man who introduced him to Django Reinhardt. Radaich and Netzley immediately fell in love with the Gypsy style of jazz. The two began playing with Gonzolo Bergara, an incredible Gypsy jazz guitar player, and played at festivals all over the world. After they recorded an album while playing with Gonzalo, people said, “You should start your own group.”

So in 2013, they added Coventry and Laws, and Stiles came on board just two years ago. Black Market Trust has played jazz clubs, listening rooms, theaters and performing art centers, as well as outdoor concerts and festivals. Netzley said they prefer the more intimate settings.

“We try to have an engaging show and get the audience involved,” he said, “and the larger, outdoor venues don’t allow us to do that.”

Their only Colorado gig to date was in Pagosa Springs. This tour will take them to Grand Junction, Loveland and the Denver area. They seldom, if ever, have time to see the sights or enjoy the town.

“It’s get to town, set up, do a sound check, play, go back to the hotel, leave after breakfast,” Netzley said.

The fun isn’t over when the music stops. The band will be available to chat with the audience afterward. Their new album, “Anything for You,” will also be for sale.

The concert is on Thursday, November 15 at Grand Junction High School auditorium. Doors open at 6:45 and the concert begins at 7:30. According to board member Wynne Bouley, people start filling the lobby very early. Seating is first-come, first served. Tickets are $25 each and can be bought online or at the door, if available. Season tickets are still obtainable for $70, which brings the cost per concert to less than $15. A bargain to be sure. To order online or to see the future concerts, visit www.communityconcertsgrandvalley.org.

Ticket giveaway!

Congrats to Shirley Atchley, our October tickets winner!

Visit BEACON Senior Newspaper on Facebook for a chance to win two tickets to see Black Market Trust on November 15. Winner will be notified by November 12.