Grammy Award-winning guitarist John Jorgenson, the “U.S. ambassador of Gypsy Jazz,” will perform with the John Jorgenson Quintet at Penn State Behrend on Thursday, April 13. The performance, which is part of the Rhythms of Life Series, will begin at noon in Bruno’s Café, in the Reed Union Building.

The Jorgenson Quintet grew out of the group's respect for Django Reinhardt, the Belgium-born “hot-club” jazz guitarist who performed “Minor Swing,” “Brazil” and “I’ll See You in my Dreams.” Although centered on guitar, the group also features solo clarinet and bouzouki.

Jorgenson has performed with Bob Dylan, Elton John, Billy Joel, Bonnie Raitt and Earl Scruggs. He won a Grammy Award in 2009 for his work on “Cluster Pluck,” an instrumental that also featured Brad Paisley, Vince Gill and Albert Lee.

The Rhythms of Life Series is sponsored by Penn State Behrend’s Office of Educational Equity and Diversity Programs and the Student Activity Fee. The series features a variety of music, dance and storytelling from all regions of the world. To learn more, visit the Rhythms of Life webpage.