Musical Group Velvet Caravan to Perform at Pepperdine

Georgia-based quintet Velvet Caravan will bring their high-energy showmanship and genre-mixing music to Pepperdine University's Smothers Theatre on Thursday, March 1, at 8 PM.

Originally an informal instrumental combination that routinely drew enthusiastic and loyal followers at restaurant and bar gigs, Velvet Caravan has since evolved into a respected and admired touring act that has become one of the shining lights of Savannah’s burgeoning music scene. The group has performed in venues ranging from nightclub residencies to featured guest appearances with small orchestras and full-sized philharmonic symphonies.

Rooted in the gypsy jazz, gypsy swing, and Latin swing styles, this unorthodox, acoustic-based quintet is comprised of violinist Ricardo Ochoa, keyboardist Jared Hall, bassist Eric Dunn, guitarist Sasha Strunjas, and percussionist Jesse Monkman, and takes pride in their non-traditional array of musical and cultural influences. Velvet Caravan’s eclectic style is the direct result of the diverse backgrounds of the band members, which include Georgia, Iowa, Massachusetts, Serbia, Texas, and Venezuela.

As a follow-up to their debut album Acoustic in Nature (2014), the band is currently writing and arranging original material for their second album, which they plan to record sometime in 2018.

Ticket prices range between $10 and $40, and are required for attendance. For additional information about the performance, and to purchase tickets, visit the Center for the Arts website.