Seattle gypsy-jazz quintet Pearl Django heading to Spokane

When it comes to Seattle institutions, it doesn’t get much better than Pearl Django.

What began more than 20 years ago as a way to incorporate the music of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli with swing has since grown to also feature jazz classics and original works.

In those 20-plus years, the Hot Club-style, gypsy jazz quintet has delighted audiences both near and far (Canada, France and Iceland).

Earlier this year, the band took home the Earshot Jazz Society of Seattle’s Golden Ear Award for Northwest Acoustic Jazz Ensemble of the Year.

Pearl Django – guitarist Jim Char, violinist Michael Gray, accordionist David Lange, bassist Rick Leppanen and guitarist Tim Lerch – released its latest album “With Friends Like These” last year.