Mishra's Dream

A gypsy jazz band from Antigonish is making its way to Halifax this week on the band members’ first tour together. Mishra’s Dream, a five-piece ensemble inspired by 1930s French guitarist Django Reinhardt and violinist Stephane Grapellie, just released its first self-titled debut album this month. The group’s music combines elements of Indian, Turkish, Romanian and Russian traditional music, and is mainly acoustic---borne out of the busking tradition and campfire performances that don’t allow for electrical needs. Members Graham Scott (accordion), Devin Ryan (double bass), Donald MacLennan (violin), Michael Dalton (rhythm guitar) and Rob Scott (lead guitar) began their time together doing just that---performing the music in its traditional sense, by busking around Antigonish. This month you can see their non-busker performances at either of two shows: Thu Aug 6 at Stayner’s Wharf and Mon Aug 24 at The Paragon Theatre. –Holly Gordon