“The Gypsy Mania concert was one of the most delightful and extraordinary concerts of the Jazz@StBarney's season! The remarkable technical facility of each of the players was matched only by the sheer energy and exuberance of the ensemble's performance. This is a group we'll want back again and again!”
- Jeff Whitmill, Director, St. Barnabas Center for the Arts


Gypsy Mania

  • Glen Helgeson
    Master world-beat guitarist
  • Gary Schulte
    Jazz violinist and
    Prairie Home Companion veteran
  • Jay Epstein
    Jazz drummer virtuoso
  • Steve Pikal
    Jazz bassist




  • “Gypsy Mania did a great job.”
  • Jessica Loucks,
    Hennepin Government Center Director

A spontaneous, vivid performance by some of Minnesota’s most stellar gypsy-jazz artists played in the Django Reinhardt French swing tradition of the 1930’s. Gypsy Mania features an exceptional stylistic dimension with prodigious improvisation – a group not to be missed.


The ensemble includes the unmistakable mastery of jazz violinist Gary Schulte, plus the diverse guitar styling of Glen Helgeson, and tasty, refined bass work by acoustic bassist Steve Pikal and accomplished jazz drummer Jay Epstein


Gypsy Mania Quartet is the creation of longtime bandleader and guitar stylist Glen Helgeson, who is known for pulling together the stars of the Minnesota music scene. Helgeson is an ambassador in the jazz tradition, bringing diverse world music styles to people, educating them in these traditions, and manifesting an unusual ability to write in those genres.


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Photos

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Press Kit

To book this group for your special event call direct: 763-360-7662


(Booking Information and Prices)

Download Press Sheets here:

Gypsy Mania info sheet (PDF 1)

Gypsy Mania b and bios (PDF 2)

Gypsy Mania Stage Plot (PDF 3)



Gypsy Mania Previus Venues (PDF 4)


“Gypsy Mania, Central Park, Roseville. It was amazing to see this kind of Minnesota musical talent, so dedicated to the fun and energy of 1930s swing jazz, carry on the tradition with such enthusiasm and skill”
- Al Don - Pick Six, Minneapolis Star Tribune

“The Gypsy Mania concert was one of the most delightful and extraordinary concerts of the Jazz@StBarney's season! The remarkable technical facility of each of the players was matched only by the sheer energy and exuberance of the ensemble's performance. This is a group we'll want back again and again!”
- Jeff Whitmill, Director, St. Barnabas Center for the Arts

“Gypsy Mania lifted the roof off on Saturday night with their astonishing skill, and the sheer joy and energy of the music. Wonderful!”
- Peg Guilfoyle, producer, Joyful Noise concert series

“Gypsy Mania Hot Club Quartet is the best in local jazz music! They had our audience totally engaged. The musicianship of this group is amazing. This group is great, I highly recommend them.”
- Sandy Nadeau, Executive Director, St. Cloud Symphony Orchestra

“Extraordinary jazz...many positive comments on the beauty of the music - your trio was instrumental in creating an enjoyable atmosphere which lead to the success of the event.”
- Joy Peterson Hubler, Hubler Family Business Consultants

“We enjoyed your music and you were a pleasure to work with... It was a beautiful evening along the waterfront and your music was a perfect match.”
- Roxanne Wightman, Director of Movies & Music on the Waterfront, Stillwater MN

“Your quartet's lively, smooth and beautiful music rivaled our Arboretum flowers. I cannot tell you enough how much we all enjoyed your music.”
- Ashley Fox, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

“Gypsy Mania did a great job.”
-Jessica Loucks, Hennepin Government Center director