Members

Central Illinois now has an authentic Gypsy jazz band, John Miller and the Romaniacs. This is hot club jazz fashioned after Django Reinhardt and the Hot Club of France.

The Romaniacs’ repertoire includes classic Django tunes, modern Gypsy jazz and romantic French musettes. The fare includes some light humorous vocals, a la Freddie Taylor. The band swings hard and creates lots of fun for the listeners as well as the performers. Gypsy Jazz is happy romantic music with universal appeal. The Romaniacs’ performance guarantees good times and good feelings.

John Miller a.k.a. Babu Manouche:

John is a long time Central Illinois guitarist whose resume includes stints with Dobie Gray, Cab Calloway, Bob Hope, Tom Jones, and most recently Sally Weisenberg. “The passion, emotion, and pure organic sound of this music really speaks to me..... it’s the most fun I’ve ever had playing,” says John, jazz guitar instructor at Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois.

Joe Park a.k.a. Fulvio Manouche:

Joe is a protege of Babu Manouche and founding member of the Bug Dance Rhythm Band. He is a staple in the acoustic music scene in Central Illinois.

He may or may not be disguised with a fake moustache. His hard swinging driving rhythm makes the music come alive. “Fulvio was my inspiration for this project,” says Babu.

Tim Brickner a.k.a. Bam Bam Manouche:

Tim has been an in demand contrabass player for the past fifteen years. He has played with many popular groups and artitsts throughout Central Illinois such as The Heatersons, Scotty And The Ligonaires, Kevin Hart, Joe Metzka, Dave Hoffman, and the Bug Dance Rhythm Band. “No one else could swing this hard,” say Babu and Fulvio.

For more information, contact:

jmromaniacs@gmail.com
309.637.3115
309.202.2455
309.645.9977