Christo's Novelty Combo presents a unique mixture of the Vaudeville era, novelty infused hot steel guitar and ukulele of the 1920s and 30s “Hawaiian Craze” and the swinging sounds of French jazz from the 1930s and 40s. Think Hot Hawaiian guitar meets Jazz à la Django!
The Combo's primary repertoire comes from Christo's “Antique Aloha” and “Café Allongé” records. They use that repertoire to present high energy eclectic shows. Christo peppers in historical anecdotes about the music presented to give it context.
Christo has had extensive performance experience in many settings including large music festivals, concert series, night club gigs, and private events. His Combo is equally as comfortable on the main stage as is is in an intimate living room house concert. Their unique sound is always met with rave reviews!
"The highlight of Make Music Madison 2021 for me was seeing Christo's Novelty Combo playing on the balcony of Bob Queen's house on Clemons Street. Chris' usual sharp guitar work was wonderfully supported in the new trio, particularly the bass player who took many engaging solos. Looking forward to hearing more from this band." - Terry O' - Diaspora
Christo's Novelty Combo can offer a full set of exciting highly varied string music, a set of classic Hawaiian music perfect for your next backyard luau, or a set of high class jazz that's perfect for parties and events!
Christo Ruppenthal - Steel Guitar, Jazz Guitar, and Ukulele
Gian Compuesto - Jazz Guitar
Forrest Evans - Upright Bass
Past Performance Highlights
Monroe Arts Center Concert Series - Monroe, WI
World Dairy Expo 2022 - Madison, WI
Strollin' Middleton Jazz Fest - Middleton, WI
Neenah Public Library Concert Series - Neenah, WI
Midwest Gypsy Swing Fest - Fitchburg, WI
Hüpeden's Painted Forest Concerts - Reedsburg, WI
Sugar Maple Concert Series - Madison, WI
Inscape Collective Concerts - Rockford, IL
Check Christo's Performance Calendar for Novelty Combo gig dates!
Here are some demos of my new band Christo's Novelty Combo. Check out some Hot Hawaiian guitar meets Jazz à la Django!
Django Reinhardt's "Nuages" on steel guitar from the Christo's Novelty Combo gig, at the Rockford Listening Room for the Inscape Collective Concert Series!
