Members of the group, which includes guitarist Page Mcginnis of Mill Creek, say their music is inspired by Django Reinhart, a French jazz guitarist in the 1930s.

"Reinhart, who was full of Gypsy, got horribly marred in a fire when he was 18," says Richard Daigle, guitarist and founder of the five-member band who lives in Sugar House.

Even though half of Reinhart's body had been burned and only two of five fingers remained on his playing hand, Daigle adds, the "cat" went on to become the greatest jazz musicians in Europe.

Reinhart's influence, and the instruments Red Rock Hot Club uses - three guitars, a bass and one violin - give the group a special sound that is not easily forgotten. While typical groups employ a drummer, Red Rock uses a rhythm guitar instead and its music ranges from Hungarian and Russian to American and gypsy jazz.

"Our music is very toe-tapping,"Daigle says. "It is sweet and lowdown, and everyone enjoys it. It's our goal to expose as many listeners as we can to this music that is filled with passion and spirit."

The group began six years ago via an Internet chat group, and The Red Rock Hot Club has been stringing and picking ever since.

"You could say we are a bit of vintage fashion mixed with high tech," says Daigle, who says the group uses specialized strings and picks that cannot be found at a "typical music store."

Charlie Ayers, a guitarist who has been with the group since its inception, says the guitars used in the music are "modern-day reproductions" resembling those made in the '30s and '40s by a company named Celmer. Ayers is an intermittent members who enjoys "playing with more experienced and accomplished musicians."

"Sometimes my schedule gets in the way," he says.

Ayers began his guitar stint in junior high. When he moved to Utah in 1988, he bought a new guitar and became interested in folk, pop and bluegrass music.

"But I've always loved jazz," he says.

The Red Rock Hot Club still retains most of its original players, who have played in venues throughout Idaho, Arizona and Utah.

The Red Rock Hot Club usually plays at weddings and corporate events but say they are eager to play other venues such as art festivals and summer concerts.

"We have our fun at dance events and things," says Daigle, who hopes the interest in Jazz bands will increase in Utah. "As it is, there is a lack," he said.

Still, gypsy jazz is growing.

"When we started playing a few years back there were no American festivals, just European," Ayers says. "Now we don't have to go so far. They come here."

When and where

* Future events are listed on the Red Rock Hot Club Web site: redrockhotclub.com. The group's 2005 compact disc, "Gyptology," can be purchased via the Web and heard on KUER 90.1 FM radio.