Mississippi Hot Club is a gypsy jazz quartet of Minnesota natives—Joshua Parlanti, Alissa “Big Al” Jacobsen, Joseph Downing, and Ian Stenlund. Their name nods to the mighty Mississippi, the lifeblood river that runs through their Minneapolis hometown. With a deep passion for gypsy jazz (also known as jazz manouche or hot club jazz), the band highlights the signature style pioneered by guitarist and Roma composer Django Reinhardt in 1930s–1950s Paris. Staying true to Django’s unmistakable sound, Mississippi Hot Club delivers lively improvisation built on solo guitar, violin, upright bass, and the driving la pompe rhythm guitar. The group also stretches the tradition forward, weaving in modern twists and influences. In a live set, you might hear everything from romantic ballads and American jazz standards to European folk tunes and even science-fiction themes.

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Joshua Parlanti is the bandleader and lead guitarist. Trained as a classical pianist, he is a self-taught master guitarist, most notably in the style of Django Reinhardt. Joshua now works as a professional sound engineer and producer at Wild Sound Recording Studio.

Alissa “Big Al” Jacobsen is a force to be reckoned with. A farmer by day and a violin slayer by night, Big Al truly dazzles the crowd with her endless energy and syncopated riffs. You may also catch her playing bluegrass at the bar or a square dance at the local hall.

Joseph Downing grew up in a family of musicians in Northern Minnesota. Beyond playing bass like a total boss, he is a songwriter, guitar player, and tattoo removal specialist. He runs a motorcycle repair garage and has three dogs.

Ian Stenlund has been playing in bands of all genres for more than 17 years. In MHC, he “plays the drums on guitar” in the la pompe technique, which gives gypsy jazz its unique swing sound. By day, he owns his own business, delivering mobile saunas.