Caravan Gypsy Swing Ensemble

The group can perform in sizes ranging from Duo to Quartet! We use lead and rhythm guitarts, upright bass, and violin consistently. Clarinet and accordion are also an option depending on availabillity.

Band Members:
Chris Ruppenthal: Lead/Rhythm Guitar/Bandleader

Chris Ruppenthal is Caravan’s leader and musical arranger. He is also the group's primary writer of original music. Chris began playing jazz in an American bebop style of jazz guitar. Soon after hearing a recording by the young Gypsy Jimmy Rosenberg, his musical path changed forever. Chris’s style has become primarily influenced by the legendary Gypsy guitarist Django Reinhardt. Before perusing Gypsy Swing Chris founded and lead numerous successful American-style jazz groups of his own. They include the alternative jazz quintet Project, the bebop trio Troika, and later The Chris Ruppenthal Trio. He was also an early member of Destination Jazz, an adult educational jazz ensemble. Chris’s groups have been featured on numerous radio and television shows.

Chandler Fritz: Lead/Rhythm Guitar

Chandler Fritz has performed with the Chicago group Mudita, who has shared the stage with Cabaret, Mofro, and Tony Piscotti.

Kevin Tipple: Upright Bass Kevin grew up in Cedar Grove, Wisconsin, soaking in his parents' record collection of such diverse artists as Blood, Sweat & Tears, Chicago, Abba, various jazz and classical works, and the Muppets Christmas Album with John Denver.

He took up trumpet in sixth grade and was a passable band geek until his freshman year in college. He traded the horn for a Rickenbacker knockoff to join his younger brother's rock band. They were inspired by the likes of Geddy Lee and Chris Squire. Soon he was playing in the University of Wisconsin-Platteville's jazz groups. This led him to a summer cruiseship lounge job, and eventually to the upright bass he plays in Caravan.

Post-college work in computer science brought Kevin to Chicago, then Madison, where he delved into the local scene. He began by playing in the group Poor Charlie and recording bass for Tim Penn. Kevin has also been involved with the Madison groups The sQuids and Montankus. Kevin was in attendance at Caravan’s very first public performance at Madison Cigar and Spirits (now The Hemingway Lounge) long before joining the group.

Henry Delaney-Potthoff: Rhythm Guitar Henry has played numerous performances with Caravan and continues to be a valuable member of the group!

Ken Leiser: Violin Ken has been with Caravan since almost the beginning. He has composed originals for the group, and helped with the arranging of some of the material. His playing and contributions have been an asset.

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