About this Event
Exotica Tribute to Dizzy Gillespie with Skip Heller’s Voodoo 5
Step into a moonlit world of tropical jazz, tiki-lounge glamour, and mid-century musical imagination as Skip Heller’s Voodoo 5 presents Exotica Tribute to Dizzy Gillespie.
This is not your average jazz tribute. This is Dizzy reimagined through the lush, cinematic lens of exotica: shimmering vibes, hypnotic Latin rhythms, dreamy steel guitar textures, island mystery, and the sophisticated swing of a vintage cocktail lounge. Think jazz club meets tropical paradise—where bebop brilliance drifts through bamboo shadows, glowing lanterns, and the sound of faraway places.
Led by guitarist, composer, producer, and bandleader Skip Heller, Voodoo 5 brings a deeply stylish and highly musical approach to the exotica tradition. Heller is known for his wide-ranging work across jazz, roots music, rockabilly, country, soundtrack music, and vintage-inspired lounge sounds. A true musical historian and craftsman, he has built a career exploring the rich corners of American music while bringing fresh life to classic styles.
Skip Heller’s Voodoo 5 captures the golden-age exotica spirit with a modern, masterful band sound. Featuring lush arrangements, exotic percussion, evocative melodies, and the sultry vocal presence of Lena Marie Cardinale, the group channels the world of Martin Denny, Les Baxter, Arthur Lyman, and classic hi-fi lounge records—while giving the music its own bold, contemporary edge.
For this special performance, the band pays tribute to the legendary Dizzy Gillespie, one of jazz’s most electrifying innovators. Known for his unmistakable trumpet sound, puffed-cheek playing style, Afro-Cuban influence, and bebop genius, Dizzy helped change the course of jazz forever. In the hands of Voodoo 5, his musical legacy becomes a transportive exotica journey filled with rhythm, color, style, and imagination.
Expect an evening of world-class musicianship, vintage atmosphere, tropical elegance, and jazz adventure. Whether you are a serious jazz fan, a tiki culture devotee, a lover of mid-century lounge, or simply looking for a one-of-a-kind night out, Exotica Tribute to Dizzy Gillespie is designed to sweep you away.
Come sip in the atmosphere, lose yourself in the groove, and experience Dizzy Gillespie like you have never heard him before.
About Skip Heller
Philadelphia-born guitarist, composer, arranger, producer, and bandleader Skip Heller has spent decades exploring and preserving the rich musical traditions of American popular culture.
A versatile musician and respected music historian, Heller's career spans jazz, Klezmer, rockabilly, vintage exotica, country, and classic American roots music. His deep appreciation for the sounds of the mid-20th century has made him a distinctive voice in the world of vintage musical performance.
Throughout his career, Heller has worked with an extraordinary range of artists, including Yma Sumac, Ray Campi, Sammy Masters, and Big Jay McNeely. He has also composed music for film and television, including Dexter's Laboratory and The Flintstones: On the Rocks.
Reserve your seats today!
Venue
Spirit Animal, located inside Hotel Zoso, is Take Five’s premium live entertainment venue — formerly Pretty Faces Nightclub and Sirocco — reimagined as a retro-inspired psychedelic supper club. Featuring state-of-the-art sound and lighting, comfortable table seating, and a non-smoking environment, Spirit Animal was built for immersive dinner-show experiences where music hits deep and the vibe runs strong.
Event Details
- $40 Food & Beverage Minimum
- Doors open at 6:00 PM | Show starts at 7:00 PM
- Full bar available
- Paid valet parking available, plus free street parking nearby
- Seats are held until showtime. Please arrive early.
Our shows frequently sell out, so we recommend securing your seats early. If seats are not selected at checkout, the best available seating will be assigned. To choose your own seats, please select BUY ON MAP — any seats shown in color are available; grey seats have already been purchased.
Please arrive early. Reserved seats are held until showtime and may be released once the show begins.
Tickets are non-refundable.
Event venue & nearby stays
Spirit Animal, 150 South Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, United States
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.