Step back in time to Paris between the wars among the glitterati and literati at Django Reinhardt’s sizzling hot gypsy jazz club. Inspired by the 2011 Woody Allen movie “Midnight in Paris,” a secret portal leads to 1920s Paris — alive with literary legends, musicians and artists of Ernest Hemingway’s “moveable feast.”

Madison’s Caravan Gypsy Swing Ensemble, ranked among the world’s foremost traveling acoustic instrumental groups, will perform in the upbeat, European folk style of Romani guitarist Django Rheinhardt’s “jazz manouche.” The group also pulls influence from American Swing, Jazz, Latin, Parisian Waltz and other vintage jazz sources. Band member Greg Smith, who is also Madison Symphony’s bass clarinetist, has waived his appearance fee for the benefit of the MSO’s nationally-recognized Education and Community Engagement programs.

You’ll be provided in advance with a selection of characters you may come costumed to play: Edith Piaf? Maurice Chevalier? Ernest Hemingway? Couples may come as Zelda and Scott Fitzgerald — or any fabulous French flapper and dandy of the day. Or your own 20’s or 30’s style. Choose a favorite and vie for prizes in a swing dance off and costume contest. Members of the Riverside Swing Addicts will give a swing dancing lesson.

Prizes for the dance and costume contests include gourmet cooking instruction, a personal beauty day and private dance lessons. High-end providers include longtime supporters Vom Foss State Street, along with Southern California’s swanky Spa Ojai and Madison’s own ballroom champion Samantha Trinidad.

Ladies’ and gentlemen’s gifts bags, retailing at upwards of $300, feature a sampling of goodies from William Thomas Jewelers, American Girl, L’Occitaine, Velvet Waxing Studios, Galeries Lafayette, Virtuoso Preferred Paris, MMOCA Gift Shop, Hot String Swing Records, Steep and Brew West and The Pink Poodle.

Co-sponsor Paoli Schoolhouse is offering a special menu from award-winning Chef Luis Garcia featuring local heirloom vegetables; Beef Wellington with puff pastry, demi-glace and mushroom ragout; and a dessert of flourless chocolate cake.

Menu:  Dinner with wine

Sponsors:  Julie Ann Sipos, Paoli Schoolhouse Shops and Cafe

Location:  Paoli Schoolhouse Shops and Café, 6857 Paoli Road, Paoli

Dress:  In character

Cost:  $125 per person ($50 tax deductible)

Cap:  Limited to 20 Guests (Only 2 spots left!)

Menu:  Dinner with wine

Sponsors:  Julie Ann Sipos, Paoli Schoolhouse Shops and Cafe

Location:  Paoli Schoolhouse Shops and Café, 6857 Paoli Road, Paoli

Dress:  In character

Cost:  $125 per person ($50 tax deductible)

Cap:  Limited to 20 Guests