Caravan Gypsy Swing Ensemble is an instrumental group based out of Madison, Wisconsin. They are primarily influenced by the legendary Gypsy guitarist Django Reinhardt. The ensemble also pulls influences from jazz, swing, traditional Latin, Parisian waltzes, and other vintage-jazz sources. Expect a range of tunes from the "Hot Swing" repertoire, originals and classic tunes done in a uniquely arranged style.

The idea for Caravan G.S.E. started in early 2002 when Chris Ruppenthal, the group’s leader and an aspiring jazz guitarist, first heard a recording by the amazing child prodigy Jimmy Rosenberg. Jimmy, a Dutch Gypsy guitarist who played in the style of Django Reinhardt and the Hot Club of France, would continue to be a huge influence on Chris. He soon turned away from the American bebop style of jazz guitar to follow in the long shadow of Django and seek out fellow Gypsy Swing enthusiasts.

Caravan G.S.E. has performed on Wisconsin Public Radio’s "Higher Ground with Jonathan Overby" program many times and have become a favorite of the show. They have also performed live on Madison’s WMMM 105.5 FM ("Jonathan and Kitty in the Morning") and WORT 89.9 FM ("The 8:00 Buzz" and "Mud Acres"). They have been featured on various music television shows around Wisconsin including "Hear for Your Listening Pleasure," and three episodes of Janesville's JATV12's "Arts Live Show," one of which (June 4, 2004) received an award of merit from the Wisconsin Association of Public Access Channels.

In 2005 Caravan G.S.E. proudly shared the stage at Djangofest-Madison with Amsterdam’s Robin Nolan Trio. Later in the year Caravan G.S.E. joined the Clearwater Hotclub, Swing Gitan, and Harmonious Wail as part of the third annual Midwest Gypsy Swing Festival.