BENNINGTON- The wild and crazy guys (and gal) of Caravan of Thieves bring driving gypsy jazz rhythms, dazzling vocal harmonies, and fantastic, theatrical stories to Vermont Arts Exchange’s Sage Street Mill on Saturday, May 5. This Basement Music Series concert begins at 8 pm, doors open at 7.

Touring its brand new third album, “The Funhouse,” the Caravan channels pop bliss through its trademark lock-tight, turn-of-the-century, bang-out-a-beat-on-anything-that-can-take-it approach, challenging listeners to close their eyes and taste the bacchanalia.

The Caravan began with husband and wife acoustic duo Fuzz and Carrie Sangiovanni (guitar, vocals, various percussive “instruments”) writing and performing together. “It started as a romantic, bohemian vision of a couple making music, performing on the road, in parks, venues, traveling around and avoiding responsibility as much as possible,” says Fuzz.

In 2008, the Sangiovannis extended their family to include fiery violinist Ben Dean and double-bass madman Brian Anderson, and the quartet soon won praise for its unique blend of gypsy swing and popular music. With the debut of its full-length album “Bouquet” (2009), a collection of dramatic and satirical tales, the Caravan built an interactive stage set of percussive junk and the touring troubadours took their newly animated show on the road. The Caravan connected with audiences on each of these diverse bills, engaging with folk, pop, rock and jazz audiences of all ages, as highlighted on its sophomore album, “Mischief Night” (2010). This live recording of one sold-out 2010 show in Fairfield, CT, captures the Caravan’s most outrageous and engaging on-stage antics, favorite original compositions, and unexpected cover-song reconstructions.

Merging street performance, high-energy gypsy jazz, found-object instrumentals, the nostalgia of the 1930s swing era, and sharp-witted sarcasm, the Caravan creates happy-sounding pop songs with pretty harmonies, dark thoughts, and creepy characters. Performances are theatrical and humorous, musical and intense. The Caravan entertains, dazzles, and defies classification while welcoming the spectator to join in momentary fits of claps, snaps, and sing-alongs.

Advance tickets are $18 at brownpapertickets.com or by calling (800) 838-3006; a small processing fee will be charged. Tickets are $22 at the door on the day of show on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information about Caravan of Thieves visit caravanofthieves.com. For more information about Vermont Arts Exchange, the Basement Music Series, exhibits, classes, and workshops, contact VAE at (802) 442-5549 or visit vtartxchange.org.