17/04/2025
I’m Tim Kliphuis, director of the Grappelli-Django Camps, which started in 2010. On January 8th, 2026, we kick off the next Winter Jam in De Beukenhof, Biezenmortel (NL)!
Our star guests will be made known in the next months, as well as the camp repertoire.
The Winter Jam focused on Ensemble playing and welcomes intermediate and advanced gypsy jazz players. If you are new to the style, sign up for the 2026 Summer Camp instead (signup opens Feb ’26), or send us an email to let us know your interest. The Winter Jam is based around ensemble workshops, and features private lessons, instrument clinics and the Friday swing dance.
The tutors will perform their next Gypsy Jazz All Stars concert on 10 January. Anyone can buy a ticket for this; participants’ tickets are included in their fee.
The Grappelli-Django Camps are dedicated to giving musicians of all levels, from beginners to (semi-) professionals, the best possible improvisation boost. An experience you won’t forget!
In memory of Max Bédouelle (1980 – 2021)
WHERE
Conference Centre De Beukenhof
Capucijnenstraat 46
Biezenmortel, The Netherlands
WHEN
Winter Jam ’26
Thursday to Sunday
January 8 to 11, 2026
Summer Camp ’26
Thursday to Sunday
Aug 20 to 23, 2026
WHO
All violinists, guitarists and bass players.
We accept other instruments, too: clarinets, saxes, cellos, violas, accordeons, flutes and lots more!
Grappelli-Django Camp was started by violinist Tim Kliphuis and guitarist Reinier Voet in Holland in August 2010. They had worked together extensively in the Fapy Lafertin Quintet and both had many years of teaching experience.
“Gypsy Jazz” is the style made famous by Parisians Django Reinhardt and Stéphane Grappelli in 1934. Their all-string jazz group is still seen as Europe’s biggest contribution to jazz history.
The aim of the camp is to offer a long weekend of world-class tuition for international players and help them get better year by year.
Jamming is an important part of the Camp, as this is your chance to try out things you have learned in the workshops. With around 20 nationalities participating each year, it’s also a great way of building friendships all over the world!
Grappelli-Django Camp does not audition. A basic command of your instrument is required. Entries are taken on a first come, first serve basis. The wide range of levels (beginner – intermediate – advanced) demands a dedicated teaching staff and good planning.
Level-based instrumental workshops are alternated with ensemble lessons where all levels meet, short private lessons, a guest clinic and, of course, guided and open jam sessions.
I finally conquered my fear of improvisation, and made a lot of new friends along the way!
Simone Vierstra
This weekend was such an eye-opener. The encouragement, the enthusiasm, the safe space to make mistakes, it was all there and I could thrive. I dared to.
Ieke Koopmans
Great event in a beautiful setting. Lots of nice people, great teachers, great jam sessions and fantastic venue.
Alan Gow
Inspiring tutors, an open atmosphere and lots of space to grow. Here, you find the right style, a heart-warming experience and friends for life!
Ann Vancoillie
A great gathering of people from all over the world who love this music! The common jam in the evening is a very important part of the camp.
Johannes Siepen
Jon Widerøe Harr