17/04/2025
I’m Tim Kliphuis, director of the Grappelli-Django Camps, which started in 2010. On August 28th, 2025, we kick off the next Summer Camp in De Beukenhof, Biezenmortel (NL)!
Two star guests: young guitar wizards Gwen Cahue (France) and Fanou Torracinta (Corsica). They are part of a new generation of gypsy jazz artists forging their own sound and compositions – really inspiring! Our violin faculty is amazing: from Seonaid Aitken (Scotland), to Caroline Bugala (France) and much in between. And on bass a brand new tutor: the young Simon Osasuna (Spain) who is making waves on the traditional jazz scene!
The Summer Jam welcomes all players, also those new to gypsy jazz. We have a special intro workshop group for these whether you are a Melody player or Guitarist. Basses get one-on-one time with their tutor and a preferential spot in the Jams!
The tutors will perform their next Gypsy Jazz All Stars concert on 30 August. 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
Summer Camp ’25
Thursday to Sunday
Aug 28 to 31, 2025
Winter Jam ’26
Thursday to Sunday
January 8 to 11, 2026
WHO
All violinists, guitarists and bass players.
We accept other instruments, too: clarinets, cellos, 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.
Great musical weekend with a lot of nice people. Great tutors and a fabulous learning experience.
Tim Saul
Musical inspiration, camaraderie and fun!
Chris Denley
Great event in a beautiful setting. Lots of nice people, great teachers, great jam sessions and fantastic venue.
Alan Gow
I finally conquered my fear of improvisation, and made a lot of new friends along the way!
Simone Vierstra
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