I’m Tim Kliphuis, director of the Grappelli-Django Camps. Since 2023, we have a Winter and a Summer edition. On January 9th, 2025, we kick off the next Winter Jam in Beukenhof Biezenmortel (NL)!
Our star guest: violin and guitar wizard Tcha Limberger. Portuguese gypsy jazz guitarist Nuno Marino will be joining us for the first time. Other tutors to be confirmed are Caroline Bugala, Reinier Voet (gtr), Jort Terwijn (bass) and myself.
The Winter Jam is for those players who already have some jamming skills, NOT for total newbies: they should join in the Summer. Come work on your communication skills, arranging of songs and lots more!
The tutors will perform their next Gypsy Jazz All Stars concert on 11 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 ’25
Thursday to Sunday
January 9 to 12, 2025
Summer Camp ’25
Thursday to Sunday
Aug 28 to 31, 2025
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