Welcome!
I’m Tim Kliphuis, director of the Grappelli-Django Camps, which started in 2010. On August 20th, 2026, we kick off the next Summer Camp in De Beukenhof, Biezenmortel (NL)!
Our star guests: Sinti guitarist GISMO GRAF, Parisian violin ace AURÉLIEN GUYOT and Dutch Swing College Band star DAVID LUKACS on clarinet. Others will be made known in the next months, as well as the camp repertoire.
The Summer Camp is open to all levels and is based around instrument workshops, and ensemble lessons and features private lessons, instrument clinics and the Friday swing dance. If you prefer a smaller setting, sign up for the Winter Jam 2027 instead (signup opens Sep ’26), or send us an email to let us know your interest. The Winter Jam is based around ensemble workshops, and welcomes intermediate and advanced gypsy jazz players.
The tutors will perform their next Gypsy Jazz All Stars concert on 22 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 ’26
Thursday to Sunday
Aug 20 to 23, 2026
Winter Jam ’27
Thursday to Sunday
January 7 to 10, 2027
WHO
All violinists, guitarists and bass players.
We accept other instruments, too: clarinets, saxes, cellos, violas, accordeons, flutes, mandolins and lots more!
Europe’s leading Workshop Camp for Gypsy Jazz
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.
Jam & meet people from around the world
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.