The Grappelli Django Camp in the Netherlands

Discover the Incredible Grappelli Django Camp in the Netherlands

If you’re a fan of gypsy jazz, chances are you’ve heard of the Grappelli Django Camp in the Netherlands. This annual musical event is an exciting celebration of the iconic jazz style created by legends Stéphane Grappelli and Django Reinhardt.

A Dive into the World of Gypsy Jazz

The Grappelli Django Camp is more than just a music festival. It’s a unique opportunity for musicians and gypsy jazz enthusiasts to come together, learn, share and play together. Participants come from all over the world to immerse themselves in the enchanting atmosphere of the music created by Grappelli and Reinhardt.

 

Classes, Workshops and Jam Sessions

The event offers a variety of classes and workshops taught by renowned experts in gypsy jazz. Whether you’re a beginner wanting to learn the basics or an experienced musician wanting to hone your skills, there’s something for everyone. From group sessions to individual lessons, you’ll have the opportunity to explore different aspects of gypsy jazz, from the violin technique to the distinct rhythm guitar that characterizes the genre.

Jam sessions are a central part of camp. This is where musicians gather to improvise, play in groups and experiment with new ideas. These informal moments promote collaborative learning and allow participants to create lasting bonds with other gypsy jazz enthusiasts.

 

A Celebration of Stéphane Grappelli and Django Reinhardt

Stéphane Grappelli and Django Reinhardt left an indelible musical legacy, and the Grappelli Django Camp pays tribute to these icons of gypsy jazz. Participants have the opportunity to explore the iconic works of these two musicians while adding their own personal touch. Special concerts feature teachers and students at the end of the stay.

 

Camp 2023 teachers

The Grappelli Django Camp was founded by Tim KLIPPHUIS and Reinier Voet, with also Karin van Kothen who was already present at the first camp 11 years ago,…

Their passion for gypsy jazz and their dedication have been instrumental in the creation and growth of this exceptional event.

This year, I had the chance to teach there! The teaching team was fantastic. In addition to Tim, Reinier and Karin who are incredible musicians, I met there:

– Caroline Bugala, a good violinist friend I know from the Didier Lockwood school

– Alexandre Cavaliere, very impressive Belgian violinist. He wowed us all!

– Jimmy Grant, a great American guitarist that I didn’t know yet

– Christophe Lartilleux, a legend of gypsy jazz with his Latcho Drom project

– Seonaid Aitken: an incredible Scottish violinist and singer, with whom I was able to sing a duet at the teachers’ concert…

– Cornelius Corkery: a very good English guitarist, whom I discovered at the camp

– Roy Percy, a bassist who swings, swings, swings…

 

A Magical Place

The camp takes place in a picturesque setting in the Netherlands, offering a unique and inspiring atmosphere. Participants are immersed in an environment where music echoes in nooks and crannies, and where creativity is encouraged at every turn.

 

Join the Experience

If you are curious to learn more about this musical genre, the Grappelli Django Camp in the Netherlands is an experience not to be missed. It’s the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the magic of gypsy jazz, learn from the masters of the genre and create lasting memories with fellow enthusiasts.

In summary, the Grappelli Django Camp is more than just a music camp; it’s a celebration of the musical heritage of Grappelli and Reinhardt, an opportunity for learning and inspiration, all in an enchanting setting.

 

Camp videos

For those of you who want to experience or relive the captivating moments of the Grappelli Django Camp, I would like to inform you that I will continue to publish several videos of the 2022 and 2023 camps. So you can immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere of these past editions and perhaps even inspire you for our future musical adventures. Stay tuned on my social networks for these new videos that I will add as I go. This year, I notably managed to shoot new tutorials with Karin van Koothen and Caroline Bugala! As they are released, I will add them to this article…

Here are already some below from 2022, as well as the short videos I just uploaded from camp 2023:

 

Concert and jam with Fapy Lafertin (2022)

Duo and tutorial with Tim Klipphuis (2022)

Masterclass avec Caroline Bugala (2022)

Concerts, jams, lindy hop (2023)