This past February, the Ashokan Center hosted its first-ever Grappelli–Django Weekend, welcoming musicians and music lovers for a lively and immersive celebration of gypsy jazz. Held February 20–22, the weekend focused on the music and spirit of the legendary partnership between Stéphane Grappelli and Django Reinhardt, whose groundbreaking collaborations helped define the sound of 1930s Paris jazz.
The idea for the weekend grew out of the excitement surrounding a concert at Ashokan last March featuring violinist Tim Kliphuis and guitarist Jimmy Grant. Their performance captivated audiences and sparked conversations about creating a learning experience centered on this vibrant musical style. Both musicians are deeply committed educators, and Kliphuis brings extensive experience leading his well-known Grappelli–Django Camp in the Netherlands.
For Ashokan’s inaugural program, Kliphuis taught violin alongside French jazz violinist Adrien Chevalier, while Grant led guitar workshops. Although the primary focus of the weekend was violin and guitar—the instruments most closely associated with the Grappelli–Reinhardt tradition—the program welcomed musicians of all kinds.
As a result, the camp drew a wonderfully diverse group of participants. Alongside fiddles and guitars were players on flute, clarinet, ukulele, bass, and other instruments, all joining together to explore the rhythmic drive and improvisational language of gypsy jazz.
Classes centered on the classic repertoire associated with Grappelli and Reinhardt while also encouraging students to develop their own improvisational ideas. Participants worked on phrasing, swing feel, and the art of musical dialogue that defines the style. Because the camp remained intentionally intimate, students were able to receive plenty of individual attention from the instructors, creating an environment where learning felt both focused and collaborative.
Beyond the scheduled workshops, music quickly became the heartbeat of the entire weekend. Spontaneous jam sessions formed throughout the Ashokan campus, bringing campers and instructors together to play tunes late into the evening. These informal gatherings created a joyful, party-like atmosphere and allowed everyone to experience the music in its most natural setting—shared among friends and fellow musicians.
The weekend concluded with a special Sunday afternoon concert featuring Tim Kliphuis and Jimmy Grant performing music inspired by the Paris jazz scene of the 1930s. The concert served as both a celebration and a culmination of the weekend’s musical exploration, offering campers the chance to hear the style performed at the highest level while sharing the experience with the broader community.
Ashokan’s first Grappelli–Django Weekend proved to be a vibrant and inspiring gathering. With its blend of masterful instruction, welcoming community, and the irresistible swing of gypsy jazz, the event created a memorable experience for everyone involved and laid the foundation for what promises to become a beloved addition to Ashokan’s music camp tradition.