Django in June, the premier Gypsy Jazz festival in the Northeast US, is getting ready for another amazing year. This time around the Robin Nolan Trio returns-they headlined the very first Django in June-and the amazing Ensemble Zaiti makes their first US appearance, bringing their unique style of Jazz Manouche across the water from France. In addition to the stellar headlining shows, director Andrew Lawrence has organized the week-long Django Camp, a one-of-a-kind Gypsy Jazz music school where students from all over the world live and learn together with some of the best players and teachers on the scene today-this year’s roster of teachers includes the headlining acts as well as Gonzalo Bergara, JP Watremez, accordion master Vladimir Mollov, famed violinist Matt Glaser, multi-instrumentalist John McGann, Djangobooks founder Michael Horowitz, and many more. It all takes place on the picturesque campus of Smith College in beautiful Northampton, Massachusetts. This year’s camp and festival run from June 10-15, and registrations are being accepted through the Django in June website. An important note: to guarantee the best teachers are available, early registration is important; after March 31st, the cost of tuition will increase $50 (US) every month, so sign up now if you’re planning to attend, and don’t miss this chance to learn from the best! Feel free to email Andrew with questions!
Your Django Camp really deserves a 5/5. Everything was perfect: the weather, the location, the shows, the workshops…I don’t have any negative points. None. Niet.
M.G., Montreal
I can’t come up with enough superlatives. An amazing week, incredibly well organized. I am already planning for a return trip next year. The level of instruction was consistently outstanding. I never imagined so much information and practical, useful guidance being passed on. All of the instructors were open and selfless. And the jams were amazing. They alone would have made the trip worthwhile. Made a lot of new friends, whom I will look forward to seeing again next year.
B.R., Nova Scotia
It was great to have sustained interaction with teachers through workshops and then the chance to jam, ask questions, listen to them play in between. It was a huge success!
D.M., Ithaca
Great instruction. Great faculty. Outstanding concerts. Great chocolate chip cookies.
P.L., Colorado
This was one of the best experiences of my musical life.
M.E., New Jersey
Exceeded my expectations. Everyone (teachers) was great, met a lot of good people. The availability of knowledge was incredible and there for the taking.
S.P., New Jersey
This was the greatest way to spend 5 days that I can think of. I soaked up so much, had a great time, met cool people, and enjoyed playing.
D.G., New Jersey
Thanks so much for providing such an amazing opportunity to play with some of the best players in the world!
D.H., Massachusetts
Django Camp was excellent. The instruction was superb. The jam sessions were great. Having our own corner of the dining hall made for great fellowship. All the instructors not only were good teachers, but also very personable and approachable. They never seemed to tire of answering questions and just talking about the music. The whole experience greatly enhanced my musical knowledge.
R.K., Florida
I really enjoyed my time at Django Camp. Particularly important to me was having the opportunity to connect with other hot swing players, and to be able to jam with people who have a good understanding of the form and techniques. I really enjoyed jamming with the instructors, also, when they made themselves available for this.
T.B., Alberta
The greatest affair that we individually and as a family have ever taken part of. Very well done.
L.B., Maryland
originally posted: March 7, 2008
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