Django in June

pallopenna

This year I was only able to attend Django in June for the day yesterday, but however brief my visit, it was obvious to me that the camp is a success and that Andrew deserves many kudos for once again putting together a fantastic event. The clinics I attended (one each by Biel Ballester, Michael, and Kruno) were relaxed, informative, inspiring, and just plain fun. It was wonderful to connect with some people, although I didn't meet up with some people I had hoped to see (sorry Jack). The atmosphere is just fantastic; if you love this music, you should consider attending in the future. And, as always, Northampton is lovely.

-Paul

Jack

I was wondering where you were! Sorry I missed you-I haven't been able to take any workshops this year and have mostly been skulking around at night looking for jams...you missed a great one after the show last night-Wawau, Kruno, Ted, Tim, Dennis, Jim McGann, Jared, David, and a great violinist whose name I wish I knew. Vladimir has been blowing my mind as well...I'll try and get some pictures tonight!

best,
Jack.

edit: that violinist was Josianne Laberge, and she was fantastic! Let's hope she makes it back next year; we need more violinists...

BluesBop Harry

Did anybody record some audio or video of the festival?
The lineup for that jam sounds amazing...like a dream team.
Wish I'd been there...

adrian

BluesBop Harry wrote:

Did anybody record some audio or video of the festival?

Yes, a bunch of people recorded both the jams and formal performances -- both audio and video. Unfortunately I didn't have the equipment to record stuff on my own, though, so I'm hoping to see what other people post.

Kudos to Andrew and the teachers for an incredible 6 days!

Adrian

GregHB

Despite spending the entire week feeling rather inadequate and pretty burnt-out, and being convinced that I'm just going to pack up my guitar and put it to rest, (being surrounded by such immense talent all week can be an eye opening experience to say the least), upon returning home I find myself already looking forward to next year's Django Camp. Although next year I might try to resist the Colossal, Godzilla-sized cookies.

dennis

i'm pretty burned out myself... i'm gonna sleep for an entire week

Michael Bauer

What a great time! Thanks to Andrew for organizing what is for me the highlight of the year.

Dennis, you deserve to sleep for a week. That was alot of teaching, and you were great right to the end, as were Michael, Kruno, and Stephane. I missed my Saturday sessions with Biel and Ted when I finally dropped from exhaustion and slept through the morning and afternoon, but I heard they were fantastic as well.

I think Andrew really hit on something with the "camp" format. People got to know each other better, and there were more opportunities to play and listen to world class players both in the concerts and jam sessions. I'm too tired to think right now, and have to head off again for Colorado in about five hours, but wanted to reinforce the good thoughts others have posted.

Greg, see you at Django-a-Go-Go next year.

Jack

Michael Bauer wrote:

Dennis, you deserve to sleep for a week.

What?! Every time I saw that bum he was dozing on a couch somewhere, and (to his credit) asking everyone not to play Bossa Dorado...

Michael Bauer wrote:

I think Andrew really hit on something with the "camp" format. People got to know each other better, and there were more opportunities to play and listen to world class players both in the concerts and jam sessions.

Agreed-I live around here, so I got stuck at work or gigs many nights, but it was clear to see how the camp atmosphere fostered many new friendships. Let's hope it happens again next year!

best,
Jack.

ski

While I am truly sorry I could not attend this year, I am happy to hear that the 2007 DiJ was a success. I will certainly make an effort to attend next year.

wayne nakamura

I arrived on Thursday. The camp was well attended (intended?) and was already in full --ahem-- swing when I got there.

The camp format works really well. Several days of workshops, which were included in your room fees, allowed you to walk around and sample different teachers. Sorta like an instructional buffet.

I have to give all the instructors credit for their effort. Teaching that many workshops, while still trying to over-indulge in a gypsyesque manner can be very draining.

I found that the level of musicianship has improved over the years. Many of the beginner-level jams were very musical. Through the help of Robin's gig books, etc. everyone had charts and, more importantly, knew the songs.

The food was very good and mealtimes were a highlight to me because everyone mixed with everyone else. People would swap gypsy-war stories, so the entertainment factor was still there during mealtime.

Impromptu performances were given during meals and my favourite was Tim Kliphus' duet with (sorry I don't remember your name) another violinist. They gave a premier performance of two violinists performing Grappelli's Minor Swing solo. It was fascinating to watch the bows move in complete sync. Tim announced that their goal for the next DIJ is to set a world record for Minor Swing. Tim wants to get 30 violinists, 50 guitarists, 2 rhythm guitars and a bass to play Stephane and Django's solos verbatim. How cool would that be?!?!?

The formal performances were great but I always find it's the jams and the "hang" time that makes these events so enjoyable. Connecting with other "Django Dgeeks" or the performers can be very entertaining and enlightening.

Sat. night's concert was particulairly enjoyable. After watching Kruno's set and then Tim and WauWau's set, I realized that this music is like watching pornography. Everytime I watch it I want to run home and do it!

Hope to see new brothers and (especially) sisters next DIJ.

Finally, kudos to Andrew for putting it all together. Hope you can get some down time this summer. You deserve it.

cheers

wayne nakamura

Josh Hegg

WOW!!! I'm just home and back at work and all I can think about is how great next year is going to be!

I too arrived around 8 pm on Thursday and as soon as I araived I could tell that the vibe was amazing. I had a chance to hook up with people I have talked to only on line for months. Getting to jam with you all was amazing for me. I wrote in another email this morning that the general level of playing that I experienced made it clear how much work I have to do. It reminds me of the first DFNW I ever want to. All I wanted to do was practice so I could jam the next year. Well I did jam allot over the past four days but now all I want to do is practice so I can make music with you all at your level.

Some highlights for me were all the laughing during the jams. Times of amazing solos got the preverbal "YA!" from the group but the laughter during and after every song from the pure joy of playing was just great.

Another was the jam last night (Saturday) at about 3 am when we got into the rhythm hits together as a group. It was probably not as cool as it sounded when we were all playing it but it was a blast given the hour and the beers!

And last but not least was on Thursday evening after every one was in bed... Lax, Eric, Thomas and my self played I'll see you in my dreams and we all did some of our best playing of the entire event. It was just the four of us and I'll never forget that moment. We were just getting to know each other and that jam will be marked in my mind as not only a highlight for my own playing but a moment in time when I got to see and hear genius from some new friends.


I want to say a huge CHEERS to Andrew for putting on my new favorite event. I'm already planning my trip for next year.

Josh