Hi. I'm a brand new forum member. I've been playing a long time, but getting into GJ very seriously.
Does anyone know of Gypsy Jazz retreats within Canada? I don't mind going to the U.S., but the cost might be lower to keep it within my borders ( yes, I'm Canadian).
Thanks.
Comments
Don't know of any in Canada but I know several Canadians that come to Django in June.
Welcome to the forum!
I don't know of any that are specifically GJ, but there are a few jazz/swing camps. There are often a number of GJ aficionados at the BC Swing Camp at Sorrento, BC. This year it is August 9-15. Registration usually opens in March sometime. I've been there a few times and I'm planning to be there this summer with a few of my GJ pals. It's hard to top Django in June of course.
What part of Canada are you in?
http://www.bcswingcamp.ca/index.htm
Kevin
Thanks for the welcome(s)! I'm in Edmonton, AB. I'll have to check out these options, thanks!
@Hungario1967 check out this 2021 Django/Swing Camp AB – North of Red Deer: 13-15 Aug:
https://albertaswingcamp.ca/
2021 Django/Swing Camp AB – North of Blackfalds, Alberta: 13-15 Aug
At Watipi Campground north of Blackfalds, Alberta. August 13-15. Swing/Django djam all weekend long. Maybe some workshops, band scramble, etc. It’s about half way between Edmonton and Calgary so it’s convenient for all!
Event description
Hey fans and players of swing music and Django Reinhardt! Join us for a weekend of camping and jamming August 13-15, 2021 in central Alberta. The focus is acoustic swing music including swing tunes from the great American songbook, Western swing and the music of Django Reinhardt and the Quintet of the Hot Club of France. Acoustic guitars, bass, violins, violas, clarinets, mandolins, singers, etc. are all welcome. All playing levels are welcome. There will be some experienced players there but newer players are encouraged to come and learn. If necessary we can split into separate jams for different playing levels. Possible workshops if people are interested.
Welcome to the forum!
Musicians come from all over the world to attend “Django in June” in Northampton, Massachusetts.
Trust me when I say that it is worth the trip!
Hope they are back in business next year!
Will
Edgar Degas: "Only when he no longer knows what he is doing does the painter do good things.... To draw, you must close your eyes and sing."
Georges Braque: "In art there is only one thing that counts: the bit that can’t be explained."
Hi all. I'm organizing the above event. It's about half way between Edmonton and Calgary. Contact me if you have any questions.
Kevin
Yay, the Django Camp Alberta is happening again in 2022: https://albertaswingcamp.ca/2022/04/16/2022-django-swing-camp-alberta-second-annual/
This is mostly about jamming (all weekend long, all night if necessary), but if there is interest we can run some informal workshops. Possible topics: rhythm guitar, basic swing chords, basic hot club chords, la pompe, repertoire, upright swing bass, mandolin, violin, etc. Perhaps we can have a band scramble Saturday night with ad hoc bands putting together short performances.
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https://albertaswingcamp.ca/
Gypsy Jazz Alberta Swing Camp 2023, 7-9 July between Calgary and Edmonton, Canada : https://albertaswingcamp.ca/2023/06/03/alberta-swing-camp-update/
All levels of players are welcome, both beginner and advanced. It would be helpful to know your instrument a little bit and a bit of music reading skill is helpful but not necessary. With a range of skill levels, we can split jams and workshops into novice and intermediate/advanced. Instruments are typically acoustic so no amplification is necessary. Instruments typical in this style of music are: guitar, violin, viola, upright bass, accordion, clarinet, and mandolin. --- https://www.albertaswingcamp.ca/
Hey Alberta Django Jazz jammers. The fourth edition of Alberta Swing Camp is in the works for July 5-7, 2024. Keep an eye on https://www.albertaswingcamp.ca/ for updates and tell all your djam friends to come.
Hey fans and players of swing music and Django Reinhardt! Join us for a weekend of camping and jamming July 5-7, 2024 in central Alberta. The focus is acoustic swing music including swing tunes from the great American songbook, Western swing and the music of Django Reinhardt and the Quintet of the Hot Club of France. Acoustic guitars, bass, violins, violas, clarinets, mandolins, accordions, singers, etc. are all welcome. All playing levels are welcome. There will be some experienced players there but newer players are encouraged to come and learn as well. We can split into separate jams for different playing levels.
--- https://albertaswingcamp.ca/
Thanks for posting that, Azazzell. This camp is in its fourth year and the attendance has been getting bigger. But not too big!
Most of the information you need is on the website
If you have any questions please give me a shout.
Kevin