Django a Gogo 2025: THE GUITAR CAMP

Django a Gogo is committed to providing the utmost experience for its students. This commitment is reflected not only in the selection of world-class masters to teach and perform but also in the fact that every student, irrespective of their level, gets equal time with these masters. For that we foster a tranquil and congenial environment conducive to top-notch instruction. It is also the perfect environment to meet people of your level and jam and jam and jam!

The 2025 Django a Gogo guitar camp offers day-long classes and workshops for a maximum of 40 students. These students will be grouped by similar skill levels into four sets of 10 and, crucially, will receive instruction from ALL the masters invited to teach and perform at the festival. Both beginners and advanced players can glean insights from all the artists.

The camp covers all classes, concerts (3 concerts in Maplewood NJ and the final show at The Town hall in NYC), breakfasts, and lunches.

Our lineup of world-class guitar instructors and performers includes:

Stephane Wrembel: teacher, performer, and festival organizer

Angelo Debarre: guitar

Serge Camps: guitar

Adrien Marco: guitar

Hugo Guezbar: guitar

Brad Brose: guitar

Josh Kaye: guitar

Morning sessions are dedicated to intimate groups of 10 students, rotating daily with instructors like Stephane Wrembel, Serge Camps, Adrien Marco, and Hugo Guezbar. Afternoon classes include a rhythm session from 2-3 pm with drummer Scott Kettner. From 3-5 pm, students are grouped into three sections for lessons with Angelo Debarre or guided jam sessions with violinists from the violin camp.

Here's a breakdown of the camp schedule:

TUESDAY, APRIL 30th

6 pm: Registration party with a meet and greet, AM session, dinner with teachers and students. This is also when groups and registration details are finalized.

WEDNESDAY-FRIDAY, MAY 1-3

8 am: Warm-up/jam/breakfast

9 am-noon: Small group private classes

Noon-2 pm: Lunch break at the Woodland

2-3 pm: Rhythm classes with Scott Kettner

3-5 pm: Workshop with Angelo Debarre or guided jam sessions

5-8 pm: Dinner and jam sessions during band soundchecks

8-10 pm: Concert at the Woodland

10 pm-1 am: Open jam sessions at the St James Pub

SATURDAY, MAY 4

8 am: Warm-up/jam/breakfast

9 am-noon: Small group private classes

Noon: Traditional NJ Bagel brunch

8 pm: Grand finale concert at The Town Hall in NYC

SUNDAY, MAY 5

6-10 pm: Concert/open jam session/goodbye party at Barbes in Brooklyn

This year is particularly unique as we have assembled the legendary trio "Gipsy Guitars" in America for the first time, featuring Angelo Debarre, Serge Camps, and Franck Anastasio. They recorded an album in 1989 that rejuvenated Django Reinhardt's music, also recognized as "Gypsy Jazz."

Angelo Debarre stands as one of the most gifted and melodic guitarists ever. Serge Camps is not only adept at playing swing rhythm but also boasts perhaps the world's most comprehensive repertoire for waltzes and Eastern European Gypsy folk songs.

While Angelo Debarre conducts an afternoon workshop, Serge Camps imparts his rhythmic and harmonic prowess in the mornings. Adrien Marco is a guitar prodigy from France whose immense skill always complements the melody. Hugo Guezbar, at only 22, has already made a mark in numerous major festivals. His nuanced understanding of various guitar elements and teaching capabilities ensure profound learning experiences.

Brad Brose and Josh Kaye, renowned NYC-based players, will helm the afternoon jam sessions, providing hands-on rhythm and solo lessons in real-time jamming conditions.

Though lodging isn't provided, numerous Airbnb and hotel options are available. Students often group up to book accommodations and coordinate through the Facebook group, Django a Gogo, a warm and welcoming community. Convenient transportation services are also on offer, ensuring easy commutes from the airport and around town. Maplewood, a bustling town teeming with restaurants, bars, and coffee shops, ensures everything you need is within a couple of blocks from the Woodland.

Host or Publisher Stephane Wrembel