HALA
HALA is a Groningen based quartet that was formed in 2017 in the basement of Atelier “Il sole in cantina”, which is known for its experimental journeys. This formation is exploring a diverse, theatrical and audible interplay based on Helene Richter’s fairytale-like compositions and voice, with Esat Ekincioğlu on double bass, Leonardo Grimaudo on guitar and Aleksandar Škorić on drums.Since September 2017, HALA has been performing in several places and festivals of the Netherlands and in Germany. Their second album has been released in the end of August 2019 at the Zomerjazzfietstour Groningen.Helene Richter – voice & effects | Leonardo Grimaudo – guitar & electronics | Esat Ekincioğlu – double bass | Aleksandar Škorić – drums

THE RIVER
What would happen when folk and poetry form the breeding ground for very good jazz musicians? One of the most beautiful (Amsterdam-based) jazz bands of the past years arises, that’s what. The RIVER creates a scene where folk songs, improvised music, and poetry flow together. Near the end of 2015, The River released their first album, THE SWIM SESSIONS, recorded live at the Bimhuis

The RIVER plays both with the whole caboodle as well as in smaller constellations. Heart of the band are the songs of Lily Kiara. The musicians meet each other fresh and new each time they perform. They create an atmosphere of some kind of bold intimacy, in the flow of the river of that particular night.

Lily Kiara – guitar, voice | Michael Moore – clarinet, saxophone | Joost Buis – lap steel guitar, trombone | Julyen Hamilton – poetry | Paul Pallesen – guitar, banjo | Michael Vatcher – drums, percussion