In Rum and Coca-Cola, singer and theatre maker Izaline Calister brings a forgotten chapter of Caribbean history to life. Through music and intimate family stories, she explores the impact of World War II on the former Dutch Antilles, revealing how these hidden histories still resonate today.
Accompanied by Marc Bischoff (piano) and Samuel Ruiz (bass), and directed by Nita Kersten (known for, among others, Orkater productions En ze maakte een kind and Hatta and the Kom), Calister creates a vibrant musical performance about war, emancipation, and the powerful role of women in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom.
The premiere will take place on 21 February in Theater Zuidplein, Rotterdam
For all tour dates and venues, visit www.izalinecalister.com
..PASSIONATELY UNPREDICTABLE MUSIC
This fall Witch ‘n’ Monk will release their new album ‘Outfox’ and perform throughout Europe. Check their website for the latest news and dates https://www.witchnmonk.com/ Mauricio Velasierra’s radically electrified Latin American flutes and Heidi Heidelberg’s jazz-punk guitar/bass and anarchic soprano vocals exploring extremes and creating contrast like dark and light, feminine and masculine, punk and Romantic, free form and intricately composed. Celebrated in the jazz, contemporary classical and DIY underground music scenes they played and will tour again across the UK and Europe, at prestigious venues and festivals.
WITH ZUCO103 AND CANTORIAS
Lilian Vieira is best known as the frontwoman of the Brazilectro band Zuco103. They received the Edison Global Award for their latest studioalbum Telenova. The jury wrote: On Telenova, Zuco 103 reinvents itself (..) Thanks to the high quality of the compositions and the ever-vibrant singing of Lilian Vieira.
Furthermore, Lilian also won a Vocal National Edison Award for the debut album she recorded with Cantorias. This unique ensemble is a new project in which four female singers, including Lilian Vieira, as well as Femke Smit, Anna Serierse, and Nina Rompa, take the lead, accompanied by amazing musicians. The jury's quote: The vocals blend together as if the ladies have been singing together their entire lives, making Cantorias a very impressive debut album and a joyful celebration to listen to.
After closing their 25th anniversary year with a sold-out concert at Paradiso in December 2025, Zuco103 returns in April 2026 with a brand-new album and a nationwide club tour.
The Amsterdam-based band, celebrated for their distinctive blend of Brazilian samba, jazz, electronic grooves, and funky beats, is kicking off an exciting new chapter in their trailblazing career.
They’ve just released their second single ‘Passa o copo’ from the new album, and on April 4, they will debut the album with a spectacular show at TivoliVredenburg in Utrecht.
This summer, they’ll also bring their infectious rhythms to numerous festivals.
Clubtour:
April 3, Bird, Rotterdam
April 4, TiVre, Utrecht-album presentation
April 9, Nieuwe Nor, Heerlen
April 10, Nul13, Tilburg
April 16, C-punt, Hoofddorp
April 17, Paard, Den Haag
April 24, Victorie, Alkmaar
April 25, Spot, Groningen
For all tourdates check www.zuco103.com
The music theatre production Almacita di Desolato, inspired by the 1986 film by Felix de Rooy and Norman de Palm, returns this December after being highly acclaimed by both audiences and the media.
Singer Izaline Calister, pianist Thijs Borsten, percussionist Russel Soleana, and dancer Junadry Leocaria bring a contemporary version of this Caribbean fairytale to the stage.Blending Curaçao’s rich and mystical traditions with modern elements, Almacita di Desolato is a magical-realist performance where past and present come together in a powerful and enchanting experience. For more info visit https://www.thijsborsten.com/almacita.html
Tourschedule December 2025:
4-12 t/m 6-12 Curaçao (t.b.c)
12-12 Schouwburg, Venray
13-12 Theater Heerlen
20-12 Bijlmerpark theater, Amsterdam
21-12 Theater Castellum, Alphen a/d Rijn
23-12 Stadsschouwburg Utrecht
Thijs Borsten and Izaline Calister bring young audiences to life with this new musical theatershow directed by Kiki Jaski, for kids 4 and up.With playful songs, humor, animations, and talking animals, they celebrates the joy of different cultures:
Join Dr. Iza, the friendly vet from Curaçao, and her chatty parrot Zazu! When they meet Chico the monkey, who’s feeling homesick, the trio sets off on an exciting journey to the jungle, meeting new friends and wild animals along the way.
Line up: Izaline Calister – vocals/performer | Thijs Borsten – piano/vocals/performer | Lidrick Solognier – percussion/vocals/performer
This production will be performed at the Betovering Festival in the Hague on:
Oct 20 Theater de Vaillant, showtime: 3 pm (premiere)
Oct 21 Theater de Vaillant, showtime: 4 pm
Oct 22 Laak Theater, showtime: 2 pm
Oct 23 Dakota Theater, showtime: 1.30 pm
See the rest of the tour dates at https://www.thijsborsten.com/bondiaindejungle.html
Bon Dia in the Jungle is being developed by Stichting Parea in co-production with Stroom Management, Theater De Vaillant and the Betovering Festival.
Thijs Borsten and Izaline Calister light up the stage in this exciting new family musical, directed by Kiki Jaski, perfect for children aged 4 and up!
Join Dr. Iza, the friendly vet from Curaçao, and her chatty parrot Sunchi. When they meet Chico the monkey, who’s feeling homesick, the trio sets off on an exciting journey to the jungle, meeting new friends and wild animals along the way.
With playful songs, humor, animations, and talking animals, Bon Dia in the Jungle celebrates the joy of different cultures.
Hope is not lost in this warm, musical performance.” – De Theaterkrant
Line up: Izaline Calister – vocals/performer | Thijs Borsten – piano/vocals/performer | Lidrick Solognier – percussion/vocals/performer
For all tourdates and venues go to www.izalinecalister.com
After releasing their debutalbum Vento do Mar and touring Spain, Portugal, Moldova and even China(!), vocalist/guitarist Joana Almeida is performing again in the Netherlands. She’s the first, female classical fado guitarist in Portugal. Moved to Amsterdam,NL in 2020 and formed Cacha Mundinho quartet with Sjahin During. Cacha Mundinho “catch a small world” breathes new life into practically forgotten musical routes from songs that exude an Iberian ambiance and Portuguese troubadour tradition. Elements from Cape Verdean and Brazilian music are seamlessly combined with the improvisatory agility of top-notch jazz.
Lusophony encompasses all regions and cultures that share the Portuguese language, including Portugal, the Middle East, Africa, Brazil, and India.
In this special case, 'cacha' is derived from Cape Verdean creole and is a variation of 'catch', while 'mundinho' originates from 'mundo' and means 'small world'.
Line up (all based in NL):
Joana Almeida (Portugal) vocals & guitar
Maripepa Contreras (Spain) oboe & duduk
Pedro Ivo Ferreira (Brazil) double bass
Sjahin During (Turkey/Netherlands) percussion
https://www.cachamundinho.com
