Kraakpand #2 met oa Silver Junkie & Balthazar

In recent years, many big names have taken the stage at the Handelsbeurs. They have one thing in common: they started small. 'Kraakpand' opens the Ha' stage to promising musicians once a month. Traveling star in wild rock, classical music or something completely different? Send a demo to our programmer Michael Joostens (look at the news flash for more information) and maybe your name will soon be on the Ha' calendar!

The Nico van Gendt Project< /strong>

Nico van Gendt graduated this year as the only drummer from the Antwerp Jazz Studio. As a final piece he wrote a 45-minute set. However, it did not stop at this one composition. Together with six musician friends, he now also lets the general public taste his creations. 'Experimental jazz with a pop edge' approximates the description, but the music is so rich and full that labels are too restrictive. It is certain that 'The Nico Van Gendt Project' is a must for every laid-back connoisseur.

Silver Junkie

At the age of 35, Tino Biddeloo decided to devote his life to art. With sources of inspiration such as Tom Waits, Nick Cave, 16 Horsepower, Baudelaire, Gainsbourg and Jaques Brel in the background, Silver Junkie was born. A voice that cuts through the marrow, beautiful lyrical lyrics, floating, sober music full of little surprises... Silver Junkie seduces and makes you long. Or as they put it themselves: “Tino Biddeloo surrounds himself with wolves, hats and steaming cigarettes to take you to the plains of beauty and art of living.”

Balthazar

Balthazar won the national edition of Kunstbende in 2005 and came first at Westtalent. Earlier this year they won the audience award at Humo's Rock Rally. Although the average age of the group members is only 18.5 years, they shoot like an arrow from a bow towards national fame. They have cracked the success formula: a fragile, husky voice always works and the moody piano and emotional violin give their songs a wonderfully dramatic undertone. Even the heavy rock songs float on dreamy tragedy. Balthazar evokes a strangely excited-melancholy feeling. A pleasant experience, both for the group and the audience.