Björn van der Doelen en de Huursoldaten

For years now, Björn van der Doelen has been charmingly navigating between musician, storyteller and performer. The press are full of praise. Stef Bos calls him “one of the best songwriters in the Netherlands”, music magazine OOR labels him an “Americana artist of stature” and 8weekly sees “a star in the making in his almost self-created music genre”. He himself puts it all in perspective with down-to-earth Brabant modesty: “The Mozart of mediocrity”, he says – but that mainly shows his self-mockery, not his ambition or quality. Don’t worry, though: this is no man with an inferiority complex. At the same time, he also calls himself “the king of the prairie”, “the pearl of Brabant” and “the white Socrates”. 

With his 8-piece band ‘de Huursoldaten’, Björn retreated to a 300-year-old alpine hut in the Austrian mountains, where they recorded a new album. That special time forms the heart of this show. A love story. From the sandpit to the grave. From Eindhoven’s Stratumseind to the splendour of the Austrian Alps. Don’t expect a classic theatre concert, but an intimate evening in which little love songs alternate with stomping up-tempo country honk. Where hilarious anecdotes about youth, longing and loss blend seamlessly with poetic lyrics. An ode to ordinary life, played by a terrific band oozing friendship and love. Strictly for nice, sweet, fun and sociable people in a good mood.

Björn van der Doelen & de Huursoldaten are: Björn van der Doelen – vocals, acoustic guitar, Mischa Porte – drums, vocals, Harmen de Bresser – bass, vocals, Mirthe de Jonge – cello, vocals, Alex Akela – violin, mandolin, accordion, guitar, Ellen van der Doelen – vocals, Ruud van den Boogaard – electric guitar, vocals, Diederick van den Brandt – pedal steel, electric guitar. All straight outta Brabant!