Shikata Ga Nai

Shikata Ga Nai was meant to be from the beginning.
These five crazy characters were already friends during high school.

Their compositions are filled with nifty bass lines, heavy grooves, and some southern sun. But above all: always bursting with energy. They played already at LantarenVenster (Rotterdam), de Vooruit in Ghent and on the main stage van Gent Jazz.

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Duo Gaitar

In Duo Gaitar, chanson, jazz, and Brazilian music are joined together to celebrate one phenomenon: the love for the song.

You could hear them already at the Brussels- and North Sea Jazz Festival, but also at Walden Festival, radio Klara, and in February '25 at different legendary stages in Brazil.

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Mathys/Idris

Pianist Maël Idris and Rutger met in April 2022. However, when they played together for the first time it seemed as if they had been doing that for years. In fact, it was as if they had known each other for years.

Apart from their duo work, they also play in quartet, with which they won the Dinant Jazz Competition in 2023.

These two young friends search each other in their music and by doing so, find the ultimate freedom.

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Stereo Stuff

Stereo Stuff is a dynamic music project based around pianist/hammond player Elias D'hooge and Rutger Mathys. These two friends like to see it as an excuse to keep playing together next to their own projects. It's a laboratory for their creativity and wild ideas that fit nowhere else.

This manifests itself in a YouTube channel where they play "instant compositions" and a concert program called "Hymn for Peace", with which they want to make an anti-war statement.

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A Barra Clara do Brasil

Rutger Mathys brings a unique blend of choro, samba, and jazz with A Barra Clara do Brasil. Inspired by his travels and performances in Brazil, he unites top musicians from both Europe and Brazil. Expect an energetic set that connects people across all boundaries.

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Verzoening

"Verzoening" is the theatre- jazzduo by Florieke de Geus/Flora (NL) and Rutger Mathys. These two like-minded souls found each other at the conservatory of Rotterdam where they both study at the jazz department. Flora as a singer and Rutger as a harmonica player. Both also play the piano and write poetry, music,...

They look back, forward and down. To where their steps take them and they browse through (un)known cities and fields on foot or by bicycle. They meet new people, old acquaintances, lost loves and unfulfilled dreams. Music is the guiding principle of this journey. Are you joining with them?

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Rutger & Wido

Rutger Mathys and Wido Uvin are a dynamic and versatile duo, blending classical and electric guitar with the enchanting sounds of the harmonica. Their unique sound transcends genres, moving effortlessly from intimate original compositions to fresh interpretations of songs from around the world.

With a perfect balance of subtle dialogue and vibrant energy, their performances create space for emotion and connection. Together, they take the audience on a musical journey that celebrates the beauty of collaboration and the power of diversity in music.

Lenore Huang Trio

The Lenore Huang Trio blends the passion of Argentine tango with Latin American rhythms, led by the expressive voice of Lenore Huang. A graduate of Codarts Rotterdam, Lenore’s musical journey spans Latin, Brazilian, and tango traditions, having studied in Buenos Aires with local musicians.

Bassist and composer Stefan Brunner, also a Codarts graduate, brings his expertise in Latin music and his unique arrangements to the trio, while Rutger Mathys adds his distinctive touch to their sound.

Together, they create a captivating fusion of storytelling, emotion, and skillful musicianship, becoming a rising force on the European tango scene.

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Dragon Jazz Contest

The Dragon Jazz Contest serves as a launching pad for young jazz talent in the Belgian jazz scene, bringing together both emerging and seasoned musicians. Founded last year by harmonica player Rutger Mathys, in collaboration with Quatre Mains Piano’s bv and Ars Musica Projects vzw, the contest quickly became a vibrant platform for aspiring artists.

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Het Verloren Akkoord

Het Verloren Akkoord began as a musical duo, with Rutger Mathys and his friend Sebastiaan Carron performing covers of their favorite songs. They played music by artists such as Jacques Brel, Frank Sinatra, and Herman van Veen—until they decided to start writing their own material.

Their cabaret show #tegendegroei was a great success, alongside many other memorable performances, including two editions of *Joie de Trois*, *Het Groots Spektakel*, the *Kunstenfestival Aardenburg*, and numerous intimate living room concerts, all of which they look back on with pride and joy.

After five wonderful years filled with music, Sebastiaan and Rutger decided in April 2021 to bring this beautiful journey to an end. They cherish the many performances they gave and the intimate moments they created together, with #tegendegroei as the absolute highlight.

However, life moves on, and everyone follows their own path. With many ambitions but limited hours in a day, Het Verloren Akkoord no longer fit into the picture.

They would like to sincerely thank everyone who contributed to making these beautiful moments possible. A special thanks goes to Laurens Eetesonne and Hannes Strobbe, their two dedicated companions who were always there with enthusiasm. They also want to express their gratitude to the members of their band, *'t Groot Lawaai*: Elias D'hooge, Kobe Walleghem, Jens Dolleslaghers, and Tibo Polleunis.

"For every door that closes, another will no doubt open tomorrow."