The Grand Jam: The concert that makes summer sound
Harmonie Sint Jan presents: Friends of Harmonie Sint Jan - The Grand Jam.
The annual pond concert of Harmonie Sint Jan at the pond of the town hall, promises to be an absolute musical top night again this year.
On Friday, July 4, 2025, beginning at 7:30 p.m., the idyllic setting around the pond near the community center will once again be transformed into an atmospheric outdoor stage. Titled “Friends of Harmony St. John's: The Grand Jam,” the audience will be treated to a vibrant concert where collaboration, talent and fun take center stage.
A special project with a special talent
What makes this edition extra special is that the production is entirely in the hands of Lieke van Groningen, a promising young musician and student at the ArtEZ Conservatory in Zwolle. For Lieke, this concert is the graduation project of her studies. She fulfills a versatile role: she arranged a large number of pieces especially for this occasion, takes on part of the musical leadership as conductor, plays along herself and is responsible for the complete organization of the concert.
Various and surprising line-ups will be played: from full harmony to small ensembles and intimate combinations of voices, horns and combo. That variety creates a surprising dynamic and how music connects people in many ways.
With her fresh ideas, musical craftsmanship and connecting power, Lieke knows how to inspire musicians and audiences alike. Harmonie Sint Jan is therefore proud and grateful that Lieke is realizing her graduation project within her own association, together with her musical friends and colleagues.
A swinging program full of soul, funk and pop
The audience can look forward to a varied and energetic program with music by world artists such as The Jackson Five, Stevie Wonder, Snarky Puppy, Earth, Wind & Fire and Amy Winehouse. The choice of soul, funk and pop guarantees an evening full of rhythm, groove and recognition - with surprising arrangements, strong solos and catchy harmonies.
The vocal leads are in the hands of Marlène Simons and Russel Patawala, two soloists with impressive stage presence and warm voices. In addition, vocal group The New Valley Singers will collaborate, providing rich polyphonic sounds and an added vocal dimension to the concert. The combo members of Harmonie Sint Jan also make an essential contribution: they provide the rhythmic drive, improvisation and musical color that make this style so irresistible.
Music as a unifying force
The title of the concert - The Grand Jam - was not chosen at random. It refers not only to the musical jam, but also to the bringing together of generations, disciplines and styles. It is an ode to friendship, cooperation and the power of music. Both experienced musicians and young talents share the stage and bring out the best in each other.
