OK, lets get the numbers sorted out right away - 13, yes, thirteen new galleries, all in time for a leisurely viewing over the holidays. Mind you, there are some true gems hidden in this update.

For a start, there is Gare du Nord - to put it in their own words, probably the best known unknown Dutch band, doing their very own “sex’n’jazz” fusion in an exemplary manner. I missed their last year’s concert and after hearing many a great critic of that performance, I made sure I was present at this year’s one, and I can wholeheartedly say that that was not a mistake, not at all.

I also covered the last leg of the Netherlands-wide (or so I believe) Contrabanda Festival, with some great acts, but I was really amazed with what Zulu 9.30 from Barcelona and The Band Hotel (still not sure if that is the proper title of the band, or is it just Hotel?) from Amsterdam have shown. They really rocked the big hall of Paard van Troje and managed to animate the great audience with their eclectic mixture of ska, Cubana, reggae and what have you. Be sure to catch the next edition of festival if it comes to the venue near you...

Dag in de Branding is a great quarterly New Music festival taking place in various venues throughout The Hague. This is the first time I covered it and there were some amazing and some strange (if enjoyable) acts, but all truly inspirational. Then yet another festival, State X New Forms, of which I am already a veteran, having covered at least the last 4 editions. It did not disappoint this year either, not in the slightest, what with such acts as The Melvins, Peaches and most amazing of all, at least as far as I am concerned - Rolo TOMASSI. Let me tell you, I have seen hundreds, if not thousands of concerts, but these kids can Rock, with a capital R at that! Hope they will not burn out, since they are just plain amazing.

The last, but not the least, Xzibit. What can I say, I am really not a big fan of Hip Hop, I am actually not a fan at all, but this guy surely know his business. He is raw, he is direct, he has got a great rapport with the audience, I have to admit that I enjoyed this performance... Plus, the entire show was very visually impressive, with some great lighting...

I believe I have not even touched upon at least half of the acts in this update, so just check them out yourself. Have great holidays and all the best in the New Year. Till next year then :)

Danijel