While a big mood keeps the streets wet every now and then, the visitors to Jazz in Duketown warm themselves warm. The free festival has since become an established concept in our provincial capital. From the market to the small streets in the Uilenburg and from large stages to a door that is open somewhere: Den Bosch Ádemt Jazz this weekend. 150 volunteers make the festival possible annually and keep it free of charge. But that’s not easy.
From Friday to Sunday, the center of Den Bosch fills itself with Jazz, Soul, Funk and Brass and that creates a special atmosphere. Some visitors listen with goose bumps, have tears down the cheeks, or are just swinging, dancing and singing. “The weather, we have no influence on that,” laughs board member Nikki Verstegen. “But it’s the 51st time for this festival, so we are used to that too.”
“That being unconditionally ready is really an addiction.”
Jazz in Duketown is the largest free jazz party in the Netherlands that only runs on volunteers. Nikki is proud that everyone does this together. “In the run -up to it, we work with around 50 people in committees. During the weekend there are another 150. We still made the group photo on the Parade this morning. That is really a lot.”
Because of those people, access to the festival can remain free and that is extremely important for the organization. Only, because it is without more frightening, the arrival of visitors also depends more on other factors. Like, yes, the weather. If more people stay in the couch, there is also less money coming in at the bar and the ‘pie piekers’, as the volunteers are called with a collection box. “So that rain doesn’t make it easier. But the jazz lover will come,” says Nikki. “Who knows, we might cover a stage next year,” she says. “But yes, that also costs money.”
Nikki himself is perhaps a good example of the warm heart that the volunteers support the festival. It gives her satisfaction to feel how she boxes this, together with that big club. “The very first time I did this, I already noticed. If those artists go crazy, everyone is dancing and you have made that possible, the tears really roll down my cheeks.”
According to her, it says a lot that most volunteers have been doing it for years in a row. She already has 16 editions on the clock. “You work on a common goal.” This is not possible, “just doesn’t exist. We’ll just fix it together. That unconditional, you feel so strong here. It is addictive,” says proudly.
“We are going to do everything that the festival stays for free, but the rain doesn’t make it any easier.”
As with almost every foundation in which volunteers are involved, it is also difficult for Jazz in Duketown to find new growth. “People have changed after Corona,” Nikki notes. “Some have new habits or don’t understand why you would work for free.” And she thinks that is incredible, “because you get something in return.”
Another way to raise money is via the toilet. This year, visitors have to pay for the first time for a toilet visit. “That felt double and really didn’t go over one night. But preferably pay for the toilets than for a card,” says Nikki. “We want Jazz in Duketown to remain accessible to everyone, also for people with a smaller wallet.”
“The last hours go in, but I still have some tips for the reader.”
So for everyone that is at home on the couch, she has another tip. “Come and have a look at Michelle David who closes in the Uilenburg. And Valvetronic! Twelve -member brass band, that will really be popping!”
