No outdoor bar, liters of beer and partying in the Zaantheater: after two corona years, the theater now chooses to close its doors during King’s Day. That is a bitter pill for the organization of the Royal Jazz Festival, who had to search for a new location in January. The Bullekerk opens its doors and will take over after 45 years: “It’s a Zaans party”
The decision of the Zaantheater comes as a big surprise. Hans van Dijk has been on the committee for twenty years and suddenly heard that the party was being discontinued. “The committee was given up, the tradition lapsed. There are already very few traditions in the Zaan region.”
‘Innovation needed’
The Royal Jazz Festival started about 45 years ago in the Speeldoos and then the party continued in the Zaantheater. Elissa Capelle, communication officer of the Zaantheater, indicates that the Zaantheater will focus on other, new festivals throughout the year. “In order to preserve traditions, innovation is sometimes necessary.”
“It was a quiet beacon opposite Dam Square,” says Ceciel Kockelmans. Kockelmans is now a programmer for the Bullekerk, but previously worked for years at the Zaantheater as Head of Marketing. The news was also unexpected for her: “I was also surprised. It is not something we initiated as the Bullekerk.”
young talent
In consultation with the Zaantheater, the committee may nevertheless continue and continue the party at a different location. “We have a good feeling about it,” says Van Dijk. The idea is to focus more on young talent this year. “We go for innovation.”
Kockelmans explains that the Bullekerk is just too small, but that they would like to give the musicians a stage together with Fluxus. “It is a very good combination between established talent and young talent,” said Kockelmans. “We are very happy with it.”
Although van Dijk thinks it is a shame that it ‘ended abruptly’, he does not feel any displeasure for the Zaantheater. “We did it with love.” The organizer is confident that it will be free event a little further away from Dam Square will be a big party and hopes for good weather: “They will be jealous of the Bullekerk.”