13 February 2026
The Pletterij in Haarlem is a place for debate, experimental music, jazz and more. De Keuken and the Pletterij joined forces to organise a folk night. Peter Bruyn opened the evening with an introduction of the history of folk in Haarlem. It all began in the ’60s with Coby Schreijer who organised concerts in the Waag.
Peter interviewed the artists. Interesting to learn that a songs can by played in many different ways, no surprise, but they can also have up to thirty lyrical variations.
Seamus Cater and Fredrik Rasten were first to take the stage. Their music is quiet and pleasant to the ear. Seamus draws his inspiration from books and stories. It could be an entire book or just as snippet. He took us back to Pythagoras and Beowulf.
The Gentle Good, Gareth Bonello, shared a lot of songs in Welsh. Since not everybody speaks Welsh he introduced each piece. His songs are about Wales. He writes his won material and also uncovers forgotten gems in libraries around the country. His performance guided us through valleys and over mountains telling their stories along he way.
The evening was recorded and is available: here!
Also read what Peter Bruyn review of the event. Just scroll down to 13 Feb 2026 on Peters Portaal.
In the first three photos you see the Waag in the background and a young Paul Simon at one of his shows there.
Click on the photos to enlarge them.
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