Route 66 Summer Tour Continued into the Fall |
Dear Music Friends, Festival Programmers, and Bookers,
As we wrap up the summer, many of you are already looking ahead to the next season—and so are we!
For 2026 bookings, we proudly present our original projects—each one rooted in international experience, vibrant energy, and a unique sound:
Jazz, hip-hop, and funk to the max — high-energy, danceable, and genre-bending.
Organic, deeply rooted acoustic jazz by two long standing collaborators: trumpeter Saskia Laroo & pianist/vocalist Warren Byrd.
A creative blend of straight-ahead jazz and raw beats — modern, edgy, and expressive.
And we’re excited to announce renewed collaborations on the horizon with international legends, including:
- Joseph "Mr. Defunkt" Bowie (USA) – iconic trombonist and Defunkt founder
- Hans Dulfer (NL) – fiery tenor saxophonist with a legacy in funk and jazz
- Ronald Snijders (NL/Suriname) – virtuoso flutist blending jazz and Afro-Caribbean sounds
… and more special new guests to be revealed soon.
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August Recap – Highlights from Our Route 66 Summer Tour
- UK – Wales Tour (Aug 8–10) Click For Youtube Playlist
At Brecon Jazz Festival, we opened with a pure acoustic jazz set in the Guild Hall (Aug 8) and closed with a packed, fusion-powered show at The Muse (Aug 10)
In between, we played a soulful NightOut concert at Civic Hall, Llandeilo (Aug 9) for a full house.
- Netherlands – More Summer Fests
Haarlem Jazz & More – Aug 15
We brought jazz, funk & hip-hop to the max with the Saskia Laroo Band at Music Café Stiels. Watch Set 1 / Set 2
Eibergen – Aug 22 Watch the full concert
A beautiful and intimate Duo Laroo/Byrd concert at De Oude Mattheus Church, where Warren channeled gospel and Afro-American roots to a warmly responsive audience.
Delft Jazz Festival – Aug 23 Watch the full concert
Jazz, Funk & Hip-Hop once again took center stage with the full band at Brouwplein—and the crowd was grooving with us all the way!
Jazz in the Canal – Aug 30, The Hague
A unique open-air concert on the water to close out our summer festival season in the Netherlands.
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- Heading to the USA – September Highlights
Sept 9 – Cafe Nine, New Haven CT
Saskia and Warren guests with bassist David Chevan’s Quintet at one of New Haven’s top jazz spots — and celebrates a birthday too.
Sept 17 – Black-Eyed Sally’s, Hartford CT
Special guest with the Laroo/Byrd Jazz-tet at this iconic Connecticut jazz venue.
- Back in the Netherlands – October
Oct 17 – Het Brakenkerkje, Obdam
Duo Laroo/Byrd with special guests guitarist/composer Maarten Russchen and bassist Daniel Gueli in a cozy, artistic setting.
Oct 30 – Fluor, Amersfoort
A major concert with the Saskia Laroo Band ft. Joseph “Mr. Defunkt” Bowie. The evening also marks a special occasion: Maarten Russchen, guitarist in the band, will bid farewell as a longtime member of the Supervisory Board of Fluor, where he has served for many years with dedication and vision. |
More fall and winter dates are coming soon — check our calendar for updates:
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About Saskia Laroo
Often called the "Lady Miles Davis", Dutch trumpeter Saskia Laroo blends jazz, funk, hip-hop, soul, and world music in her signature style. As bandleader, composer, and founder of Laroo Records, she’s been performing globally for over three decades with a mission to make jazz accessible, inclusive, and always evolving.
About Warren Byrd
Born in Hartford, CT, Warren Byrd is a world-renowned jazz pianist, vocalist, and composer. Known for his soulful improvisation, deep swing, and gospel-infused touch, he’s collaborated with legends and continues to bridge cultures through his music. He is co-leader of Duo Laroo/Byrd and multiple international projects.
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