Dear Music Friends,
It’s almost the end of October — the leaves are falling, the colors are glowing, and autumn is in full swing🍁
I’m Saskia Laroo, trumpeter, composer, and bandleader from Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and together with my musical and life partner Warren Byrd — an American pianist, vocalist, and composer — we bring you original feelgood jazz, funk, and soul to warm your hearts this season. |
We’ve got a series of splendid concerts coming up — starting this week with two great shows: |
🎺 Thu, Oct 30 – Saskia Laroo Band ft. Joseph “Mr. Defunkt” Bowie
Funk To The Max @ Fluor, Amersfoort (NL)
A powerhouse night of jazz, funk, hip hop, and groove! We’re thrilled to welcome our special guest Joseph “Mr. Defunkt” Bowie (USA) — and to celebrate our dear Maarten Russchen, guitarist and long-time board member of Fluor, with this festive farewell concert.
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🎥 We’ll be performing on the big stage — and plan to film this unique show!
Line-up:
- Saskia Laroo: trumpet/vocals
- Joseph Bowie: trombone/vocals/djembe
- Warren Byrd: keys/vocals/bongos
- MC Complex: rap
- Maarten Russchen: guitar/vocals
- Taco Nieuwenhuizen: bass
- Willem Smid: drums
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🎶 Sun, Nov 2 – Jazzkia @ Meer Jazz Café
De Rustende Jager, Nieuw-Vennep (NL)
Join our organic jazz quintet for the Meer Jazz Series — a cozy Sunday afternoon full of swing and soul.
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Line up:
- Saskia Laroo: trumpet/sax/vocals
- Warren Byrd: keys/vocals/bongos
- Maarten Russchen: guitar/vocals
- Oeds Bouwsma: bass
- Willem Smid: drums
🎟️ Free entrance | 14:30–17:00 | Meer Jazz Events
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🎷 Thu, Nov 6 – Club Kazoo #18 @ Het Tolhuis, Amsterdam Noord
With legends Hans Dulfer, Clous van Mechelen,and Olga de Meij — it’s an honor to join this special edition of De Keuze van Clous!
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🎺 Sun, Nov 9 – Tribute to Nol van Bennekom @ Podium De Horizon, Amsterdam
With the Allan Easy Band — a soulful afternoon of jazz and friendship in Nol’s spirit.
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✈️ Then we fly to the USA! |
We return to our American home base with shows in Connecticut and beyond — starting at our regular spot:
Fri, Nov 21 – Laroo/Byrd Funky4 @ The Flying Monkey, Newington, CT
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Dinner · Groove · Soul · Jazz — the funkiest dining night around!
📞 Reservations: 860-436-5144 |
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and follow us on socials for throwbacks from our recent club and festival shows in Wales, the Netherlands, and the US.
We can’t wait to share more music and create new memories together — live and in person.Let’s celebrate the season and make every moment a Jazzparty to the Max!
Jazzy yours,
🎺 Saskia Laroo & Warren Byrd
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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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✨ Our work is made possible by:
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