After two sold-out editions in Amsterdam and Rotterdam, BIRDsession XL is back! On Wednesday, May 15, we celebrate the release of AWA, the long-awaited debut album by drummer and composer Siegfried Hart. As a former artist-in-residence at BIRD and a familiar face within our community, Siegfried knows how to touch with his unique blend of Afro-Antillean rhythms, jazz, and hip-hop.

Born and raised in Aruba, Siegfried developed a deep love for rhythm and culture at a young age. His music is an explosion of energy, identity, and personal stories, deeply rooted in his Afro-Antillean background, and at the same time boundless in his musical vision.

With performances at North Sea Jazz, Super Sonic Jazz, and shows with artists like Stanley Clementina, Crudo, and Jayh (with whom he played venues like Paradiso and AFAS Live), Siegfried has grown into one of the most versatile drummers of his generation.

During this official release show, together with an all-star band and guest vocalists, he brings his debut album AWA to life. The album, which is released through the Amsterdam label Wicked Wax, is a musical and emotional document where flow, identity, and healing are central. Expect an evening full of deep grooves, vulnerable moments, and sonic surprises that take you from Aruba to Rotterdam.

After the show, the XL jam session opens under the direction of Thijmen Molema and we finish with a DJ set by Lucas Benjamin (Wicked Wax).

As always, expect the unexpected: surprise guests, rising stars, and fireproof performances from both new talent and established artists.

BIRD café & restaurant
From 6:00 PM you can enjoy pizza and bar bites. Reservations are recommended!

Timetable
6:00–8:30 PM – Dinner in BIRD café
8:00 PM – Doors open
8:30 PM – Album release & jam session
11:00 PM – DJ set

Line-up AWA live show
Siegfried Hart – drums
Terrance Green – keys
Stefan Brunner – bass
Noam Wallé – guitar
Quincy “Braafi” Braafhart – percussion
Leonardo Boccardo – sax
Juliana Martina, Damani Leidsman, Cici Isenia & Jeryh Luz – vocals
Jermaine Berkhoudt a.k.a. MC JR – MC

Jam session host: Thijmen Molema
DJ: Lucas Benjamin (Wicked Wax)

This edition is part of the BIRDsessions and is made possible by Wicked Wax, House of Knowledge and OSHI.

Wicked Wax is an Amsterdam record label rooted in soul, jazz, and funk, offering artists the space to push their creative and sonic boundaries.
House of Knowledge is dedicated to empowering the next generation of performers through jams, coaching, and masterclasses.
OSHI is a talent development program for emerging artists in R&B, soul, jazz, and hip hop, in collaboration with BIRD, Paradiso, Super Sonic Jazz, Patronaat, and more.