In her six-piece band, Gianna Tam not only plays percussion, but she performs lead vocals well. Consequently, it’s no surprise that she has often been dubbed ‘the Dutch Sheila E.’ With La Banda she presents her new album Latina Empire, a sweltering mix of timba, zouk, reggaeton and salsa in the styles of New York and Cuba, infused with contemporary pop and hip-hop beats. For celebrating her album presentation Gianna invites befriended musicians to the stage.

Gianna Tam made her introduction at age sixteen in the projects of her father, drummer Lucas van Merwijk. Together they toured The Netherlands, South America, Asia, the United States, Canada, and Europe. She collaborated with artists such as Ladies of Soul, Candy Dulfer, Arp Frique, Sven Hammond, and Trijntje Oosterhuis. For Latina Empire she joined forces with a selection of international arrangers, musicians and producers.

After the concert the music will continue with Salsa Panorama, a Cuban salsa party at our café with an incredible view, where everybody is invited to dance.

Gianna Tam vocals/timbales, Ramon Mendeville vocals, Poliana Vieira vocals, Laura Beatriz keys, Oscar ‘Chucky’ Cordero trumpet, Yiannis Marinos trombone, Samuel Ruiz bass, Erik Larrea percussion, Urvin Doornkamp drums