Jazzfest Minifest: Meander Trio | Marjorie Barnes & Timothy Banchet | Neon River

Jazzfest Amsterdam, ‘undoubtedly the best jazz festival in Amsterdam’ (het Parool) is known for its remarkable new combinations of young talents and established names from various directions in music. Looking ahead to a new fully-fledged edition of JazzFest on 14 March 2026, we present an exciting mini-version with three performances on one evening, plus DJ Mo van der Does.

Meander Trio

With the unorthodox line-up of vocals, flute and guitar, Meander takes you on a meditative trip.

Clear melodies from American folk, harmonies and rhythms from the traditional music of Brazil and Japan, and their love of improvisation come together their own music, based on compositions by guitarist Siebren Smink.

Siebren Smink guitar, Ketija Ringa-Karahona flute, Līva Dumpe vocals

Marjorie Barnes & Timothy Banchet

Singer Marjorie Barnes can rightfully be called a ‘grande dame’ of vocal jazz. She grew up in New York, sang on Broadway and collaborated with legends such as Frank Sinatra, Lena Horne and Sammy Davis Jr. Now she forms a duo with pianist Timothy Banchet, who also brings along a wealth of experience. He previously played with Benjamin Herman, Shirma Rouse, Jesse van Ruller and many others.

Marjorie Barnes vocals, Timothy Banchet piano

Neon River

The sonic adventurers of Neon River describe themselves as “heart touching and hard grooving”, which summarises their music perfectly. Traveling similar astral planes as Flying Lotus, Madlib and Aphex Twin, their soulful multicoloured jams are sensory and emotional feasts. With synth, bass and drums they have found the sweet spot between the transcendental and the human.

Chaerin Im synths, Matteo Mazzù bass, Pedro Nobre drums