The Queimada is one of the highlights of our program. It’s a unique evening where you can take part in this centuries-old tradition and experience the magic of this drink, which symbolizes the bond between musicians and the audience. The evening will begin with the sounds of bagpipes from the Galician bagpipe group A Contrabanda. Then, it’s time to dance, with a dance initiation led by our partner Frisse Folk, followed by two lively folk dances featuring bands where the diatonic accordion takes center stage: Thalas and Zlabya.

Thalas

In the folk circuit, Guus Herremans (diatonic accordion) and Ward Dhoore (acoustic guitar) need no introduction. Over the past decade, these young talents have played with award-winning bands and various projects. You may have seen Guus perform with bands such as Airboxes, Duo Lopez-Herremans or Les Bottines Artistiques, while Ward has made waves with Trio Dhoore, Snaarmaarwaar, Siger, and Spilar. Recently, they’ve teamed up with Airboxes Quartet and Me Guusta, but as Thalas, this duo will make you float across the dance floor.

Guus Herremans: diatonic accordion
Ward Dhoore: acoustic guitar

Zlabya

The French band Zlabya has also become a staple in the French and Belgian balfolk scene. With a lively and surprising set, Jean-Baptiste Guerrier (double bass, bass), Theo Kaiser (trumpet, guitar, keyboards), Raphael De Coster (diatonic accordion), Florian Huygebaert (percussion, drums), and Pierre Droual (violin) showcase why they’re so well-regarded. Their repertoire includes the typical balfolk dances, which sometimes carry hints of klezmer but effortlessly flirt with Breton influences, jazz, or even pop.

Jean-Baptiste Guerrier: double bass, bass
Theo Kaiser: trumpet, guitar, keyboards
Raphaël Decoster: diatonic accordion
Florian Huygebaert: percussion, drums
Pierre Droual: violin

Zlabya – © Picture by artist