De Queimada is the great classic in our program. The communal drinking of the queimada, the magical beverage, symbolizes the friendship between musicians and the audience and is accompanied by the Galician bagpipe group A Contrabanda. We open the evening with a dance initiation by our partner Frisse Folk, followed by folk balls featuring two groups: Eä & Shillelagh.

Eä

Born from the creative spark between Jonathan Bruyninx (guitar), Adeline Ghilain (flute), and Marielle Vancamp (violin, nyckelharpa), Eä is a fresh new voice in the Belgian folk scene. Their music blends original compositions with reimagined traditional tunes and dance songs all carefully arranged to bring dancers into a world that’s both familiar and enchantingly new.

Short and mysterious, the name Eä comes from the Elvish language created by Tolkien, meaning “let it be.” And that magical spirit runs through everything they play, poetic melodies, playful twists and a subtle Celtic touch that gives their sound its own shimmering identity.

Whether they lead you into a gentle dreamscape or sweep you up in a whirlwind of rhythm, the three musicians of Eä are here to keep you moving and smiling.

Shillelagh

Born from the meeting of three passionate musicians from Lille, Shillelagh is a trio fueled by their love of traditional music and the joy of dancing. Gabriel Lenoir, Aurélien Tanghe, and Benjamin Macke, all dancers themselves, blend musical craftsmanship, playful creativity and deep-rooted tradition to make your feet move and your heart soar.

With years of experience on folk dance floors across Europe, these three friends have developed a style that’s as unique as it is irresistible. Their music is rich, lively, brimming with energy and designed to get you off your seat and into the circle. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or a curious newcomer, Shillelagh’s tunes are an open invitation to join the party.

Their repertoire draws from the traditional dances of French Flanders ( their home region)  such as the Pieternelle, Gavre, Malinoise, and Valse Adieu, as well as timeless classics from across France, including bourrées, circles, waltzes, and scottishes. For Shillelagh, the music doesn’t just accompany the dance, it becomes the dance.

Expect an evening that feels like stepping out of time: festive, warm and full of connection. Whether you come to dance or simply to enjoy the infectious groove, Shillelagh delivers a concert that delights both ears and feet.