Entertainers

Meet the talented performers
bringing the Holland Festival to life!

Explore the schedule to plan your day and experience the vibrant energy of the festival.

Schedule

Time
Artist
10:30am – 11:15am
ZING! Sing in Dutch
11:25am – 12:10pm
The Van Tongeren Sisters
12:20pm – 1:05pm
Blue Windows
1:15pm – 2:00pm
Romanie
2:10pm – 2:55pm
Zuiderkruis
3:05pm – 3:50pm
Indi-Lee
4:00pm – 4:45pm
Vanther

Zing! Sing in Dutch

Zing! Sing in Dutch initially formed in 2016 as a barbershop ensemble of singers with a passion for Dutch vocal tradition. Since then, it has grown to become a leading proponent of Dutch cultural heritage, new and old, in Australia. Zing! prides itself in the rich and wide array of repertoire it performs, including centuries-old folk and art song, contemporary pop and much more. Regular performances at events such as the annual Holland Festival and the TesselaarTulip Festival are supplemented with smaller-scale private and community concerts. Rehearsals take place each week at the Sol Green Community Centre, South Melbourne. Website: http://www.zingsingindutch.com/

The Van Tongeren Sisters

The Van Tongeren Sisters are a group of 3 singing sisters with Dutch heritage. They regularly sing together at events around Melbourne. They have also previously performed at the Abel Tasman Dutch Club for a range of performances and the Holland Festival 2020 and 2024. The sisters use their rich harmonies to perform a range of styles including pop, swing, rock, jazz, 40’s and 50’s and ballads. With their firm belief that music enriches people’s lives, the girls love to sing together promoting their special sound throughout the community. The sisters are backed by two guitarists on stage.

Blue Windows

Blue Windows blends the warmth of Folk, the grit of Country, and the storytelling charm of Americana, delivering music that is as vibrant as it is heartfelt. Fronted by Dutch-born singer-songwriter Wendy Kenbeek, the band’s songs capture the emotional and physical leaps of leaving behind the familiar for the unknown, making them a perfect fit for a lively festival atmosphere. Known for their quirky themes and sharp insights into human behaviour, Blue Windows effortlessly balances humor with heartfelt melodies, creating performances that tickle funny bones and tug at heartstrings in equal measure. Their latest album, Northern Sky, features the poignant title track inspired by Wendy’s journey of trading the Netherlands’ Northern skies for Australia’s Southern stars. It’s a bittersweet reflection on embracing new horizons, offering a rich narrative of change, resilience, and the courage to step into the unfamiliar. With a vibrant energy that fills festival stages and an intimacy that draws listeners in, Blue Windows has earned recognition in the Australian Songwriters Association Competition, as finalists placing 3rd in the 2023 and 2024 Basin Songwriters Competition, and they received four additional Top 10 nominations. Their influences nod to the charm of The Waifs while remaining uniquely their own. Blue Windows invites you to celebrate life’s bittersweet journeys with them, sharing stories of growth, connection, and adventure. Let their spirited songs light up your Holland Festival experience! Socials: https://linktr.ee/bluewindows

Romanie

In the music of Romanie, the listener is invited to become immersed in a rich palette of sounds and influences, buoying a natural vocal talent.   For Belgian-born, Melbourne-based singer and songwriter Romanie Assez, the music has always stemmed from an innate desire to express creativity through personal and engaging storytelling. Releasing her debut EP – Little Big Steps – in 2021, Romanie introduced herself beautifully with a collection of music that boasted influences as varied as Lucy Rose to Big Thief; Wet Leg and Alvvays, to Middle Kids. At the core of the material, a captivating sense of songwriting nuance and strength that was unafraid to delve deeper in its exploration of personal themes. Her 2023 debut album Are We There Yet? was nominated for the Australian Music Prize, AIR Feature Album, saw her winning the triple j Unearthed x NIDA music video competition and the 2023 Upstart Award, become a semi-finalist in the International Songwriting Competition, and finalist in St Kilda Festival’s New Music Competition. Romanie has received a wide range of industry support including Junkee, Tonedeaf, triple j, RRR, Amazing Radio UK/US and MTV. Are We There Yet? landed multiple editorial playlists across Spotify & Apple Music which quickly gathered over 100k streams on streaming services and the music video for ‘Hallucinating’ was selected as ABC rage’s Wild One. In July 2024 Romanie was a mentee of Wild Turkey’s House of Music 101 receiving mentorship from and showcasing alongside Angus and Julia Stone. Ever since Romanie moved to Australia in 2019 she’s been establishing herself as a powerhouse in the live music industry, touring both solo as well as with her band; nationally and internationally – supporting artists including Trixie Whitley, Telenova, Blanco White, 10cc, Yoke Lore, playing alongside Katy J Pearson and opening for Australian favourites such as Keli Holiday, The Moving Stills, Mia Wray and many more.

Zuiderkruis

Zuiderkruis is a four piece band that plays Dutch language pop songs, ranging from seventies songs to recent songs, covering many styles. They have been playing since early 2020, mostly at Melbourne’s Dutch festivals and events, such as Holland Festival 2023, Abel Tasman Club 2022, Tulip Festival 2022 and Holland Festival 2020. Facebook: http://facebook.com/zuiderkruis.melbourne

Indi-Lee

Indi-lee is a up and coming singer songwriter based in Victoria. She likes to sing the genres of indie, indie-rock and folk. Indi’s goal with her singing and songwriting is to impact people, she is inspired by lyrisist like Hozier. Her debut single pile of dolls was written when indi was 12 years old, it is based on a person just throwing people away and treating them like garbage. This song is about finding your strength and not letting people treat you like that Indi loves to play her guitar and accompany herself when singing. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indi_lee_music

Vanther

Vanther is a hard hitting, original rock pop band with a message of hope. Their music celebrates our similarities as people, not our differences.   The band was officially launched under the Anthem Sessions and was shortlisted to represent Victoria at the Passport to Airlie Beach Competition 2025. In 2024 they played 3 local Melbourne Festivals; The Basin Music Festival, Sri Lanka Festival and headlined the Holland Music Festival. They are about to record their first studio project together at Highway 9 Productions in Melbourne. Website: https://www.shivantha.com

Accordion Accents Ensemble

The Accordion Accents Ensemble has been playing around Melbourne for over 10 years, promoting the accordion and a love for accordion music. They have performed at various concerts, venues and festivals. Their musical performances include classical, jazz, dance and folk music. Their repertoire includes many well-known Dutch classics.

Must see: Documentary emigration ‘Ordinary Dutch Family’

Click to watch Teaser! Join us at the festival to watch a documentary about the emigration story of an ordinary Dutch family who moved to Australia. The story is told from the perspective of three generations. The film will be shown in a special tent. Don’t miss this opportunity to share experiences, as many people will recognise themselves in the film. Nonja Peters will lead a panel discussion after the screening. Be sure to get your FREE ticket as there are limited seats available! Meet the Looyen Family – Westlanders in Australia In 1976, the Looyen family left Holland for Australia. Henk and Wilhelmina, with their children Paul and Nathalie, started a new life on the Australis ship. Henk built a successful construction company. Wilhelmina’s parents had moved earlier to open a restaurant, Pierre’s Mill in Redcliffe. This documentary tells their story, including the lives of their children and grandchildren. How Dutch do they still feel? How is that shown in their lives? Westlanders in Australia is more than an emigration story. It explores migration, identity, and connection through three generations. How do Dutch roots survive in Australia? This documentary is produced by filmmaker Heleen van Berkel. Get your free ticket for the film when purchasing your festival entry online. The screenings are at 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 3:00 PM.

Compagnie Batavia

Compagnie Batavia 1600-1630 is Australia’s premiere 80 years’ war living history group. The recreation of elements of a Dutch militia company from the early 17th century including staff, Pikeman, musketeers and camp followers wearing clothing and using equipment that are exact replicas as worn by soldiers and civilians of the period. Diverse activities undertaken such as cooking, sewing, coin striking, leatherwork, starting fire with flint and steel and setting up a tented encampment help bring the Dutch golden age to life. The Compagnie also undertake pike and musket drills according to the statutes of Prince Maurits von Nassau to the beat of the drum and the waving of the flag. Group members have attended events in the Netherlands such as Bourtange, Slag Om Heligerlee and Slag om Grolle linking up with like-minded living history practitioners and taking part in large scale battle reenactments and living history displays.