You should not miss these acts at the liberation festivals in Assen, Groningen and Leeuwarden. Check the block diagrams here

Typhoon

Since his breakthrough in 2014 with the album Lobi da Basi, no one can ignore Typhoon. If only because of the complete dedication to music and passion for poetry and rhythm that he puts into his performances. It was a bit quieter around the rapper from Zwolle in recent years, but he nevertheless celebrated his 20th anniversary in 2023 with shows at North Sea Jazz and sold-out concerts in Amsterdam’s Paradiso and Carré. During his new tour he takes a more intimate course, visiting Oerrock on May 9 and De Oosterpoort on May 19. And knowing him, he is armed with many new, unreleased songs. Both concerts are completely sold out, so grab your chance to see this special artist at work in Assen.

shafts (Mainstage): 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM

Son Mieux

The Hague band Son Mieux is this year’s Ambassador of Freedom and will play as a ‘helicopter act’ at the festivals in Assen, Leeuwarden, The Hague and Rotterdam on May 5. That is no surprise: Son Mieux became the most popular pop group in the Netherlands in the past five years and brought the country out of the corona crisis in the summer of 2022 with their hit Multicolor . A cheerful tune full of optimism that reached further than a summer hit. Successor Tonight consolidated its success and the group has been a welcome guest at festivals in recent years. Son Mieux has their debut special for May 5 Feels made a new version together with Diana Burkot of the Russian punk rock band Pussy Riot. On Liberation Day, the group celebrates freedom with a serious and political edge.

shafts (Mainstage): 1:00 PM – 1:45 PM | Leeuwarden (Mainstage): 4:00 PM – 4:45 PM

Froukje

Following in the footsteps of Wende Snijders, Eefje de Visser and S10, Froukje Veenstra has given a completely new identity to the pop singer phenomenon. With her unapologetic appearance and recognizable lyrics, she is currently not only the most popular singer in the Netherlands, but also a role model for many who want to express social themes and human sorrow. Her debut album Necessary sadness is striking proof of this. Froukje, who grew up in Nieuwkoop, has roots in Emmen, a Frisian manager born in Appingedam and will be in both Leeuwarden and Groningen on May 5, where she can turn off the lights in the Stadspark at 11 p.m. A wonderful ‘saving grace’ after last year’s disappointment, when her performance was canceled due to impending severe weather.

Leeuwarden (Mainstage): 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM | Groningen (Mainstage): 10:00 PM – 11:00 PM

TikTok Tammo & Band

Over the last four years, the star of TikTok Tammo has risen in the online world and thanks to him, the Groningen dialect has gained a prominent place on social media. It earned him a theater tour. This year he explores the music venues and festivals, including a band, in which he combines folk, punk, rock and Groningen. And of course the City Park will get the scoop on May 5. Think of Rapalje or Flogging Molly, or: ‘A big bowl of beetroot!’

Groningen (Mainstage): 5:30 PM – 6:15 PM

Never Been to Berlin

Anyone who saw them in recent years at Grasnapolsky, FestiValDerAa, Noorderzon or last year on May 5 in Groningen was introduced to the eclectic dance of Never Been To Berlin. The duo Sander Katee and Goya Buitenhuis draws from a large and wide range of influences and thus brings renewed attention to the trance movement. Think of Daft Punk, with a pinch of Underworld, but that’s putting it mildly. Their EPs Junction and One Step Back are colorful proof of this. Just like their series of Popronde performances last year. And, let’s be honest, they are above all party bosses who know exactly what to do to keep a great party going.

Leeuwarden (Sena Performers Stage): 7:00 PM – 7:45 PM

Sophie Street

Just like Froukje, Sophie Straat is concerned with social problems, social abuses and their effects on herself and her environment. But the packaging in Straat’s songs is different and just as innovative. She performs the song of life and not without merit: she won an Edison for her debut album, scored a hit with Goldband and was the support act for André Hazes Jr. in the Ziggo Dome. But at the end of the day she is a protest singer and tearjerker singer in one. From now. And someone who casually covers Fleetwood Mac in her own language: It sucks to be a cop . The Singer Without Name is dead, long live Sophie Straat.

Groningen (Mainstage): 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Jett Rebel

He has been in a bit of a lull in recent years and mainly spends his time in the studio packaging his never-ending creative inspirations into catchy songs. But Jett Rebel is above all the stage animal who never lacks energy. Above all, he has a new live album in the pipeline. Six years ago he caused a sensation on May 5 in Assen. Will he surpass that milestone this year?

shafts (Mainstage): 4:00 PM – 4:45 PM

Nusantara Beat

Honoring Indonesian tradition. Nusantara Beat was announced under that motto at the last edition of Eurosonic. Anyone who had already seen the band at Noorderzon was enchanted from start to finish by the exotic, swinging, but also melancholic sounds of this almost super group from their own country. We find former members of bands such as Jungle By Night, EUT, Altın Gün, POM and Surf Aid-Kit in this six-member group. How rich and diverse Indonesian music is, but also how it is sent into the future. Passionate and creative, Nusantara Beat has it all. Excellent timing too, on May 5 in Groningen. Everyone could use a boost at the beginning of the evening.

Groningen (Sena Performers Stage): 6:15-7:00 PM

Tap Daddy

Last year he surprised after midnight as the closing act in Groningen, when Froukje unfortunately could not perform due to the interruption earlier that day due to risky weather. This year Kraantje Pappie is the main act in Leeuwarden. Where he can repeat his overwhelming performance from last year in great detail.

Leeuwarden (Mainstage): 10:00 PM – 11:00 PM

John Coffey

They came, saw and conquered, and more or less retired at their peak in 2016. A year after singer David Achter de Molen grabbed that beer out of the air during the legendary performance of his band John Coffey at Pinkpop, right in front of the camera. The images went all over the world. Just like the uninhibited hard punk rock/post hardcore of the Utrechters, who have built up a true cult following since their start in 2005. Eighteen months ago, the group started recording for a new record on their comeback, which was announced last March. And with that urge for new things in combination with unstoppable energy, John Coffey can take on the world again. Can be seen in Groningen mid-afternoon. Moshpit, anyone?

Groningen (Sena Performers Stage): 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Dotan

Ten years ago, Dotan Harpenau made his breakthrough Home – named 3FM Song of the Year – but in 2018 he had to go through the dust when he became discredited due to involvement in fake accounts on social media. Of Numb he makes his comeback a year later. What is the current position of Dotan in his musical life? One thing is certain: there will be lots of people singing along to that big hit of his from 2014.

shafts (Mainstage): 5:45-6:45 p.m

Finally: the block diagrams

Always useful: check the timetables for the entire program on all stages shafts , Groningen and Leeuwarden .