From September onwards, BIRDsessions return: our weekly musical playground where musicians, singers, producers, poets, dancers and music lovers come together. Every session is different, but the ingredients stay the same: great music, unexpected collaborations, spontaneous jams and that unmistakable BIRD vibe.

A new season also means a new host. This autumn, trombonist Lezaam Beets takes over the Autumn Residency. No stranger to BIRD, Lezaam has been a familiar face at BIRDsessions for years and was also part of The Nest this year. Now it's time for the next chapter.

Since moving to Amsterdam in 2021 to study at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam, Lezaam has performed and recorded with projects including New Cool Collective, Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw and the Nederlands Jeugd Jazz Orkest. His own music explores space, sound and personal growth, and has brought him to stages such as Super-Sonic Jazz Festival and North Sea Jazz.

That same vision shapes his residency.

His goal is to make BIRDsessions more than just a jam session: a creative hub where musicians, singers, rappers, poets, dancers and other creatives can connect, exchange ideas and build new collaborations. A place where Rotterdam meets Amsterdam, established artists meet conservatory students, and musicians find themselves creating alongside people they might never have shared a stage with otherwise.

Each week, Lezaam will curate a new theme, assemble a fresh house band and host the jam session. Expect unexpected combinations, fresh energy and plenty of space to create together.

First session: September 2: Digging the Pocket

Theme: Groove, listening & community.

Band:
• Lezaam Beets — Trombone
• Femke — Saxophone
• Fran — Keys
• Joop — Bass
• Dane Paris — Drums

Whether you're coming to play, listen or simply soak up the atmosphere, you're invited.

We can't wait to welcome everyone back for a brand-new season. See you at BIRD.