Twin Town Jazz 2025

From September 12 to 14, 2025, the Twin Town Jazz Festival took place. Supported by the Euregio Rhein-Maas-Nord, an engaging musical program was held in the cities of Mönchengladbach and Roermond, featuring German and Dutch jazz bands performing across borders. In both cities, various jazz workshops for guitar, trumpet, saxophone, and vocals were also offered, allowing participants to delve deeper into the jazz genre.

The Twin Town Jazz Festival was not only a musical highlight but also an expression of the vibrant city partnership and the friendly relationship between our two cities. It demonstrated how art and culture build bridges, bring people together, and bring European communities to life.

Opening concert

The opening concert of Twin Town Jazz 2025 took place at the Munsterplein in Roermond.

The festival was opened by Herbe Quartet (D).

Photos: Bair Slabbers

Naïma Quartet

The Naïma Quartet, founded in 2016 by double bassist and vocalist Naïma Girou, is characterized by a unique and powerful sound that reflects the musical roots and personalities of the four young musicians. The group has released three albums and performed at Jazz Marciac. Their repertoire mainly consists of original compositions that blend jazz groove with vocal tradition. The group includes Irish guitarist John Owens, Jules Le Risbé (piano), and Thomas Domene (drums).

The Naïma Quartet performed both at De Sjtasie in Swalmen and in Mönchengladbach, where they captivated the audience with their warm sound and energetic interplay.

Photos: Willem Betlem

Anton Goudsmit & Efraïm Trujillo

Amsterdam-based guitarist and composer Anton Goudsmit is a whirlwind of creativity, captivating audiences with his irresistible groove and unique musical personality. His inventiveness and zest for life make him a highly sought-after musician; every concert is an exhilarating journey – for the audience, his fellow musicians, and himself. On this evening, he was joined by Efraïm Trujillo, a renowned saxophonist known for his versatility and profound improvisations.

Together, they performed in Mönchengladbach with Cyril Directie, Ferd Geisler, and Coen van Dam.

Photos: Janneke Michels

Marion & Sobo Band

At the heart of the Marion & Sobo Band are multilingual French-American singer Marion Lenfant-Preus and Polish guitarist Alexander Sobocinski, better known as Sobo. Together with Stefan Berger (double bass) and Frank Brempel (violin), they form a quartet that delivers a unique blend of gypsy jazz, world music, and chanson.

The Marion & Sobo Band performed at De Sjtasie in Swalmen, where they enchanted the audience with their warm sound.

Photos: Willem Betlem

Saxophone workshop with Nicolas Simion

Romanian saxophonist and composer Nicolas Simion shares his knowledge and passion for jazz in an inspiring workshop. With his many years of international experience, he conveys technique, improvisation, and the joy of playing in an accessible and engaging way.

This workshop was part of a series of jazz workshops held in Swalmen and Mönchengladbach, and took place at De Sjtasie in Swalmen.

Photos: Janneke Michels

Trumpet workshop with Marc Huynen

Limburg-based trumpeter and composer Marc Huynen led an inspiring workshop focused on technique, improvisation, and ensemble playing. With his extensive experience in the jazz and big band scene, he managed to motivate and inspire the participants.

This workshop was part of a series of jazz workshops held in Swalmen and Mönchengladbach, and took place at De Sjtasie in Swalmen.

Photos: Janneke Michels