Simplon UP
Espresso Martini & Friends + Fata Morgana

At this UP, two jazz/dance/funk/blues bands will take the stage, guaranteeing a night of dancing!

Always looking for a way of expressing themselves, Espresso Martini & Friends are a fresh mix between funky grooves and honest storytelling. Founded by Maria Suciu (vocals) and Andrei Mânzat (keys), the group has played extensively, both in Romania and abroad, charming the public, making it dance and sing along famous tunes. Their music is not limited to a single genre, combining diverse elements, from jazz, funk, R&B and blues. The duo is joined by Alexia Harpa (drums) and Mihai Ghiță (bass), all of them currently living in The Netherlands.

Fata Morgana is a six-piece jazz-funk band from Amsterdam that will definitely get you dancing. They started in the basement of their school and have been playing together for almost a year. Their original songs feature catchy saxophone and trumpet lines, jazzy chords, and groovy rhythms that introduce you to a brand new funk. They have performed on stages such as Paradiso (Super-Sonic Jazz Festival), Skatecafé, Markt Centraal, and many more. Young and brimming with passion, almost all of them are in their final year at the Vinse School. Rocco Rijs (keyboards), Jonathan Everts (bass), Kingston Sweet (guitar), Kaz Vlasman (drums), Finn de Vrieze (trumpet), and Denise Koppers (saxophone) are working hard on their debut album, set to be released later this year. In other words, come dance at UP!