Guy Verlinde & The Artisans of Solace – 50th Anniversary Concert met Special guest: Richard van Bergen.
On March 27, 2026 The stage of the Calypso Theater will be filled with award-winning top musicians from Belgium and the Netherlands. Richard van Bergen, Guy Verlinde, Stef Paglia, Tom Eylenbosch, and the band Artisans of Solace have collectively won no fewer than six prestigious Blues Awards. It promises to be a truly impressive evening of blues!
Guy Verlinde’s relationship with BluesinWijk dates back to the very beginnings of the Wijk Blues Club. In many different formations, from solo to the full band The Mighty Gators, Guy Verlinde was always the charming and enthusiastic star of many a performance. Who remembers the wild singer-guitarist of The Mighty Gators, whipping up the crowd while standing on one of the large speakers in front of the stage at the Dorestad Museum? Or his presence at the Blues Cruise? His course ‘The History of the Blues’ at the Revius Lyceum? Over the years, Guy’s repertoire has changed, he has developed his own style, his lyrics have gained even more depth, and the likeable performer has proven himself to be a crowd puller par excellence. He is therefore delighted to celebrate his 50th birthday in Wijk bij Duurstede. Admission €15. Standing and seated places. Tickets by theater Calypso.
GUY VERLINDE 50 JAAR . Guy Verlinde (born 1976) is turning 50 and celebrating with a festive Anniversary Tour! For three decades, he has been touring at home and abroad with his sincere blues, roots, and Americana music. During this concert series, he will present a musical overview of his impressive career, in which he has released 17 albums and shared the stage with greats such as B.B. King, Santana, John Fogerty, Jeff Beck, and many others. With his infectious energy, compelling stories, and unique connection with the audience, Guy Verlinde knows how to touch his audience time and time again. His performances are much more than music: they are intense experiences full of love, hope, zest for life, and positive energy. A born entertainer and natural storyteller, he has built a solid live reputation at home and abroad, with a loyal fan base throughout Europe. He has also left a lasting impression in the Netherlands, with appearances at renowned venues such as TivoliVredenburg, Muziekgebouw Eindhoven, and festivals such as Moulin Blues and Ribs & Blues. This Anniversary Tour is not only a celebration of his 30-year musical journey, but also a tribute to the people who inspired him along the way.
THE ARTISANS OF SOLACE form a close-knit collective of top musicians with years of stage experience. Together with Guy Verlinde, they have already explored many musical landscapes and guarantee an intense, inspired live experience in which passion and craftsmanship take center stage. The rhythm section consists of René Stock—one of Wallonia’s most sought-after session bassists (known from Electric Kings and Last Call)—and Benoit Maddens, the driven drummer of the Flemish top act Brihang. The sound is given extra color by two young virtuosos: Tom Eylenbosch on piano & banjo and Stef Paglia (The Bluesbones) on electric guitar. Their playing is rich in emotion, dynamics, and finesse, creating pure musical magic time and time again.
GUEST: RICHARD van BERGEN . For more than 30 years, Richard has been inspired by various musical styles. A seasoned and gifted blues/roots guitarist with a raw guitar sound and a wonderfully soulful voice. Known from bands such as Shiner Twins, Rootbag, Richville, and accompanist to many other bands and artists such as Dede Priest and Qeaux Qeaux Joans.