Michael Varekamp presents Louis Armstrong and Clifford Brown

Michael Varekamp. Photo: jazzmobile

Thursday, April 7, 2011 at 6:00 PM
Birdland - New York, NY
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Friday, April 8, 2011
2:00 PM: Master Class - Garde Arts Centre - New London, CT
6:50 PM: M&G w/ Patrons - Garde Arts Centre - New London, CT
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Saturday, April 9, 2011 at 4:30 PM
Langston Hughes Library - Corona, Queens
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Sunday, April 10, 2011 at 9:00 PM
Shrine - Harlem, NY
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Michael Varekamp, raised in Europe with his roots in Trinidad, started playing the trumpet at the age of 10. When he is 12 he is deeply affected by a Louis Armstrong album which he finds among his father's music collection. At age of 13 he starts leading his first little jazz band. In 1996 he graduates cum laude at the Royal Conservatory in The Hague Holland.

After this period he plays extensively around the world with several groups including the Surinam band Fra Fra Sound. The participation in this band was an artistic breakthrough for Michael. The music of Fra Fra is connecting jazz with Caribbean and African roots. He plays at festivals, clubs and concerts in Australia, South Africa, Great Brittania, Cuba, Tunisia, Malta, United States, Israel, Mali, Burkina Fasso The Baltics and all over of Europe.

While being on tour he regularly gives workshops and guest lectures. He regularly contributes to film, radio and tv productions. Besides playing the trumpet Michael sings and composes for the various bands and he developed the educational program Little Louis for kids.