Red Light Jazz Dinner Feat. DJ + New Cool Collective
Date: 8 June 2025
Time: 15:00 - 18:00
Artist: Red Light Jazz Dinner Feat. DJ + New Cool Collective
Location: Olof’s (St. Olof’s Chapel)
Price: € 140,-
RED LIGHT JAZZ DINNER FEAT. DJ + NEW COOL COLLECTIVE
Exclusive Closing Night of the Festival
The Red Light Jazz Dinner is the highlight of every edition of the festival. This exclusive evening on the final day of Amsterdam’s premier jazz festival once again takes place in the atmospheric Olofskapel (Olof’s).
VIP Reception and Culinary Experience
Upon arrival, guests are welcomed as VIPs and guided to their reserved seats at six-person tables. The head chef of the NH Collection Barbizon Palace Hotel, of which Olof’s is part, has created a refined three-course menu especially for this evening, including carefully paired wines.
Musical Build-Up of the Evening
During dinner, a DJ sets the mood with a relaxed jazz soundtrack. After dessert, the evening continues with a live concert by New Cool Collective.
First Performance at Red Light Jazz
During their first performance at Red Light Jazz in Olof’s (in 2014), New Cool Collective was already known as a tight, perfectly synchronized band.
The Origins of New Cool Collective
The story of New Cool Collective begins in 1993 at Amsterdam’s Soul Kitchen, where bandleader Benjamin Herman and DJ Graham B joined forces. While Graham B spun records and Benjamin Herman played saxophone, the foundation was laid for what would later grow into the eight-piece ensemble New Cool Collective. Their signature sound: an energetic blend of jazz, dance, latin, salsa, afrobeat, and boogaloo.
Breakthrough and Signature Sound
With the albums Soul Jazz Latin (1997) and More Soul Jazz Latin Flavors Nineties Vibe (1998), the band broke through to both jazz audiences and the club scene. Their fusion of Latin rhythms, DJ culture, and influences from post-bop and hard bop proved both distinctive and infectious.
Awards and Recognition
In the 1990s, New Cool Collective received several awards, including an Edison Jazz Award, the Gouden Notekraker, and the Heineken Crossover Music Award. In 2002, they released the album Bring It On on Sony Music, featuring guest contributions from Geike Arnaert and Andrew Roachford.
From Pioneers to Crowd Favorites
As pioneers within the Dutch jazz scene, they were not immediately understood by everyone. Jazz purists initially found their music too energetic and unconventional. However, when a younger audience embraced the band, a new chapter began, and New Cool Collective quickly built a broad and loyal following.
A Lasting Force in the Jazz Scene
In the decades that followed, the band established itself as a constant presence, releasing dozens of albums and collaborating with a wide range of artists—from Matt Bianco to saxophonist Thierno Koité of Orchestra Baobab. They have received numerous awards for their music, audience appeal, and even a style award for Benjamin Herman’s impeccable wardrobe.
LINE-up
Benjamin Herman
saxophone
Rory Ronde
guitar
Joost Kroon
drums
Frank van Dok
percussion
Jos de Haas
percussion
William Friede
keys
Leslie Lopez
bass guitar
David Rockefeller
trumpet
