Maaike Widdershoven || Joke de Kruijf || Leah McCrae || Patrick van Nek || Juni Juliet || Brigitte Nijman | |Tony Neef || Paul Morocco & Olé || Belle Perez || Rolf Koster

Belle Perez

Talented Maribel Perez was discovered in 1997 by producer Patrick Renier. After some experimentation, things really started to happen for Belle Perez with ‘Hello World’. Not only did the catchy song win her an impressive spot in pre-selection for Eurosong in 1999, ‘Hello World’ also caught the attention of the public at large and became a real summer hit. Even other countries were caught up by the excitement, particularly Spain, Italy and South America, not coincidentally, and this young woman from Limburg with southern roots immediately became a hot property.

The album ‘Hello World’ followed in early 2000, with the single ‘Honeybee’ conquering the charts. A second Radio 2 Summer Hit award for ‘best production of the year’ followed, as well as a US record contract and a genuine world promo tour taking Belle from mega-festivals in Italy and Spain to faraway South America. La Perez became a big name in the music industry, both live and on record.
Perez’s music retained its infectious effect and hit after hit followed in 2001: ‘This Crazy Feeling’, ‘Kiss And Make Up’ and ‘Planet of Love’. These earned her a prestigious ZAMU award in the pop category – major recognition from the music industry itself.
The year 2002 began where Belle had finished 2001, with success. The single ‘Get Up And Boogie’ charted high and the summer single ‘Me and You’ went gold, immediately becoming the ‘Summer Hit of 2002’. The last achievement in 2001 was the album ‘Everything’, a collection of surprising tracks such as the previous two, but also the title track and the song ‘Hijo de la Luna’ with the boys from Voice Male. ‘Hijo de la luna’ – the press expanded on the story of ‘the record about the child of the moon’ and even made Belle something of a fairytale figure ...

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Maaike Widdershoven

The album 'Dichtbij' ('Close to You') heralds a new CD artist of stature: it is her debut CD, which does not necessarily mean that she hasn't made her mark in the music world yet. In musical circles, Maaike is a highly respected singer. But Dichtbij signifies a giant step outside of that genre. She has drawn from beautiful material from Dutch and international composers, not wishing to remain rooted in one particular style; on the Dichtbij CD she performs highlights from the evergreen, pop and jazz repertoire.Maaike was born on 14 February 1969 in Epse, near Deventer. In 1995 Maaike qualified as Performing Musician Cum Laude for Singing at the Utrecht Conservatory. She later attended various Master classes and took acting lessons from various specialists in the field.

From Phantom to Zauberflöte
During her training she began her singing career in the ensemble for the musical 'The Phantom of the Opera'. This was followed by the role of Maria in 'West Side Story'. Later, Maaike triumphed in the role of Hodel in the musical ‘Anatevka’, as Elisabeth in the musical ‘Elisabeth’ and as Joke in the original Dutch musical ‘Rex’.

The Sound of Music
Her greatest success so far has been her shining role as the nun/governess Maria in the musical ‘The Sound of Music’. For this role she received the prestigious John Kraaykamp Musical Award 2003 in the spring of 2003 for the best female leading lady. This award can be considered a confirmation of a prize that Maaike won in 1999: this was the Soetelieve Beurs for the most promising musical talent of the Netherlands. Maaike will be singing in The Sound of Music until January 2004.

An all-rounder
Besides singing in musicals, Maaike has another great love: 'classical song', but her repertoire includes the light genre as well; accompanied by pianist Edwin Berg, she sings classics from the evergreen, pop and jazz repertoire.

Her debut album Dichtbij is brimming with (inter)national highlights from that last repertoire. Examples include two compositions by Joop Stokkermans, an Annie M.G. Schmidt medley, as well as translations of Our House (Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young), Piu Che Puoi by Eros Ranazzotti (in a duet with Henriëtte Hugenholz), She’s Out Of My Life by Michael Jackson and Papa Can You Hear Me, a top hit composed by Michel Legrand from the repertoire of Barbra Streisand. Herman Pieter de Boer, Koen van Dijk and André Breedland provided the translations.

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Joke de Kruijf

Training
Preparatory Training for Conservatory, Academy for Cabaret and Nel Roos Academy.
Theatre
Joke has played both in the Netherlands and abroad in various major musicals, including Cats and Les Misérables. She interpreted the role of Christine in The Phantom of the Opera in Scheveningen, Hamburg and Vienna. In the Netherlands she played the title roles in Willeke de Musical and Carlie in the musicals of the same name, as well as the role of Michaela in Carmen. In the '97/'98 season she played beside Lou Landré in the production Larry, this Funny World. In 1999 Joke was one of the soloists in De Zonnebloem (The Sunflower) show together with Berdien Stenberg, Frits Lambrechts and Robert Paul.
In the summer of 2000 she played 5 different female roles in Tango de Valentino in the Rozentheater in Amsterdam.
Tthese roles were followed by Little Shop of Horrors (Audrey), the title role in Grace the Musical and Rocky over the Rainbow (Dorothy). In January 2003 she replaced Ellen Pieters in ’T Schaep met de Vijf Pooten.
On 18 January 2002 she made her debut in New York in the House of Honours, Carnegie Hall, with songs from Grace the Musical.
Music
CD recordings were also made of virtually all her musicals. Joke also sang solos in the recordings of various CDs with Danny de Munk, Ernst Daniël Smid, Marco Bakker and others.
Television
Joke is a much sought-after guest in TV programmes. She has taken part in Swingpaleis, Het Gevoel Van…, Telekids, Hints, Waku Waku. She presented Kippets and a vegetarian cooking programme. She was also a guest with Paul de Leeuw, Karin Bloemen and Cor Bakker. She juried for Solo for a Child and the National Soap-Acting Competition.
Other details
In addition to her musical work, Joke has also dubbed for Walt Disney films, including Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast (Beauty's speaking voice), Mary Poppins and Sleeping Beauty.
Joke regularly performs during events.
In 1995 she won the Gold Nutcracker, the prize of the Dutch Musicians/Composers Union. Joke was nominated for the John Kraaijkamp Musical Award 2001 in the category Best Female Leading Role.

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Leah McCrae

Being the daughter of two successful artists has certainly contributed toward the success of this dynamic entertainment talent. But Leah McCrae’s own exceptional singing talent has made her the prize-winning admired artist she is today.
Leah McCrae was born in 1976 in West Palm Beach (Florida). From age 7, she improved her singing abilities by performing with her church choir, at local company parties and in television shows. She also participated in the important American talent show ‘Discovery’. As a young adult, she has gained a great deal of experience in the contemporary music world by performing for local production companies and television stations, nightclubs, weddings and church conventions in Florida.
She has sung in supporting acts for the shows of both her parents: Gwen McCrae (known from such hits as: ‘Rockin’ Chair’, ‘Funky Sensation’, ‘Keep the fire Burnin’), and her father, George McCrae (known from his hits ‘Rock your baby’, ‘Can’t leave you alone’, ‘Time for emotions’ etc.). Leah McCrae also supported the American R&B act ‘Jodeci’. In 1995 she took part in the supporting acts of the American HipHop sensation ‘Nonchalant’ (known from the hit '5 o’clock in the Morning).
In 1995 Leah McCrae joined the American Army. During her service, she expanded her musical experience by performing as a studio artist.
She has lived in Europe since 1998. Europe proved to be an exciting place, full of opportunity. Since her arrival in this part of the world, she has been active in various branches of the music industry, including television specials, performances for companies, and charities such as the SOS Children's Fund. Stories about her talent are spreading like wildfire, and she remains a sought-after artist. Mercedes-Benz recently invited her to sing during their annual awards ceremony. Big party magazines, including Top-Party, also show interest in her abilities, and she is often asked to perform during their launching parties. She also performed for American Airlines in Germany. Earlier this year Leah McCrae was invited to perform for King Cephus Bansah ofGhana, for the occasion of his wedding.
And last but not least, Leah McCrae has released a debut album. She was busy promoting her first single during the 'Touch My Soul' tour in Germany and at R&B festivals in England. The first and second singles of the album, entitled 'Can I Get Busy One Time' and 'Summervibe', were released in the beginning of 2002 and halfway through that year on vinyl, by Urban Star Records England, and a short time later in Germany. Both maxi-singles have a mix with the co-operation of the well-known English rap artist Legend and were produced by Full Crew. In May 2002 'Can I Get Busy One Time' climbed to No. 6 on the Urban Charts in England. 'Summervibe' was listed No. 1 on this hit list. A new single, ' All This Love I’m Giving ', recorded together with Full Crew, came up 13th in the Floorfiller's B&S Charts in England. The first and second singles were released on a collection album of Urban Star.Leah McCrae has the makings of a true star. She is young, attractive and very talented. In addition, we feel that it is very important to find the right chemistry in a team when you are promoting such an artist. Her projects are definitely worth the attention and the energy. Leah McCrae is no newcomer on the scene and has proved, time after time, that she is ready to conquer the world.
At the end of 2002 and in the late spring of 2003, Leah McCrae was on tour in Singapore, China, Hong Kong, Spain and Curaçao to perform for Princess and their 'Model of the Year' contest. Princess Records recently recorded the CD single ' You Are So Beautiful" with Leah McCrae. The CD is free to those who register for the 2004 Princess "Model of the Year" contest.



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Patrick van Nek

Patrick, born and raised in the Zaan region of Holland, has been fascinated by music ever since the days of his youth.
At age 10, after winning 2 talent shows, Patrick was noticed by Malle Pietje (known from Swiebertje) who then talked to Willy Alberti about this young singer. This contact eventually resulted in Willy Alberti and Len del Ferro making a recording together of young Patrick. One year later, under the management Roek Williams, a single is released with the title “Mijn Muziek” (My Music) in a limited edition. Under pressure from the Children's Inspectorate at the time, which would not grant permission to continue further with this project, the public's demand for more professional material from Patrick remained unanswered. At a young age, Patrick performed in and around the Zaan on a weekly basis.
He later played in various musicals via the Musical Amsterdam Foundation under the direction of Hans Hamstra, including “Guys and Dolls” by Gilbert and Sullivan, in which he played the role of a Spanish ballad singer, “Gondoliers” by Gilbert and Sullivan, where he played the leading part of Marco, and “Anything Goes” by Cole Porter, in which a special piece of music was introduced so that Patrick could show off his musical talent in the role of entertainer.
During this period of musicals, Patrick also managed to reach the final of the “NL Trofee” in the Kleine Komedie in Amsterdam.
Having been put forward by the chairman of the operetta association “Bell Canto”, with whom Patrick occasionally played a guest role, Patrick was in the first qualifying round of “Una Voce Particolare” by Ernst Daniel Smidt, in which he managed to make it to the finals.
Patrick is currently working on his solo career, together with Piet Souer as producer; he is now singing the music that he loves!

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Juni Juliet

Juni started his career as early as age 7, when he played the mandolin in various television programmes. He became a TV star, and every Saturday evening the entire island was gathered round the TV to watch him. Juni later travelled with his four brothers under the name “Tipiko Juliet” throughout South America, where he performed in children's programmes on South American television. When Juni turned 11, he started singing and could also play guitar, bass guitar, piano, organ and percussion instruments. The band was very popular between 1970 and 1977.
In 1977 Juni decided to go on as a solo artist. He participated in various festivals, such as “O.T.I.” and the “Festival de la Voz y Canción” in Puerto Rico. In 1990 he won the golden “Orpheus” in Bulgaria.
He was also involved in cabaret and worked as a piano artist in various countries, including Japan-Russia-Bulgaria-Hongary-Sweden-Finland-New York-Miami-Las Vegas-France-Spain-Belgium-England. He participated in shows in New York with groups such as “Constellation” and “Charles St.Paul”. He also did various Cabaret shows.
1. Juni & the Russian Revue
2. Juni & the Golden girls
3. Sabor Tropical
4. Caribbean Tropic Show
5. Juni Juliet on Tour
Juni Juliet has released two solo albums and worked on various other albums (B.e.s.s., Libea and Short Cut). In 1987 he received a Caribbean Grammy for the best duet (Ban biba awor) and in 1989 for the best song (Guitara). In 1991 he received a prize for his volunteer ambassadorship of Curaçao. After living for 14 years in Norway, he has now moved to Holland.
Juni sings and performs in various languages, including: English, Spanish, Italian, Norwegian, Swedish, Papiamento, Dutch and Portuguese.
Repertoire
R&B, Soul, funk, Rock & Roll, Blues, swing, Salsa, House, disco, etc…

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Brigitte Nijman

Brigitte Nijman studied at the Academy for Life Music in Hilversum from 1989 to 1991, after which she became the lead singer of the theatre group JEANS.
With this group, she performed for several seasons in Dutch theatres (Jeans 3,4 and 5). Performing together with the Orkest van de Koninklijke Luchtmacht (World Air Force Orchestra), Brigitte took part in the show to commemorate the Liberation, called “On the Air”. From 1996 onward, she has played in musicals without interruption.
In 1996/97 she played in “Evita” (alternate Eva Peron), and later became the “Maria” understudy in the Flemish “Sound of Music”. In 1997/98 she conquered the role of Sandy in the Dutch production of “Grease”, followed by a performance in the widely praised “The Dancing Queens”, A Tribute to Abba, in the Amsterdam “Werktheater” and as the main performance in the “Broadway Theater Showbizz City”.
In 2000 Brigitte worked once again as soloist with the Orkest van de Koninklijke Luchtmacht in the theatre show “Going Dutch” and with Willeke Alberti in the Revue “ Meer dan brood alleen” (“More than bread alone”).
Until 28 February 2002, Brigitte played the role of Grace Kelly 3x per week in “Grace” the musical. In that same year she stood together with her fellow performers in Ahoy during the first “Musicals in Concert” in Ahoy!
During this last season, she played Mia Farrow and Nancy Sinatra, Jr., among others, in “Sinatra, that’s life!”.
On television, Brigitte could be seen in the series “Zo ken ik iemand” and “Luifel en luifel”.
She also uses her voice in many children's series, including Bella in the Teleac series “Tweenies”, Helena in Disney’s “Hercules” and Tuptim in “De Koning en ik” ("The King and I").
And between all her other activities, together with her fellow performers Tony Neef en Rolf Koster, Brigitte is regularly seen at (company) parties and events with the comic trio “Heidi und die Heino’s” and together with Tony, they form the duo “Musicals in Motion”.
Brigitte is currently performing in the newly written play “Onder Ons” ("Between Us"), written by Edwin de Jongh for “De Zonnebloem”. Together with her colleagues Lucie de Lange, Rob van de Meeberg and Danny de Munk, she will be seen in theatres until June 2004.

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Tony Neef

Training
Received training in Andragology at the Rijksuniversiteit of Groningen (1980-1985) and studied at the Academy for Light Music in Hilversum (1991). Took singing lessons from Adriaan van Limpt and Alberto ter Doest, among others. He took a presentation course at Kemna Casting.
Theatre
Tony started as a lead singer and actor in Jeans 2, Jeans 3 and Jeans 4, and in the Jeans television specials (1990 - 1995). He was a finalist in the National Festival (1990 and 1992). He also sang and played in the theatre show On the Air -- a cooperation between Jeans and the Orchestra of the Royal Air Force. In 1995 he played in the musical Evita (as understudy for Che Guevara, among other parts). From 1996 to 1999 he played the role of Chris in the musical Miss Saigon. This was followed by the role of Billy Flynn in Chicago. In the summer of 2001, he could be seen as Frank in the widely acclaimed musical Rocky Over The Rainbow. In the 2001/2002 season he played the role of designer Andrews in the musical Titanic and in Saturday Night Fever he had them laughing with his interpretation of DJ Monty.
From the autumn of 2003 to the summer of 2004, Tony - along with Jenny Arean, Joke de Kruif and Marnix Kappers - will be performing in the theatre show “Telkens weer het dorp” ("Always the Village"), paying homage to the repertoire of scriptwriter Friso Wiegersma.
Television / Film
Played guest roles in Goede Tijden, Slechte Tijden (Good Times, Bad Times) and Sam Sam. Did lots of dubbing, including the animated series Robbedoes and Rocko’s modern life and Wat doet Andy? (the title role in all cases), Walt Disney films Hercules (title role) and Dinosaur (Aladar), the television series Oliver Twist (title role), the films Harry Potter and Tom en Thomas, and sang the title song of the series Noddy and Goudkust and in Pokemon 3.
Other details
In March 1999 his first solo CD ‘Nooit Verwacht’ ('Never expected it') was released, featuring five songs that Tony wrote himself. The song ‘Margootje’, which he sang at the Gala Van Het Nederlandse Lied, appeared as a CD single. At this time Tony is touring with his own “Heidi und die Heino’s” and “Your Votes” through the Netherlands at (company) parties and events.

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Rolf Koster

Stage
Rolf Koster debuted as Joly and Marius in Les Misérables.
There then followed Cyrano the Musical, in which he played Le Bret as well as featuring in the ensemble, Tobias in Sweeney Todd, Rudolf in the Vienna production Elisabeth and in the Netherlands he played Prince Charming in Zzinderella.
He was in Jubilee 15, played Ted in Joe-the Musical, Björn in The Dancing Queens and the title role in Robin Hood.
Rolf was understudy for Barrett in Titanic and featured as a soloist in the Musicals in Concert tour.
In 2002 he was shortlisted in the Netherlands for the John Kraaijkamp Musical Award for the Best Supporting Male for his role as Bradley in Rocky over the Rainbow.
After that Rolf played a double role as Wolf and Cinderella's Prince in the musical Into the Woods.

Other appearances
Rolf's voice is very much in demand for cartoons and he is currently touring the Netherlands with the groups, Voulez Vous, Your Votes and Heidi und die Heino's.
This last group notched up a recent top-40 hit with a cover version of "Ich bin wie du".

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Paul Morocco & Olé

Paul Morocco, Marcial Heredia-Fernandez and Guillermo de Endaya perform together in one of the most unpredictable, funny and spectacular shows. It is an effervescent combination of music and comedy, full of surrealistic ‘inventions’ and lots of fun. Olé performs in all sorts of exhilarating music styles: from the rhythms of flamenco to salsa, swing, blues, jazz and pop. Three Latin-American machos, full of fire, fighting for their honour as they play, spinning and throwing their guitars into the air; it’s wild and wonderful, formidably musical and sparkling with comic talent. They take the audience on a trip and wind up in a grand fiesta!!!
Guillermo de Endaya was born in in Bilbao, Spain. He started playing the guitar at age 14. He later studied at the Conservatory in Leioa (near Bilbao), where he became the drummer of the Big Band “Bilbao”. As a singer, guitarist and composer, he was the leader of many bands in Spain and Germany. Thanks to his feeling for melody, rhythm and his acting talents, he has been with Olé for four years!
Marcial Heredia-Fernandez grew up in Granada and comes from an artistic Spanish family known as “Los Garbanzos Heredia”. Marcial started playing guitar at age 7, taught by his grandfather. Since then he has been travelling the world over with his unique talent and unbridled energy. Now that he is part of Olé, he combines his musical talents, energy and natural feeling for humour.
Paul Morocco, the founder of the group, is that crazy guy from Casablanca himself. He grew up in Virginia in the United States. His mother comes from Morocco, his father is a Cajun from New Orleans. Morocco left his native country and travelled as a street artist to Europe. He later settled down in London, first delving into the cabaret circuit, and later in worldwide theatre. This flamboyant personality, exceptional juggler and talented musician expresses his "Mediterranean madness" together with Marcial and Guillermo to perform the show that is Olé! …………
You have never seen such a bizarre and unpredictable show.

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