The Biggles Big Band: Amsterdam Swing Jazz Band Delivers a Delightful Performance at The Pandora Camp, Khao Yai
8 February 2025

If you're a jazz enthusiast, you'd be thrilled to know that a big band jazz performance took place, a rare sight in Thailand, even in renowned jazz clubs, luxury hotels, or upscale tourist areas. This is due to the large number of musicians, over 20, which exceeds the capacity of most venues. Not to mention the hefty performance fees, which often exceed business budgets. Even music schools rarely feature big band performances, typically opting for trios or quartets.

 

Moreover, the performing band flew directly from Amsterdam, comprising 24 members (excluding the lighting, sound, video, and support teams). They included a conductor, a vocalist, 5 saxophone/flute/clarinet players, 4 trombone players, a guitarist, a pianist, a bassist, a drummer, 2 violinists, a violist, and a cellist—a genuine big band.

 

Importantly, they specialize in swing jazz, playing tunes by Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Quincy Jones, and others. For vocal jazz, they performed songs by Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin.

 

This world-class band is The Biggles Big Band, which has been performing every Monday at the Casablanca Café in the heart of Amsterdam for 40 years. Founded in 1985, they are led by Adrie Braat, or "Ari" in Thai, who serves as the conductor. Ari was instrumental in bringing the band to perform across Thailand for the first time in 2009, touring Ayutthaya, Sukhothai, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Bangkok, and Hua Hin. Following the success of their first tour, Ari has led the band back every year.

 

All proceeds from their performances are donated to underprivileged children in Thailand, making them a globally recognized volunteer band with strong ties to the Thai people.

 

Their performance at The Pandora Camp, Khao Yai, on the night of February 8th, was lively and intimate, with musicians even coming down from the stage to play among the audience. In addition to the revenue from dinner table reservations, donations were collected from wine sales by Alcidini Vineyard and an art auction featuring works by "Uncle Noi" or Surin Sonthirat, raising over 70,000 baht for the Makut Khiriwan School for the Blind.

 

The event was both enjoyable and charitable, providing the audience with a rare opportunity to experience big band jazz up close.