Great Lake Swimmers + Portland (solo) in MEZZ

With a mixture of acoustic instruments, rural soundscapes and nostalgic vocals, Great Lake Swimmers has become a highly praised indie folk group led by Tony Dekker. The band was formed in 2000 in South Ontario and gained recognition with atmospheric albums, often recorded in old silos and rural churches. Now they bring their warm folk and intimate Americana to Breda.

Their latest album Caught Light, released on 10 October 2025, is the most direct and instinctive work to date. Recorded in just five days in the Ganaraska Forest in Ontario, together with producer Darcy Yates (Bahamas) and engineer Jimmy Bowskill (Blue Rodeo), it exudes the warmth of 1970s folk-pop and showcases a new spontaneity and immediacy in Dekker’s songwriting.

Portland (solo)
Over seven years, Portland has grown into one of the most popular indie acts in Belgium. Surrounding frontman Jente Pironet, the band creates sensitive, dreamy songs that can enchant large stages as well as intimate venues live. For this concert, Jente will perform solo as a support act for Great Lake Swimmers.

Their third album Champain carries the sorrow of the past years in every note: from the pandemic to Jente’s personal battle with brain tumours. Yet the album not only looks back but also forward – determined and hopeful. Portland is on its way, with the window open and the radio at eleven.