Leander Vandereecken & Olivier Vander Bauwede - Release Concert

Leander Vandereecken and Olivier Vander Bauwede both hail from Ghent and are active in the Belgian blues scene. Their collaboration originated in the legendary Missy Sippy Blues & Roots Club, where they still play an active role today as organizers and driving forces behind the jam sessions. As an acoustic duo, they combine guitar, harmonica, and two-part vocals into a sound that is deeply rooted in traditional blues, while simultaneously sounding fresh and contemporary. Following their debut EP Live From Room 13 (2024), recognition quickly followed. In 2025 they were awarded by the Belgian Blues Federation as Beste Blues Duo and their EP was nominated for Best Belgian Blues Album 2025. Since then, the duo has played in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany and served as the opening act for Australian blues artist C.W. Stoneking. With Met Side By Side they bring their first full album, featuring original compositions that sound as though they have been around for generations: weathered and deeply anchored in the blues tradition. Especially for this release concert, the duo is reinforced by none other than Filip Vandebril on double bass and Simon Raman on drums.