BassFest 2025: Mohini Dey, Dave Holland, and a Reimagined Festival for the Bass World
The Dutch Double Bass Festival has rebranded to be the BassFest for 2025, and this year is clearly going to be another incredible event. Artistic director James Oesi has revealed the headliners to be the great Mohini Dey and the Dave Holland Trio. The event will also showcase over 15 live performances, exhibitions by instrument makers, a bass-themed cinema, and an art exhibition.
“Without most people realizing it, the bass is an incredibly versatile instrument: essential in orchestras, powerful as a solo voice in chamber music, indispensable in a jazz band, and the foundation of every great hip-hop track,” Oesi states. “I want to show the world how beautiful the bass is—captivating for all kinds of music lovers, who we aim to touch deeply with this festival.”
Dey has become one of the biggest bass stars of the past decade with her incredible fusion of jazz, rock, fusion, and traditional Indian music. She’s collaborated with everyone from Steve Vai to Zakir Hussain and released her debut album in 2023. Her performance at BassFest will mark her first performance in The Netherlands.
Dave Holland is a pillar of the jazz world. He was a member of Miles Davis’s band during the pivotal late ’60s era in which he played on the groundbreaking album, Bitches Brew. He’s also performed with Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, and Joe Henderson, not to mention his incredible solo career. His trio at BassFest will feature saxophonist Jaleel Shaw and drummer Nasheet Waits.
BassFest 2025 is scheduled for November 8th and 9th in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. For more info, check out the BassFest website.
In his time with No Treble, Kevin has met hundreds of amazing bassists and interviewed icons like Jack Casady, Victor Wooten, Les Claypool, Marcus Miller, and more. He's a gigging bassist performing jazz in Northern Virginia and bluegrass with The Plate Scrapers up and down the East Coast. Kevin appreciates all genres of music, from R&B to metal and everything in between. Connect with Kevin on Facebook and check his performance schedule on his website.
