Dirk Zandvliet(1991) is a freelance musician, educator & producer. He is currently involved in Gallowstreet (est. 2012) and Brass Rave Unit (est. 2014) as a professional saxophone/flute player. He established MOTO TROKO (est. 2022) as a platform for connecting Amsterdam youth to instrumental brass music and teaches civics and social sciences at the Vinse School. With over 14 years of experience in the live music industry and beyond he has become a well-versed allrounder both on-stage and off. His monumental presence on stage as a saxophone player earned him recognition within the Euro-brass band scene as one of the top rapid staccato articulators and landed him an endorsement with SYOS, the Parisian mouthpiece developer. He has been featured on the radiostatins KEXP, FIP & 3FM. Though mostly self taught on his instrument he attained a Bachelors Degree and Masters Degree in Political Science and Teaching. His politics and ideals frequently intersect with his practice as an artist and uses his voice and platform to speak on the important issues of our time.
Dirk is passionate about producing albums and shows for his bands; taking care of artwork, technical development and directing where necessary. He has a keen eye for programming fun and exciting nights where he uses his extensive network in the music scene to put bands and dj’s together to create memorable experiences.
Education
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 2020–2023
2022-present
Founder/Teacher/Producer, Stichting MOTO TROKO
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Brass band learning program for young musicians
- Performances at Supersonic Jazz Festival, De Nieuwe Anita, Grachtenfestival, and Markt Centraal
2021–present
First-Degree Teacher of Social Studies, De Vinse School, Amsterdam (part-time)
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Teaching Social Studies and Social Sciences to grades 3–5
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Designing curricula, organizing debate nights, school events, and information sessions
2015–present
Independent Artist & Producer, Tender Beast Music Productions
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Freelance musician, producer, and creative developer
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Producing shows and full-night programs, including stage design, advancing, and artistic concepts
2014–present
Founder/Baritone Saxophonist/Artistic Director, Brass Rave Unit (Bookings by Friendly Fire, MGMT: Attack n Release)
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High-energy brass trio performing at Eurosonic Noorderslag, Glastonbury, and major UK festivals
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Released album It Burns the Midnight Oil (2023)
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Recent milestones: sold-out shows at Tolhuistuin (2023), Paradiso main hall (2024), Skatecafé (2025), and Best Kept Secret Festival (2025)
2012–present
Founder/Baritone Saxophonist/Artistic Director, Gallowstreet (Bookings by MOJO, MGMT: 3S Music Management)
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Eight-piece brass ensemble touring nationally and internationally
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Highlights: sold-out shows at Paradiso and Concertgebouw, Jazz a Vienne, North Sea Jazz, Lowlands, tours in Slovakia, France, Germany, Turkey, and Algeria
2018–present
Founder/ ulti-Instrumentalist, Golden Era
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Dance music cover band featuring iconic hits from the electronic era
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Responsible for concept development and band management
2023–present
Supervisory Board Member, Stichting INI
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Supporting a talent development platform for independent indie, soul, and jazz artists
2016–2023
Board Member (Secretary), Stichting Muziekstraat
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Community-focused arts and culture foundation in Amsterdam-Noord
- Responsible for funding applications and organizational development
Brass Rave Unit – Album Release Tour 2026
(tickets available at the venues)
02 April — LantarenVenster, Rotterdam
10 April — Merleyn, Nijmegen
11 April — Hall of Fame, Tilburg
12 April — TivoliVredenburg, Utrecht
16 April — Oosterpoort, Groningen
23 May — Paradiso, Amsterdam
Gallowstreet – France
(tickets available at the venues)
09 Oct — La Sirène, La Rochelle (17)
10 Oct — Le BBC, Hérouville-St-Clair (14)
11 Oct — MJC La Vallée, Chaville (92)
18 Oct — Nancy Jazz Pulsations, Nancy (54)
18 Dec — La Marche Gare, Lyon (69)
19 Dec — La Source, La Fontaine (38)
20 Dec — Bords de Scène, Vitry-le-François (51)