# Perhaps that is the best part of an evening like this: Meryn Bevelander XXL band at Heyhoef Tilburg 2026: Photos

- Link: https://jazzblues.eu/2026/09/26/perhaps-that-is-the-best-part-of-an-evening-like-this-meryn-bevelander-xxl-band-at-heyhoef-tilburg-2026-photos/
- Published: 2026-09-26T05:00:16+01:00
- Author: https://JazzBlues.EU

**Meryn Bevelander delivers a compelling performance during an impressive XXL show
in Tilburg. His expanded band adds extra depth and dynamism to his songs, culminating
in a thirty-minute rendition of “The Ballad of John Henry.”**

Opening act Guess Who’s Late showcases promising young talent.

![Concertverslag: Meryn Bevelander XXL band, Heyhoef Tilburg 19 september 2026](
https://i0.wp.com/711571cc.delivery.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/meryn-
1-scaled.jpg.webp?resize=640%2C480&ssl=1)

**Meryn Bevelander: thinking big, playing big**

Sometimes, as an artist, you have to dare to think big. And when it turns out the
way it did this evening at the Heyhoef in Tilburg, you can only have immense respect
for what Meryn Bevelander delivers.

Twelve years ago, he first took the stage here as an 11-year-old boy, alongside 
Gerrit Veldman. Now, twelve years later, he is the main man himself—the leader driving
his XXL band to great heights.

**Meryn Bevelander, the Bonamassa of the Low Countries**

Hailing from Nijmegen, Meryn Bevelander has for some time been demonstrating that
he belongs to the new generation of Dutch blues guitarists.

With accolades such as a Young Talent Blues Award under his belt and a power trio
featuring his brother Florian on drums and Kevin Clerence on bass, he has laid a
solid foundation for this XXL show.

![Foto Concertverslag: Meryn Bevelander XXL band, Heyhoef Tilburg 19 september 2026](
https://i0.wp.com/711571cc.delivery.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/meryn-
5-scaled.jpg.webp?resize=640%2C858&ssl=1 "Concertverslag: Meryn Bevelander XXL band,
Heyhoef Tilburg 19 september 2026 1")

It is no secret that Meryn has taken a close look at Joe Bonamassa; the setup of
the evening evokes the grandeur of Bonamassa’s large-scale band shows.

Yet it is primarily the way Bevelander translates his own music to a larger stage
that impresses. The addition of keyboards, trumpet, saxophone, and backing vocals
lends his songs extra depth, color, and power.

Combined with his varied and compelling guitar work, the result is a sound that 
frequently calls to mind major blues-rock shows. It quickly became clear that the
audience appreciated this style.

Tracks such as the uptempo, funky “Taking Your Chances” and “What Should I Do” receive
a massive boost thanks to the expanded lineup. The instrumental “Shuffle in A” also
provides a moment where the band members have ample opportunity to showcase their
musical talents.

In doing so, Bevelander proves himself to be not only a gifted guitarist but also
a bandleader who knows exactly when to give others space and when to firmly take
the reins.

![Foto Concertverslag: Meryn Bevelander XXL band, Heyhoef Tilburg 19 september 2026](
https://i0.wp.com/711571cc.delivery.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/meryn-
6-scaled.jpg.webp?resize=640%2C853&ssl=1 "Concertverslag: Meryn Bevelander XXL band,
Heyhoef Tilburg 19 september 2026 2")

The show then gradually builds toward an impressive climax, featuring—among other
tracks—Gary Moore’s “Walking by Myself,” a particularly apt choice here.

The uptempo nature of the music gives Bevelander plenty of room to really pull out
all the stops. But the real fireworks arrive with the thirty-plus-minute rendition
of Joe Bonamassa’s “The Ballad of John Henry.”

This is where everything that makes playing with an XXL band so special comes together.
The joy of playing radiates from the stage, the musicianship is undeniable, and 
soaring guitar solos ring out across the venue.

It is not merely a display of musical prowess, but above all a collective celebration
where band and audience visibly connect.

During the encore—Sonny Boy Williamson II’s “Help Me”—the rhythm section also receives
the recognition it deserves. Florian Bevelander and Kevin Clerence serve as the 
band’s engine, demonstrating just how vital a strong rhythm section is for a guitarist
who wants the space to shine.

Their playing is steady and expressive, but above all, indispensable to the evening’s
sound and dynamics.

![Foto Concertverslag: Meryn Bevelander XXL band, Heyhoef Tilburg 19 september 2026](
https://i0.wp.com/711571cc.delivery.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/meryn2.
jpg.webp?resize=640%2C480&ssl=1 "Concertverslag: Meryn Bevelander XXL band, Heyhoef
Tilburg 19 september 2026 3")

**The Meryn Bevelander XXL band consists of:**

Meryn Bevelander – Guitar & Vocals
 Florian Bevelander – Drums Kevin Clerence – 
Bass Sander Poleij – Keyboards Milan van Munster – Trumpet Steven Dietvorst – Saxophone
Berber Dietvorst – Backing Vocals Maaike Meulendijks – Backing Vocals

**Young talent as the opening act**

Before this electrifying show, the stage belongs to the Tilburg-based band Guess
Who’s Late. It is wonderful to see such enthusiasm among the youngest generation
of musicians to take the stage.

Maud, the drummer—only 14 years old—certainly knows how to hit those cymbals with
gusto and isn’t intimidated by the large stage. Bassist David, the oldest member
of the band at 17, demonstrates that a physical disability doesn’t stop him from
laying down a solid groove.

The front duo consists of Floris (16), a remarkable guitar virtuoso, and Sam (15),
a natural-born entertainer who combines guitar playing with vocals. With covers 
of songs by The Beatles, Dire Straits, and The Blues Brothers, among others, they
manage to get the crowd moving early in the evening.

Perhaps that is the best part of an evening like this: young musicians visibly enjoying
themselves on stage while simultaneously showcasing the wealth of talent out there.

![Foto Concertverslag: Meryn Bevelander XXL band, Heyhoef Tilburg 19 september 2026](
https://i0.wp.com/711571cc.delivery.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/guess-
1.jpg.webp?resize=640%2C443&ssl=1 "Concertverslag: Meryn Bevelander XXL band, Heyhoef
Tilburg 19 september 2026 4")

### _Related_