KLEZMOKUM FOUNDATION
& GREENE ROOM
The Klezmokum Foundation was established in 2006 by American jazz pianist Burton Greene.
In the years that followed, many concerts were organized with the support of the Jewish Maror Funds. In June 2021, Burton passed away at the age of 84. It was his express wish that the foundation continue its musical activities in his spirit. To honor that wish, the foundation’s name and statutes have been amended, and a new location has been rented at Elementenstraat 16 in Amsterdam-West. Here, Burton’s memory is kept alive through exhibitions, workshops, living room concerts, and guest performances.
The foundation is, by nature, non-commercial: we do not sell tickets or charge entrance fees. Instead, visitors are kindly asked to make an appropriate donation for the music and refreshments so that the costs of each concert can be covered. You can also donate using the form at the bottom of this site.
DUKE ELLINGTON PROJECT: SEVEN FOR DUKE
Next concert: Sunday 20 September 2026, 15.00 hours
Music by the legendary jazz composer Duke Ellington (1899–1975), performed by a seven-piece ensemble led by Ruud Bergamin (saxophone, arrangements), featuring Marie van der Burg (vocals), Koos van der Hout (trumpet), Daniel Follmann (trombone), Nick van den Bos (piano), Vincent Kuiper (bass), and Victor de Boo (drums).
The theme is: ‘From Club to Church’ and includes music that builds upon Ellington’s Cotton Club period (around 1930), with well-known songs from his repertoire and also the sacred music from Ellington’s Sacred Concerts (early 1960s), revealing another side of his extraordinary musical vision.
The music will be explained during the concert by bandleader Ruud Bergamin. He will share insights into jazz music in general and the life and work of Duke Ellington in particular. Ruud is a renowned and award-winning saxophonist based in Rotterdam. In addition to performing, he regularly gives lectures on a wide range of jazz musicians and styles.
UPCOMING EVENTS
-
Duke Ellıngton Project: Seven For Duke
Sunday 20 September 2026
Septet with singer Marie van der Burg,
led by saxophonist Ruud Bergamin15.00-17.00, door open at 14.30 hours
-
Mehmet Polat quartet
Sunday 18 October 2026
Well known from Bimhuis, the great ud player together with three great musicians
15.00-17.00, door open at 14.30 hours
-
Continuity quartet
Sunday 15 November 2026
Great jazz quartet with Mischa van der Wekken on saxophones and Jens Larson on guitar
15.00-17.00, door open at 14.30 hours
-
Deborah Carter quintet
Sunday 13 December
It’s an honor to welcome Deborah and band in the Greene Room
15.00-17.00, door open at 14.30 hours
-
Klezmokum, Burton Greene revival band
Sunday 17 January
Our own house band coming again to honor Burton with some of his tunes and new recent tunes
15.00-17.00, door open at 14.30 hours
Workshops at the Greene Room
At the Greene Room, jazz enthusiasts can take part in inspiring workshops led by Veen Jazz Expressions and renowned Dutch trumpeter and educator Loet van der Lee. These workshops are designed for musicians of all levels who want to develop their jazz skills, improve their improvisation, and enjoy making music together in a welcoming and creative environment. Veen Jazz Expressions has been organizing jazz workshops for amateur and semi-professional musicians for many years, offering hands-on learning, ensemble playing, and expert musical guidance.
Interested in joining a workshop or learning more about the program? Visit the Veen Jazz website for upcoming dates, workshop details, and registration information:
Elementenstraat 16 Amsterdam-West
Elementenstraat is a side street of Transformatorweg in Sloterdijk. After 7:00 PM and in the weekend parking is free.
The building can be reached by bus 22, stop Contactweg and take second street to the right,
or by metro lines 50-51, stop Isolatorweg and take the right exit, turn left at Rataplan, and then take the first right.