Stories must be told, songs must be sung: My Netherlands Trip

The Rockit Festival! This annual event in Groningen, the Netherlands, celebrates adventurous music, blending genres like jazz, funk, hip-hop, and electronic. As a fusion jazz lover, it felt like the perfect escape—a chance to lighten my skies and embrace music as a healing balm for my stress-filled agenda. But this trip was about more than just music; it was about storytelling in its many forms.

Join me on this journey, as I take you through the heart of my journey, where stories were told, songs were sung, and connections were made. Give your hand gently, let's go!

AJA MONET - A SURREALIST BLUES POET

Watching Aja Monet in my first encounter felt like being drawn into a world where clarity and intensity were almost touchable. This clarity wasn’t passive; it demanded something from me, an active participation in truly listening, in reaching out with my own attention to meet her intensity.

Not long after her performance I got to know, Grammy Nominated Aja Monet is a renowned poet and activist, known for her "surrealist blues" poetry that explores themes of love, resistance, and identity. Her work blends lyrical storytelling with social and political activism, drawing from her Haitian-Cuban heritage and her dedication to social justice.

Jazz tunes behind Aja, who speaks so much truth (although defines oneself as surrealist) with such a conscious tongue, detailed vocabulary and a magnificent articulation, xxx. Her presence was magnetic, an embodiment of both decisiveness and openness.

There I was, the silly Ipek whose mind wandering since she was a little girl. During Aja's performance on the other hand, there was a sense of being anchored entirely in the present, as if her words wove an invisible thread around each member of the audience, pulling us into her world. In that moment, I recognized the rare privilege of experiencing her art—a moment that promised to open doors to new perspectives and enrich my understanding of what it means to truly connect through storytelling.

IBRAHIM MAALOUF - A TRUE STORY TELLER

Ibrahim Maalouf, the amazing French-Lebanese trumpeter, has won acclaim worldwide for his innovative fusion of Eastern and Western tunes, creating a unique sound that’s earned him numerous awards and a loyal following across continents.

Maalouf performed his latest album, Trumpets of Michel-Ange THAT unfolds like an emotional journey, celebrating themes of love, family, and cultural heritage through music. Each track reflects different stages of a couple’s life together, from their engagement to the bittersweet moment of sending children out into the world, was more than just a set of songs

—it was a deeply rooted narrative about love, heritage, and the legacy that families pass down. He shared stories about his Lebanese roots, and as he described each piece, he explained how it reflected the life cycle of a couple: the joy of marriage, the quiet strength of partnership, and finally, the bittersweet release of sending his 15 year old into the world. Through each introduction, Maalouf wasn’t just giving background; he was opening a window into his own world and the values that define it.

Maalouf's music creates a space where borders fell away and differences blend into something beautiful and united. In the concert, there was an artist who used not only his trumpet but also his words to bridge cultures, drawing on his personal legacy to connect us all in a space beyond borders. It was a moving reminder that when artists share their stories and values openly, they create more than art—they create spaces where we can all belong.

I LOVE YOU SO MUCH MAALOUF!

THE GRAND PILLOW SOCIETY

After the festival, while wandering through the city, I bumped into an outdoor sign for an English speaking open mic event hosted by the Grand Pillow Society. Interesting, I thought, "Why not?" I booked my ticket and went, unaware of the soul-enriching experience that awaited me.

The Grand Pillow Society, held at the Grand Theatre in Groningen, offers an intimate setting where participants kick off their shoes, settle into plush pillows, and share stories and music. The atmosphere is welcoming and safe, encouraging vulnerability and honesty.

The hostess set the tone with a moving story about a woman who never shared her stories or songs, always swallowing them down. One day, a big shoe and a jacket came out of her mouth. Her husband, upon seeing these unfamiliar items, didn't believe they could have come from her. Indeed, nobody believed in her. The shoes symbolized the dances she never danced, and the jacket represented the places she never went and the stories she never told. This misunderstanding highlighted the consequences of unexpressed emotions and unshared stories. She ended with a powerful reminder: "Stories must be told, songs must be sung!"

As the night unfolded, people continued to share deeply personal stories and songs. Some sang about their ex-lovers with raw emotion, while others recounted deep regrets. There were tears, but also a profound sense of relief. We all felt the power of being in a safe zone, free of hesitation and self-judgment.

The Grand Pillow Society was more than just an event; it was a testament to the healing power of stories and the deep bonds they create.

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To my dear friend who reads my stories

I know you read my stories and then try to confirm them with the people you think might be part of the stories instead of dropping an engaging feedback for me. I pity you for this. It’s a reflection of your inability to embrace vulnerability and share your own stories. Instead, you choose to entertain yourself with the drama of others.

I hope one day you find the courage to open up, to share your own narratives, and to connect with others on a deeper level. Until then, I wish you the best of luck in finding whatever creativity you can muster to tell your stories.