The Musicboat - Reinier Sijpkens from Amsterdam
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Slated for the Summer of 2024, Jason Comet and other local individuals and businesses are working to bring the YouTube and Facebook sensation, Reinier Sijpkens with his “Musicboat” and other international musical colleagues to the 1,000 Islands region.
At home in his native Amsterdam, Reinier and his Musicboat “Notendop” (meaning “nutshell”) traverse the canals of Amsterdam and Holland bringing his Serenades to those passing by. The colorful little boat piloted by its bubbly Captain, carrying an unassuming passenger, appear underneath the bridges of the canals, then begins a little water dance, spinning around on the water. It’s Captain, wearing a colorful shirt and a straw hat, begins turning a crank which starts the music playing from the custom-built pipe organ. The sounds of these gentle pipes echo off the walls and homes around the canals. He picks up one of his custom-made trumpets to provide a 20-minute recital to those gathered around the water’s edge. Tourists gathered nearby to experience this impromptu program are treated first to a jaunty tune by Rossini, then followed by an Aria by Verdi sung by one of his international opera singer friends, then a serenade of “What A Wonderful World” where the unique trumpet stylings of Louis Armstrong are heard. A couple popular tunes of old and new are heard with his singing passenger, and some fun conversations with those gathered around are had before the little boat skips away into the distance with shouts and applause from those who just witnessed a once-in-a-lifetime experience. |
Reinier and the Musicboat between two larger ships.
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Reinier with his street busker cart playing for senior citizens indoors in Amsterdam.
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This is the unique experience we are hoping to bring to the River communities on both sides of the International Border!
The 1,000 Islands provides numerous opportunities for these little impromptu water concerts! Reinier can be floating around the Swan Pond at Boldt Castle, or circling the hundreds of boats anchored in Picton Island, or traversing the canals in Gananoque. In the streets, in traditional “busker” fashion, Reinier can move his little pipe organ onto a rolling cart and join the crowds in Alexandria Bay for Buskers in the Bay, or under the Clayton Village Dock or around the Farmers Market in Kingston. The opportunities around the area vast and numerous, with other ideas that may still yet to be discovered! |
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To make the trip worth the time and energies, a 2-week adventure is being planned with many water-concerts, and a handful of evening land-based concerts in area venues. During this time, Reinier and friends can be also be hired for weddings or confrences to bring a memorable joy to the event!
The visit by this unique individual and musical performance setup will only be possible with help by many individuals, businesses and international agencies helping to provide funds and coordinate venues during the visit. Some of the base expenses are simply the crating and freight/import of both the Musicboat and the custom pipe organ from Holland, along with a large library of hand-punched paper books to feed the organ. There are also hotels for 3-4 musicians/guests, food, travel/airfares and load-in/out expenses, advertising, tolls, local boating/van equipment, fuel for the boat, as well as other incidental expenses. A daily itinerary would appear of something like the following:
During the 2-week visit, itinerary would consist of 11-12 days of performances, with 2-3 days of break/rest. Brochures with the entire itinerary would be printed and distributed through the 1,000 Islands businesses on both sides of the border near performance locations, as well as highly-publicized in local medias to encourage maximum viewership. Sponsors would be listed in the brochure handouts and posters as well as on the “Musicboat” website. |
Reinier and the Musicboat with international opera singer Rosina Fabius
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