NEW AMSTERDAM ORKEST

Back in 1626, Willem van Linkerkant, who was a local lute player and bandleader, received a letter from friends who sailed to the new Dutch colony, New Amsterdam. It appears that when the Dutch sent colonists, along with tradesmen and soldiers, they failed to send some musicians. They had just survived their first year and there was much partying to be had. But they had no music. So they asked Willem if he'd come to New Amsterdam. Willem was perhaps the greatest lute player of his day. He had a small ensemble and they played all over: the Count's banquets; weddings; church concerts and even private gatherings. Willem was intrigued by his friend's description of the new world, so he packed up his lute and his band and they sailed to New Amsterdam. Willem branded the ensemble, The New Amsterdam Orkest. They were a big hit, but of course being the only band in town helped. After the British invasion in 1664, the gigs began to dwindle. Willem and his Orkest faded into history. That is until 2022, when a great-great-great-great and furthermore great-grandson of Willem, Billy Eric (me), revivatated the New Amsterdam Orkest