Wild Card, feat. Martin Fondse, Femi Dawkins & special guest Jesse Schilderink

Versatile composer and pianist Martin Fondse and multidisciplinary artist Femi Dawkins explore the power of the Wild Card: the unpredictable factor, the joker that defies rules and moves freely between structures. In the card game, the Wild Card is the trump card, the symbol of ultimate freedom. It can take on any role, break game patterns and bring unexpected twists. In society, the Wild Card fulfils a similar function: it is the thinker, the maverick, the artist, who questions fixed ideas and makes room for something new. Radical love, radical hope, anything is possible.

For Wild Card, Martin and Femi delve into the world where acoustic instruments, electronics, spoken word, poetry, visual art merge. Through live sampling and projections of Dawkins' visual work, they enter into dialogue with each other and with their environment. There is no fixed course of play here – Wild Card brings surprises, improvisation and a constantly shifting perspective.

In this collaboration between Martin Fondse and Femi Dawkins, the Wild Card becomes a voice: radical, poetic and confrontational. Dawkins' powerful, socially critical lyrics about justice, the history of slavery and the human search for meaning form a contrasting dialogue with Martin's contemplative and adventurous music. There is no fixed division of roles here: both take the Wild Card position, move freely between disciplines and allow the unexpected.

Special Guest: Jesse Schilderink – Saxen

Martin and Jesse have known each other for 10 years in 2025. Their collaboration started at the Dutch Youth Jazz Orchestra (NJJO). Jesse is now a frequently heard saxophonist on Dutch stages. His passionate, raw playing is an energetic addition to this edition of Wild Card.

Line-up:

Martin Fondse; compositions, piano, electronics

Femi Dawkins; spoken word, visuals

Jesse Schilderink; saxophones