Students organise eight benefit shows for children’s music school in Ukraine
In January, second-year students from the Live Music & Dance Events (LMDE) programme at Breda University of Applied Sciences (BUas) are organising eight benefit events in four Dutch cities. From jazz in Breda to tech house in Rotterdam: each event contributes to a single goal. All proceeds will go to the Shpaniv School of Arts, a music school in Ukraine where children continue to have access to music education despite the war.
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With this project, BUas consciously chooses to give something back, from the Dutch music industry, to music education elsewhere in Europe. ‘As a sector, we know how much power music has,’ says Merel Rietveld, coordinator at the BUas Academy for Leisure & Events. ‘It opens doors, creates communities, and gives young people an outlet to express themselves. That’s why we wanted to give something back with this project: from our music world here, to the music world of children in Ukraine.’
By linking local events to music education in Ukraine, students and lecturers are working together to create a place where children can continue to learn, play and make music, despite the circumstances.
Impact through music
The choice of the Shpaniv School of Arts was a conscious one. The students wanted to support a school where music lessons cannot be taken for granted. The proceeds will be used to purchase instruments, furnish rooms, and give children access to art and culture.
‘This project shows how powerful music can be in bringing people together,’ says Rietveld. ‘Our students are organising events here, but the impact is being felt in Ukraine. There, thanks to them, children there can continue to do what they also do here: make music.’
Eight venues, eight events
The students each produce their own benefit event in collaboration with professional venue partners: BUas Chapel, MEZZ, Holy Moly, 160K, 013, Area51, De Effenaar, and Poppodium Phoenix. Although each event has its own musical identity, ranging from alternative rock to 2000s nostalgia, they all share the same goal: to raise funds for the Shpaniv School of Arts.
During the project, students learn about the real dynamics of the events world. They negotiate with artists, draw up budgets, develop safety plans, and develop promotional strategies. The result: eight unique evenings with impact.
Programme – January 2026
14 January – BUas Chapel, Breda – RITM
An after-school party with house beats where every hour a toast is made to a ‘new year’, a shared celebration full of warmth and connection.
15 January – MEZZ, Breda – Flashback: A Y2K Reboot
New year, same old you. A 2000s nightclub-themed party with iconic pop hits and EDM classics.
16 January – 160K, Rotterdam – Level Up for Ukraine
Tech house rave in the 160K arcade, where every donation becomes a power-up for Ukrainian children.
18 January – Poppodium Phoenix, Breda – Scream of Freedom
Alternative rock show followed by an open jam session.
19 January – Holy Moly, Breda – Jazzier Tomorrow
Jazz evening with live music, swing dancing and vintage vibes.
20 January – 013, Tilburg – Band Together
Pure live music: (rock) cover bands come together for one powerful night.
23 January – Area51, Eindhoven – Café Cypher
Hip-hop and R&B with professional performances and open dance and rap cyphers. One message: respect for one another.
24 January – De Effenaar, Eindhoven – Effe naar de Klûnen
Benefit concert full of festive and carnival music with the authentic klûnen concept (stamp cards, pub atmosphere) in one location.
Ticket sales
The benefit events are open to the public. Tickets are available for purchase via the websites of the participating venues. All proceeds will go to the Shpaniv School of Arts via Music Saves UA. For more information: Merel Rietveld, [email protected]
