Live

Selected live performances exploring adaptable formats, collective energy, and movement-driven rhythm.

Press photos

High-Resolution promotional
and live photographs available
for press and booking use

Photo Credits: Kristiana / Gabriel Timar

These photos are available for press and promotional use.

Bio

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Vanilla Caliente is an Amsterdam-based Afro-Caribbean rhythm collective blending horn-driven orchestration, improvisation, and movement-focused live performance.

Built around adaptable ensemble formats, the project moves between intimate groove settings and large-scale collective performances.

Vanilla Caliente is an Amsterdam-based Afro-Caribbean rhythm collective founded by bassist and artistic director Gabriel Timar.

Originally coming from a rhythm-driven metal background, Gabriel discovered Afro-Caribbean music after moving to Amsterdam, where Steven Brezet introduced him to Caribbean groove traditions through the city’s international music scene. What began as a fascination with rhythm evolved into a larger artistic vision centered around movement, collective energy, improvisation, and community.

Drawing from traditions such as Kompa, Méringue, Zouk, Calypso, and Tumba, Vanilla Caliente transforms rhythm-based music into immersive live performances built around interaction, momentum, and communication through rhythm. The project moves fluidly between compact groove ensembles and expanded horn-driven formats, adapting to clubs, festivals, concert halls, and interdisciplinary settings.

Performances balance groove-oriented improvisation, layered percussion, horn-driven orchestration, and movement-focused live energy shaped by interaction and collective momentum.

At the center of the project is the idea that rhythm is not isolated music — it is social music, built to connect people through movement, shared energy, and collective experience.

Amsterdam-based
Afro-Caribbean ryhthm collective

Detailed biography,
project background
and artist information

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Bookngs &
Inquiries

BOOKINGS AND MANAGMENT

Gabriel Timar

Artistic Direction

BASED IN

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Available internationally

EMAIL

vanillacaliente@gmail.com

We are available for festivals, clubs,
concert halls, private events, residencies

and special projects.