Sonar

The Vonks is a 6-piece funk & groove-fusion band from Arnhem that proves funk music is still alive and kicking — and above all, grooving. With a “groove first” attitude, their shows consistently turn into rhythmic celebrations where the audience loses track of time, driven by a tight rhythm section and explosive horn lines.

Frontman and trumpet player Gilles Vink leads the band with charisma and flair, channeling the spirit of funk greats while keeping things fresh and forward-looking. The band’s sound can best be described as the early growls of a secret love child between Lettuce, Tower of Power, The RH Factor, and The Headhunters.

Their eclectic mix of vintage funk and contemporary groove-fusion has taken them to stages such as Mañana Mañana, Doesburg Jazz Festival (2024), Jazz in Duketown (2025), Breda Jazz Festival (2025) and Zeeland Jazz (2026). In April 2025, The Vonks released their debut album Departure with a sold-out release show at Luxor Live in Arnhem. Plans for their sophomore album are already in the works, promising even more rhythm, energy, and groove.

The Vonks is: Cleavon Lampe – Guitar / Sem Willemsen – Drums / Norman Samuels – Bass / Joep Vlaar – Keys / Liesbeth Coopmans – Alto Sax / Gilles Vink – Trumpet.

All music is written through a collective creative process.