The Moonlights

The Moonlights

The Moonlights are a Dutch group from the Netherlands, active since 1980 and based around Groesbeek. They perform as a party and dance orchestra with a wide repertoire, and they play at weddings, dance nights, company events, birthdays and fairs. Their set includes Dutch-language songs, German schlager and covers of artists such as Bon Jovi, Meat Loaf, the Rolling Stones and Robbie Williams.

Line-up

The group centres on Angelien Liebers, who sings and plays keyboard and accordion, and Sascha Pouwels, who plays drums and sings. Helen Liebers also appears in the group’s early history on guitar and vocals. The three have long experience performing together, first for family, friends and acquaintances before reaching a wider audience.

Career and releases

In 1993, a cassette recording reaches producer Ad Kraamer, leading to the group’s first CD album, Donkerrode Rozen. They follow it with Blijf bij me in 1996. In 1999, Dino Music releases Gelukkig zijn, a compilation of the first two albums. A new album, Dromen komen uit, appears in 2001 on Marlstone Rec. BV. The group then releases the CD single Acropolis Adieu in the summer of 2002, followed by Maar toen kwam jij in 2003 and Bedankt voor alle jaren in 2005.

Reception and activity

The Moonlights have a fan club that is founded in 1990 and grows to more than 600 members. They also appear regularly in hit lists from 1993 and are guests on radio and television programmes. The group performs on stages in the Netherlands and abroad, including Germany, Belgium and Spain, and shares bills with artists such as Frans Bauer, Jannes, Toni Willé, De Havenzangers, Corry Konings, Diane, Benny Neyman, Frank Galan, Marianne Weber and Willeke Alberti.

Performance style

The group is known for adapting its repertoire to the audience and event. Their long experience is a central part of their live work, and they have a reputation for playing the same fairground locations for many years in succession.