GLAD TO BE HERE: K-Town with Hinderer (centre) after their performance at the resort.
MIRI: Dutch band K-Town was touched by enthusiastic response by locals in Miri during their performance at Piasau Boat Club here.
The band was flown in to perform at the Dutch Community Night in conjunction with its Queen’s Birthday here.
“We are an unknown group among locals in Miri and Malaysia. We are touched by the response and enthusiasm shown by them even though they don’t speak or understand Dutch. Our song and music are well received by locals who joined the gathering,” said bandleader and singer Rene Elenbaas.
Not to disappoint the locals at the party, the band sang some English numbers.
“Amazing how they can mingle well with others from different racial and religious background. They blend very well and easily not only among the Dutch community and the other expatriate communities but also themselves,” said Elenbaas in an interview by The Borneo Post.
Miri Marriott Resort and Spa was so impressed that it decided to hire the band after the community night performance.
Elenbaas said they were impressed with the high level of understanding, mutual respect and tolerance among Malaysians although they are in a multi-racial society. Due to this, he said, Malaysia is a perfect model of a country where people could get together despite their differences in many aspects.
“This made Malaysia unique and special to us. We love to come back either for a visit or to perform here. The people are very helpful and friendly, making us feel safe and secure during our brief visit and stay here,” he said.
The band believed that music could unite the people due to the good response received.
“You don’t have to know or speak the language. Song and music are a good way to promote unity and better understanding,” he added.
Also present at their performance at Marriott was resort general manager Marcel Hinderer.