One of the most highly anticipated grand openings of the year is that of Keilecafe. In its own words, Keilecafe is more than a venue; it's a permanent festival. Keilecafe aims to be a place where the warm fuzzy feeling you experience at festival never comes to an end.
It's a cool Saturday evening in June and quite a few people have gathered at a lot in the Rotterdam's Nieuw-Mathenesse area. Though the official opening is to take place in July, the Keilecafe is already open for business. Of course, there's also something special going on: this evening, the Pica Pica Zomerparade, a travelling live music and art exposition, lands at Keilecafe.
This edition features live music by Auxs and the EQs and an art exposition by Martijn Koolstra.

Auxs and the EQs perform a mix of covers and original songs ranging from soul and funk to pop and even dance. Speaking of dance, many people also start to dance to the grooves. Auxs, the band's frontwoman, is a lively performer who really knows how to get the crowd going. The band's performance was definitely a perfect way to cap an already perfect afternoon.
Be sure to check them out if you haven't yet and follow the Auxs and the EQs Facebook page.

Unfortunately, there weren't as many works of art on display as expected. This sculpture, with its piercing (missing) eyes, was crafted by Martijn Koolstra. She quietly stood watch over the event, at times drawing confused gazes from passersby.
Keilecafe: a neverending festival
Located at about a stone's throw away from the Marconiplein tram & metro station, it's easy to see why there's been a lot of buzz in the media. As far as festivals go, Keilecafe definitely looks the part, though you won't find a ticket office or any fences here. The decor features a 14.6-metre yellow shipping container that has been repurposed as a kitchen and an old utility vehicle that used to belong to Deutsche Bahn.
Location: Keilecafe
Pica Pica Parade
All summer long, Twenty-six of the most interesting and newest hotspots in Rotterdam open their doors to the Pica Pica Summer Parade (there's also a winter edition). Every Saturday and Sunday from June through August, unsuspecting shoppers and patrons are pleasantly surprised with live music and art. For more information on events by Pica Pica, check out the official Pica Pica website.
Event photos: Pica Pica Zomerparade @ Keilecafe








