Zakdoek, once the runt of the litter in Flemish folk music, is now a user-friendly ensemble well-suited for a wide variety of stage and entertainment work. Zakdoek pokes fun at everything and everyone—first and foremost themselves. A Zakdoek performance is a non-stop barrage of musical, verbal, and visual nonsense. Zakdoek writes their own songs, masterfully butchers well-known covers, and plays folk music without the slightest shred of respect for tradition or historically accurate interpretation. Zakdoek plays and sings for everyone, regardless of age, rank, gender, shoe size, religious beliefs, or ethnic origin. Zakdoek turns every concert into a hilarious performance and transforms any dull family gathering into a lively get-together. Zakdoek breaks the awkward silences at academic sessions, delivers cheerful (re)animation in nursing homes and clinics, and turns any stuffy corporate party into a roaring bash. Many a couple still reminisces about Zakdoek, the little band that saved their wedding party back in the day (even if, sadly, it couldn't save the marriage). Zakdoek’s roots lie in Vilvoorde, the "Pearl of the Senne Valley." Following the departure of Kris De Bruyne and the passing of Virkske the Whistler, Zakdoek was, for years, the most exciting musical act the city had to offer. But anyone who heard Vilvoorde’s mayor, Jean-Luc Dehaene, sing "Het leven is mooi" ("Life is Beautiful") at his party conference must admit that Zakdoek is once again facing formidable competition. And believe it or not, Zakdoek has been around for over 50 years now. Most impressive of all: the band’s lineup has remained completely unchanged all this time—enough to leave even The Rolling Stones and The Strangers in awe! Zakdoek’s repertoire has also remained virtually untouched throughout the years, as has the brand of nonsense the band members continuously spout. The only thing that has actually changed over all these years is their booking fee.