Eklektika + Rihards Lībietis

On June 19 at 19:00, SUNS Studio, a photo studio and cultural space in Āgenskalns, Rīga, will host a double concert built around a rare meeting of two instrumental trios: EKLEKTIKA, also known as “drums with two horns”, and Rihards Lībietis OrchesTrio with its blues and world music-inspired sound.

EKLEKTIKA builds its music around an unusual instrumentation of drums, saxophone and clarinet, where meditative improvisation can grow into a performance charged with jazz, funk, minimalism and psychedelic textures. The group’s self-produced 2024 debut album Encounters received wide recognition and earned nominations at several Latvian music awards, including for “Debut of the Year” and “Jazz/Funk Album of the Year”. Alongside music from the debut record, the concert will also feature brand new pieces from the band’s upcoming studio album, set to be released this August.

Rihards Lībietis OrchesTrio is built around the interplay of guitar, bass/double bass and percussion, blending the energy of blues and jazz with world music influences from Africa, the Middle East and Latvian folk music. Lībietis is a guitarist and composer whose instrumental voice has developed through his solo work, Rihards Lībietis Orchestra, and collaborations with a wide range of Latvian musicians.

These two bands have not previously shared the same evening, making the double concert at SUNS Studio a special meeting point for the musicians as well. The atmosphere of the photo studio will give the night its own rhythm, with the music unfolding close to the audience. Visitors will be able to choose the listening experience that suits them best: closer to the musicians in a more informal setup, or slightly further back in a more classic seated concert area. A bar will also be open at the venue, with drinks available between the two sets.