Royal decoration for Arie Verstegen of Poppodium Boerderij
On Saturday, March 1, Arie Verstegen was appointed Knight of the Order of Orange-Nassau. Arie Verstegen was director and programmer of Poppodium Boerderij for 25 years. During his farewell party at 'De Boerderij', Verstegen, surrounded by friends, family and relations, received the royal decoration from the hands of Mayor Michel Bezuijen of Zoetermeer.
Arie Verstegen received the award because of his great achievements for Poppodium Boerderij, the cultural sector in Zoetermeer, in the Netherlands and far beyond. Janine Karlas, together with Ron Ouwehand the current director and programmer of the pop venue, endorsed that Verstegen has left an indelible mark on Poppodium Boerderij over the years. "Arie Verstegen has been involved as director and programmer since 2000 and his personal approach towards volunteers, staff, visitors and musicians has made Poppodium Boerderij what it is today; an internationally loved stage with an impressive reputation, its own signature and fans from home and abroad."
Mayor Bezuijen reflected on his impressive contribution to the world of music: "Music is emotion, connects, and builds bridges between generations and cultures. And if there is anyone who has understood that like no other, it is Arie Verstegen," the mayor spoke. "Arie has made De Boerderij a vibrant place where music in all its diversity is celebrated. Your love of music and commitment have led to musical greats like Peter Frampton, David Crosby, Joe Bonamassa and Alan Parsons performing here. You managed to bring bands like Within Temptation, Marillion and Porcupine Tree to Zoetermeer. Poppodium De Boerderij was awarded second place several times as Venue of the Year - only the Royal Albert Hall managed to stay ahead of you. Something to be particularly proud of!"
As Verstegen reaches retirement age, he says goodbye to his beloved pop venue.
