A musical trio that has surely been missed recently is one performing soft instrumental music with instruments like cuatro, bass, and mandolin, bringing the creole sound of Aruba to life.
Here we refer to Jeremy Dijkhoff on cuatro, Rubin Ponson on mandolin, and Ivan Croes playing the bass, forming the trio “297 Strings”, representing “Cuerdenan di Aruba”.
The reason for the English name is that the trio developed the concept of performing in small and intimate venues like restaurants and hotels, so they could continue bringing Aruban music to tourists and locals alike.
However, they have also performed at various local events, such as commemorations, the National Library, Cas di Cultura, and hotels and restaurants. On some occasions, they were even invited to perform in Curaçao.
The trio launched their first production in 2020, and over the years released three albums featuring classic and popular songs, both traditional Aruban rhythms and international songs. In 2023, they also released a production titled “Noche Buena”, featuring several classic Christmas songs.
Now, in January 2026, during the Carnival season, they are releasing their fourth production, “Cuerdenan di Aruba”, with eight musical tracks, most of which are new compositions in the Aruban Creole style.
On this production, listeners can enjoy classics like “El Bodeguero”, “Alma Llanera”, and a medley of Aruban songs for national celebrations. There are also new Creole rhythms, including:
- “Cuerdenan di Aruba” (danza)
- “Linda” (waltz)
- “Saturno” (calypso)
- “Soraida” (waltz)
- “Kenepa” (tumba), which is the promotional song and also has a YouTube video.
The release in January is intended to help preserve Aruban national holidays, like “Dia di Betico”, ensuring more of our traditional music is played in our homes.
The trio “297 Strings” is proud of what they represent and remain committed to defending and sharing Aruban music with locals and tourists who want to hear it.
This production is available on USB stick from the members, or can be ordered via WhatsApp by contacting Linda at (297) 730-1214.
The trio hopes to count on community support to continue maintaining what is uniquely Aruban and to once again enliven our national celebrations with the music we love.
