Rico Adiko Kerridge – guitar, vocals
Gilles “C-Freak” Garin – trumpet, vocals, keys
Eric “Shrizz” Rohner – sax, vocals
Stéphane “Pit” Le Navelan – keys, keybass, vocals
Fabrice “Fabulous” Lerigab – drums, samples, vocals

Event is free of charge

“They have funny-sounding nicknames, sometimes take the stage wearing dog masks, and are completely crazy,” – that’s how we described the French band HornDogz nine years ago when they first came to Kaunas Jazz. This year, we can say the same thing—only there’s even more fun musical madness, and news about this band has spread far wider compared to 2017.

Returning to the festival, HornDogz brings a dose of music that shakes every sense and every part of the body—tested and proven with audiences across Europe.

The band’s origins go back to the late 1990s, when saxophonist Eric “Shrizzadelic” Rohner and trumpeter Gilles “C-Freak” Garin became friends in the iconic French collective Malka Family. Incidentally, Eric Rohner also rocked the Kaunas Jazz stage in 2024 as one of the leaders of another band he formed, Shrizz N Maze.

Their friendship carried over into other musical projects—they played together in groups like Taudi Symphony and Gréements de Fortune, and were invited to perform regularly on the popular TV show Salut les Terriens.

The decisive push to form HornDogz came in 2010, when these talented and cheerful horn players were invited to tour with the wild US funk legend George Clinton. Following this insanely successful tour, guitarist Rico “Adiko” Kerridge joined the duo—the trio named themselves HornDogz and soon began spreading their energetic, infectious musical virus.

The band’s horn-driven, funk-infused sound quickly caught the attention of famous like-minded musicians. Recommendations weren’t hard to come by—their first album, #WOOOF, released in 2014, featured contributions from legendary James Brown band trombonist Fred Wesley, renowned British rapper Ty, the US musician Amp Fiddler beloved by music connoisseurs, and other celebrities.

The band’s discography has since grown with two EPs, and in 2026, HornDogz returns with a new album, Do The Dawg, featuring contributions from George Clinton, American trumpeter Boney Fields, and other notable guests.

On stage, HornDogz have performed not only with George Clinton but also with legendary African drummer Tony Allen, visiting Kaunas Jazz singer Omar, and other stars, earning them the well-deserved title of Parisian funk prophets.

“Jazz, funk, hip-hop, soul, rum, and cigars”—that’s how HornDogz describe their new music.

Fans can’t wait to hear them again—especially since Kaunas Jazz audiences still remember that night in 2017, drenched in sweat, when HornDogz went wild in the club.

This time, the band’s concert will be outdoors. But you can be sure—it will be just as hot.