PROMOTER
Sjag Kozak
Founder and owner of Bear-Necessity
Sjag Kozak was born in Tel Aviv and moved to Amsterdam in 1996. He now lives with his husband, Aart, whom he met in 2011. Sjag is no stranger to the Dutch gay nightlife having worked in the scene for many years. His roles have ranged from his early days as club doorman to now being a party promoter since 2006 being responsible for such parties as COC Leather group, Playground, Salvation, LoveChild, Club Sandwich and many more.
Sjag is synonymous with Bears in the Netherlands and throughout Europe. He is also an outspoken leader in the Dutch Gay community. He volunteers in a gay retirement home and is an active supporter for the Amsterdam Lowlanders (gay rugby team).
In 2008, Sjag thought there was very little available for “Butch” men to meet and socialize in a relaxed atmosphere. It was then that the infamous Bear-Necessity (BN) concept was born- and gave home to hairy men and their admirers.
In addition to BN, Sjag regularly organizes and promotes other international party concepts both in the Netherlands and internationally. Sjag is a founding member of the “Amsterdam Bear Weekend” which includes the election of Mr. Bear Netherlands. Bear-Necessity is also an official sponsor of the Amsterdam Lowlanders and the Bingham Cup 2018.
DJ Sergio Cardoso – From Brazil to Amsterdam’s Dance Floors
Originally from Brazil, Sergio Cardoso moved to Amsterdam over 20 years ago and never looked back. Music has been a constant in his life for as long as he can remember, but over the years his passion for electronic music took over completely. Today, it’s an addiction he happily embraces.
Sergio’s style blends house, progressive house, tech-house, tribal, soulful, jacking and deep house, creating sets that take listeners on an emotional journey through mind and soul. Under his former DJ name BravoGuy, performances at Wolf and Club Sandwich in Amsterdam led to a residency at Bear-Necessity, where he commands the second area with his distinctive sound.
Now performing under his own name, Sergio is a regular at Bear-Necessity Amsterdam and Milkshake Festival, always driven by the energy of the crowd and the connection that music creates.
“Because of the great support from the people who’ve followed me and given me a chance, my passion only grows stronger. There’s nothing better than a day or night filled with music.”
DJ BE-Rik – Amsterdam’s Energetic Crowd Mover
Amsterdam-born DJ BE-Rik (Erik Breuker-Eikelenboom) has lit up the decks at events such as Blue, Hoerenbal at Club Church, Amsterdam Dance Event and Bump. He is also a regular at Bear-Necessity Amsterdam and Milkshake Festival, where his infectious energy keeps dancefloors moving well into the night.
Born in 1979, BE-Rik’s musical journey began early – he picked up the violin as a young boy and was already performing for audiences by the age of eight. At fourteen, during a holiday in the south of France, he discovered house music and instantly swapped the violin for a pair of vinyl turntables.
For over thirteen years he mastered the art of spinning vinyl before transitioning to digital and adding music production to his repertoire. His sets are a reflection of his passion: uplifting, dynamic and built to make people move.
“I love seeing how people dance to my music and how much fun they’re having. That vibe and energy they give me – that’s what keeps me going.”