The Flemish trio Laïs, originally from Kalmthout, grew from humble beginnings to become one of the premier groups of the late-'90s Belgian folk revival. The seed of Laïs was planted after a folk workshop held in Gooik, where two of the three members' a cappella rendition of an Italian folk song brought attendees to their feet with applause. Comprised of vocalists Annelies Brosens, Jorunn Bauweraerts, and Nathalie Delcroix, Laïs' first major public appearance took place at the Dranouter Folk Festival in 1996. Their albums, including 1998's Laïs and 2000's Dorothea, helped expand their fanbase far beyond their mainstay audience, as did constant touring that even reached Asia.