Belgian jazz booms with overwhelming energy and diversity. Especially since the emergence of a new generation of musicians that turned things upside down about 10-15 years ago, the music brims with transformative power, uniting the past and the present while embracing the future. We are looking forward to share some of the finest in Belgian jazz with you. While each band has its own character and identity, they will paint a collective picture that is as adventurous as it is surprising.
From mainstays like De Beren Gieren and MDCIII to upcoming talents like Bodem and Kau, from the eccentric vibes of Camille-Alban Spreng’s ODIL to the cinematic wonder of aki and the exotic world of Aleph Quintet; Belgian jazz isn’t a style, it’s a world of possibilities. Moving effortlessly from irresistible grooves to classy refinement and spiky surprises, diversity is key. Let’s celebrate this sound of surprise throughout the European Jazz Conference (EJC) in the charming city of Ghent, with our Young Curators Programme and 20(!) more concerts taking place at the conference venues, as well as the fringe locations and the brand new music club Wintercircus.
Cultural tours: a fabulous way to wrap up your EJC-experience and discover the city of Ghent!
Stay a little longer, because on the final day of EJC, an amazing treat awaits you, as it concludes with 3 amazing cultural tours throughout the city on Sunday:
You can explore the city center by boat with an immersive musical experience created by city composer Lara Rosseel. Take a short musical bike ride through the old city center, accompanied by Cedric De Lat (trumpet) and Frank Oliver James (mobile piano), or enjoy a cultural walking tour around the socialist heritage of Ghent with a visit to the worker’s palace VOORUIT, a marvel of art deco architecture and today an arts centre, as a highlight.
All tours start at 10:30 under the City Pavilion (Stadshal) and conclude at 12:30 with a final concert.
Photo (c) Gert-Jan De Baets
