Leuven Jazz Festival Celebrates Belgian Talent,International Sounds
LEUVEN,Belgium – The Leuven Jazz Festival is set to deliver a diverse program from March 13-23,showcasing both established and emerging Belgian artists alongside acclaimed international acts. The festival, held in the heart of Leuven, promises a rich experience with a focus on celebrating local jazz and exploring the genre’s boundaries.
Belgian Artists Take Center Stage
The festival kicks off March 13 with the Belgian duo TROY and Koné, blending hip-hop with jazz, soul, and handpan music. The same evening will feature Anna Winkin,presenting her pop/soul repertoire,and Slagader,a trio from Leuven and Brussels known for fusing jazz,electronic music,drum & bass,jungle,funk,and jazz. Bandler Ching will bring their saxophone, bass, drums, and electronic effects to the stage March 14, sure to get people dancing.
Other Belgian artists featured throughout the festival include the trio Massot-Florizoone-Horbaczewki, Merope & KMRU, the Swingmasters, and the Belgian All Stars, a quintet composed of Frank vaganée, Jan de Haas, Ivan Paduart, Sal La Rocca, and Mimi Verderame. The festival also highlights collaborations between jazz scenes from Flanders,Wallonia,and Brussels with “Salut Les Voisins – Jazz bij de Buren,” featuring Munsch Trio,Under the Reefs Orchestra,Bex,Vaganée-Gerstmans-Verbruggen,and Stéphane Galland & The Rhythm Hunters.
International Headliners and Special Tributes
Manchester-based Gondwana Records will be highlighted on March 15, showcasing three of its groups: Svaneborg Kardyb, Jack Wyllie presents Paradise Cinema, and Kessoncoda.
Following the cancellation of Dave Holland’s performance due to health reasons, British drummer, composer, and producer Tom Skinner’s quintet will headline on March 22.Skinner is known for his work with Sons of Kemet and The Smile (with Thom yorke and Jonny Greenwood.)
On March 23, Danilo Pérez, John Patitucci, Brian Blade, and Ravi Coltrane will pay tribute to their mentor, Wayne Shorter. The same day, pianist Alex Koo, in a trio with Dré Pallemaerts and lennart Heyndels, will present his new album, Blame It on My Chromosomes.
A Focus on Female Artists
March 16 will be dedicated to female artists, featuring singer chantal Acda presenting her new album, silently Held, Belgian artist Naima Joris exploring covers that marked the beginning of her career, and English singer Caoilfhionn Rose, who blends jazz, folk, and classical music.
Beyond the Music
The Leuven Jazz Festival is expanding its offerings this year with new activities, including breathing workshops, “yoga jazz” sessions, and a recreational race through the provincial domain in Kessel-Lo, offering people new and exciting ways to experience the joy of Jazz. Cinema ZED will also screen the documentary Let’s Get Lost, about trumpeter Chet Baker.
What specific collaborations between Belgian jazz scenes will be featured at the festival?
Leuven Jazz Festival Celebrates Belgian Talent, International Sounds
LEUVEN, Belgium – The Leuven Jazz Festival is set to deliver a diverse program from March 13-23, showcasing both established and emerging belgian artists alongside acclaimed international acts. The festival, held in the heart of Leuven, promises a rich experience wiht a focus on celebrating local jazz and exploring the genre’s boundaries.
Belgian Artists Take Center Stage
The festival kicks off March 13 with the Belgian duo TROY and Koné, blending hip-hop with jazz, soul, and handpan music. The same evening will feature Anna Winkin, presenting her pop/soul repertoire, and Slagader, a trio from Leuven and Brussels known for fusing jazz, electronic music, drum & bass, jungle, funk, and jazz.Bandler Ching will bring their saxophone, bass, drums, and electronic effects to the stage March 14, sure to get people dancing.
other Belgian artists featured throughout the festival include the trio Massot-Florizoone-Horbaczewki, Merope & KMRU, the Swingmasters, and the Belgian All Stars, a quintet composed of frank vaganée, Jan de Haas, Ivan Paduart, Sal La Rocca, and Mimi Verderame. The festival also highlights collaborations between jazz scenes from Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels with “Salut Les Voisins – Jazz bij de Buren,” featuring Munsch Trio, under the Reefs Orchestra, Bex, vaganée-Gerstmans-Verbruggen, and Stéphane Galland & The Rhythm Hunters.
International Headliners and Special Tributes
Manchester-based Gondwana Records will be highlighted on March 15, showcasing three of its groups: Svaneborg Kardyb, Jack Wyllie presents Paradise Cinema, and Kessoncoda.
Following the cancellation of Dave Holland’s performance due to health reasons, British drummer, composer, and producer Tom Skinner’s quintet will headline on March 22. Skinner is known for his work with Sons of Kemet and The Smile (with Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood.)
On March 23, Danilo Pérez, John Patitucci, Brian Blade, and Ravi Coltrane will pay tribute to their mentor, Wayne Shorter. The same day, pianist Alex Koo, in a trio with Dré Pallemaerts and Lennart heyndels, will present his new album, Blame It on My chromosomes.
A Focus on Female Artists
March 16 will be dedicated to female artists, featuring singer Chantal Acda presenting her new album, silently Held, Belgian artist Naima Joris exploring covers that marked the beginning of her career, and English singer Caoilfhionn Rose, who blends jazz, folk, and classical music.
Beyond the Music
The Leuven Jazz Festival is expanding its offerings this year with new activities, including breathing workshops, “yoga jazz” sessions, and a recreational race through the provincial domain in Kessel-Lo, offering people new and exciting ways to experience the joy of Jazz. cinema ZED will also screen the documentary Let’s Get Lost, about trumpeter Chet baker.
Leuven Jazz Festival: Q&A
Q: When and where is the Leuven Jazz Festival taking place?
A: The festival runs from March 13th to March 23rd in Leuven, Belgium.
Q: What kind of music can I expect to hear?
A: A diverse range! You’ll find traditional jazz, and modern jazz fusions with hip-hop, electronic music, soul, funk, drum & bass, jungle, and more. International artists and a focus on Belgian talent are key.
Q: Who are some of the must-see Belgian artists?
A: Highlights include TROY & Koné, Slagader, Bandler Ching, and the Belgian All Stars. Keep an eye out for the “Salut Les Voisins” collaboration.
Q: Which international acts are headlining the festival?
A: Tom Skinner’s quintet and a tribute to Wayne Shorter by Danilo Pérez, John Patitucci, Brian Blade, and Ravi Coltrane.
Q: What other activities are available at the festival?
A: Besides the music, there are breathing workshops, “yoga jazz,” a recreational race, plus a screening of the Chet Baker documentary, Let’s Get Lost.
Q: Is the festival family-friendly?
A: While the article doesn’t specifically state it, the diverse activities and range of musical styles suggest there might be something for everyone.Consider checking the Leuven Jazz Festival website for age-specific details.
Trivia: Leuven is a university city, so expect a vibrant atmosphere and a young, engaged audience!
Q: How can I get tickets and more information?
A: Visit the official Leuven Jazz Festival website. You might find details on ticket prices, schedules, and specific locations.
Get ready to experience a world of jazz! Discover the talent and innovation at the leuven Jazz Festival!
