The greatest assets undoubtedly are the free admission and the selection of 128 groups in collaboration with AB, Botanique, Bozar, Flagey, VK, Les Nuits de Botanique, Jazz Alert, and the two Brussels conservatories. The result of this collaboration is a fine selection of great artists in a varied program that explores jazz and more and appeals to a broad audience. The relaxed festival atmosphere of Lotto Brussels Jazz Weekend and the cozy buzz of Brussels' city center complete the picture.
New Festival App: Program, News, and Payments
The organization encourages everyone to download the new free festival app in advance: "Through the app, visitors can discover the music and quickly find their way through the vast number of concerts. By marking your favorite bands, you’ll get your customized planner, and the handy map helps you to quickly navigate between the seven outdoor stages and 32 indoor locations throughout Brussels."
The organization will use the app for program updates, practical information, and urgent messages. It will also be the platform to launch special actions and contests. For example: everyone who downloads the app before midnight next Monday has a chance to win a hotel stay at Citadindes Saint-Catherine during the festival. Additionally, through the app, you can order the festival poster - a splendid design by Mark Borgions (HandMade Monsters) - at half price.
At the cashless festival, the app also is used as the preferred payment method at the bars. Transactions are safe and easy thanks to a partnership with Payconiq by Bancontact. The organization does not allow attendees to bring their own drinks, except for refillable water bottles. The festival asks festival-goers to only buy drinks and snacks at the festival bars to help the festival remain free in the future.
The app is available in various app stores and via the festival website: https://www.lottobrusselsjazzweekend.be/mobile/
Program
There is a slight change in the program on Sunday, May 26th. On that day, Amrita Khan's opening concert has been added to the program at Beursplein (OMER. Stage). Joël Francis will not perform with Fred Gata on that day, but with a - as yet unknown - guest. Due to the additional concert, the timing of the concerts that day has also been adjusted.
15:15 - 15:45 Amrita Khan
16:15 - 17:00 JAZMYN
17:30 - 18:30 Joël Francis + guest
19:00 - 20:15 Saudade Experiment
20:45 - 22:00 NNAVY
Who is Lotto Brussels Jazz Weekend for?
The festival targets residents of Brussels as well as music lovers from all over the country, and abroad. The program offers a lot of jazz but also music that is situated at - or far beyond - the boundaries of the genre. This way, the festival aims to attract a diverse audience.
True jazz cats will certainly enjoy themselves at the Grote Markt, but there will also be plenty of 'pure' jazz echoing on other squares. Be sure to check out MaDaBa, Lara Rosseel Orchestra - Ark, Tom Bourgeois 'Rumeurs', Macondo Trio, Manu Hermia - Orchestra della Luna, Don Marsh, Steps - Lúcia M. Pires,
Adventurers and hipsters who love the new Belgian jazz movement - which is bursting with talent - can indulge in Vitja Pauwels, Next.Ape, John Ghost, Ee_collective, Fujin & Seven Days Orchestra, HU!, Dishwasher_, and Camille Alban Spreng's ODIL + Nina Kortekaas.
Those who prefer soul, funk, R'n'B, and powerful vocalists should pitch their tents at Beursplein. With Dushime, Amrita Khan, JAZMYN, NNAVY, Kolinga, Joël Francis, Bex, The Heliocentrics, and HYPERCONTENT!.
B-boys and -girls, or anyone who enjoys grooving to fine hip-hop and break-beats, shouldn't miss Lefto and his protégés. Kin Gajo, Kunde, ASKIP., and Bombataz might also appeal to them.
Ravers and clubbers who enjoy tight beats or heavier sounds should mark Jean-Paul Groove, Don Kapot, Kuna Maze, Pelouse Grass Band, Bruno x Soet x Moene, Le Ministère, and Next.Ape in the app.
World travelers and lovers of exotic sounds and world music should definitely check out Saudade Experiment, Kolinga, MaDaBa, Varallay Petra duo, Cinema Italia, Nacelle, Dedley Woodley Bears, StrakX, and the Samba Choro Ensemble. You can even shake your hips at the 'Salsa Matinee concert' with Banda Bruselas on Sunday afternoon.
For old-school jazz, a touch of blues, and a sultry New Orleans atmosphere, go see Octet Nocturne, Deep Blue Swing, Blues Messenger, Papa Dré Jazz Band, Magic Jazzband and Acoustic Dixie Six.
And that's just a glimpse of the outdoor program. The indoor program is equally diverse, but with the atmosphere of a bustling jazz club or cozy café.
A True City Festival
Lotto Brussels Jazz Weekend is more anchored in the capital than ever before. There’s the intense program collaboration with leading cultural houses, jazz promoters, and conservatories. But also a collaboration with the city itself that ensures the festival to be a get together and impuls for residents, tourists, and traders. Thanks to a partnership with localguide.brussels, festival-goers can easily find their way to the coolest shops and hippest restaurants, turning a festival visit into a fantastic city trip.
The organization of Jazz Up, a conference for jazz professionals during the festival, also strengthens the interaction with local players like Brussels Jazz Alert.
"Je suis fière que Bruxelles soit devenue une grande ville du jazz. Je remercie les nombreux lieux partenaires de faire Bruxeller la capitale de l'Europe tout ce week-end au son des cuivres et des pianos."
Delphine Houba
"Brussels Jazz Weekend has become a staple in the Brussels spring calendar. The collaboration with the many entrepreneurs in the city gives the festival an extra dynamic, ensuring that jazz, so dear to our country, resonates in every corner of our historical center."
Fabian Maingain, Alderman for Economy of the City of Brussels
Practical Information
The app and website provide a lot of information and practical tips about the festival. The organization advises festival-goers to use public transportation if possible. All outdoor stages are located within a 15-minute walk from Brussels Central train station and near metro stops, and train tickets are 50% off in the weekend. Moreover, the festival has partnered with Floya, a handy app that gives you access to all shared mobility solutions in Brussels, from shared bicycles to public transport and shared cars or taxis.
Those who still come by car are referred to the parking lots of Interparking, near the main stages.
The Lotto Brussels Jazz Weekend app will also be used as the main channel for urgent or important messages to attendees.
