Jazz fans mark up your calendars now because jazz epicentre Ghent is serving up a series of exceptional musical treats during 2023 that could prove to be the high points of your year.
The newly-named UNESCO Creative City of Music – one of just four recognised music cities worldwide – is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its Jazz in the Park event this year, as well as bringing an all-star line up to its massive summer Ghent Jazz Festival. What’s more, Ghent-based independent label El Negocito is letting loose again in Citadel Park. Let’s break it down.
1. May in Citadel Park
The tempo really starts to shift at the end of this month with 25 free gigs happening over six days at Citadel Park, organised by El Negocito record label. Citadel Park is an historic part of Ghent’s landscape, a 25-hectare green hilltop lung close to the centre, created for the World Expo back in 1913. Just next door to the Botanic Gardens, it is filled with 780 trees and references to art and music.
From 24-29 May, El Negocito, a collective that sprang from a club of the same name, will be hosting a swathe of experimental jazz musicians from Belgium and around the world. El Negocito describe their mission as “a Ghent based, Belgian label for alternative and improvised music, artist-oriented, with innovation and self-expression through sound as essential elements for adventure.”
Visitors are invited to join the adventure, lounging in nature, picnicking and enjoying this eclectic selection of artists against a backdrop of greenery and birdsong.
2. Herbie Hancock headlines Ghent Jazz 5-15 July
Taking place in the gardens of the atmospheric former 13th century hospital De Bijloke (where the acoustics are designed by the same team as the Sydney Opera House), Ghent’s annual summer jazz festival is selling tickets so fast, the city has added 13 new artists to the already extraordinary roster. There are so many highlights it’s hard to know where to begin.
Revolutionary American jazz band leader and multi-instrumentalist Herbie Hancock takes the closing slot on Saturday 15 July. (A two-day pass is available for the Friday and Saturday.) Jazz fans will want to seize the chance to witness this absolute legend who played with Miles Davies and Donald Byrd and took the world by storm with his fusion style.
Rising Ugandan star Jon Muq closes out 7 July with his brand of soulful grooves. Italian minimalist Ludovico Einaudi, known for his haunting, cinematic style, plays out 9 July and, recently added, on 10 July too. German ambient composer Nils Frahm appears with his stage full of keyboards on 13 July. I cried with joy last time I saw him play, so bring your handkerchiefs.
It’s a far cry from being all men wearing cord trousers and elbow patches either. Among the female artists are Belgian double-bassist Lara Rosseel, as well as Hooverphonic’s Geike Arnaert and US saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin with tracks from her new album “Phoenix”. Tickets for Norah Jones, Laufey and Mavis Staples are already sold out, so hurry!
3. September jazz at Voorhavenpark
Ghent’s Jazz in the Park celebrates its 30th birthday this year. On the site of an historic port, the protected park is free to access and promises to bring together international names and the best of contemporary artists, as well as presenting the finals of the B-Jazz awards where six young jazz musicians from all over the world will duel for the Grand Prix Albert Michiels.
All day every day from Thursday 7 to Sunday 10 September, the full programme is yet to be announced but promises to help you ease into autumn in style.
