In this episode, let's go on a musical journey... 

​Stacey Kent was not present at the " BRUSSELS JAZZ WEEKEND : BALCONY EDITION " (29 and 30/05/2021). But many jazz musicians living in Brussels were present at the 4th edition. I recommend you this event for its quality and originality. (Intimate concerts in 2021).

 

 

This festival "Brussels Jazz Weekend" was created in 2017 and replaces the "Brussels Jazz Marathon" (end in 2016).

Listen to music under an emblematic balcony in each commune of the Region (Brussels-Capital has 19 communes) was a wonderful initiative. Every hour between 12:00 and 20:00. Exception for Sunday, May 30, 2021 at 21:00 where the festival ended from the balcony of the KING'S HOUSE (Broodhuis in Dutch) on the Grand-Place, next to the Aris Hotel.

Today, the magnificent building of the KING'S HOUSE (built at the end of the 19th century)

houses the BRUSSELS CITY MUSEUM (paintings, sculptures, tapestries, engravings).

 

 

 

 

 

It is a dive into the history of the capital. Without forgetting the wardrobe of Manneken-Pis: a whole room is dedicated to him! (Manneken Pis, our sacred "Ketje")

 

Arbany Hotels are at the very heart of culture and cultural events!

Our guests had the opportunity to listen from their premium rooms to the concert played by the Brussels Jazz Orchestra on 30/05/21.  Reservations are open and there are "surprises" waiting for you if you make your reservation on the Arbany Hotels website.

For this "special" year (2021) routes for cyclists have been created connecting the balconies. As well as podcasts "Brussels Jazz Ambassadors". Jazz with violin, Gypsy-jazz, Afro-jazz... Very eclectic.

The musicians were then the ambassadors and "walked" you through their neighborhoods and share with you their favorite places.

 

I invite you to watch this documentary entitled "Bring it to the People, the film about the Brussels Jazz Orchestra". Musicians of international fame (Joe Lovano, Kenny Werner...). This orchestra is considered as one of the best in the world !

 

 

 

 

As for " THE MUSIC VILLAGE " (mythical, elegant jazz club, located in two 17th century houses, a stone's throw from the Alma Grand-Place and Aris Grand-Place hotels). Since the year 2000 (when Brussels was the European Capital of Culture) it offers more than 250 live concerts per season.

You can also dine in this temple dedicated to jazz (exceptional setting) with excellent acoustics.

 Just like the big clubs in London or New York, their program is very varied and of high quality.

A true concept of national and international jazz.

The only jazz club in Brussels open during the summer.

Any jazz lover must visit the "Music Village" ! 

The artists having trodden the stage of " THE MUSIC VILLAGE " are numerous of which the Belgians Margaux Vranken, the Brussels Jazz Orchestra, Bert Joris (trumpet player and buglist of jazz to the multiple rewards, friend of Philip Catherine (Belgian guitarist of jazz), Phil Abraham (Chet Baker (1929/1988) of the trombone), Toots Thielemans (1922 / 2016)...

An exhibition entitled "Toots 100. The Sound of a Belgian Legend" will be dedicated to the iconic Toots Thielemans, from 22/04/22 to 31/08/22 (celebration of the 100th anniversary of this legend) at the Royal Library of Belgium in collaboration with the MIM (Museum of Musical Instruments).

A new immersive and interactive sound visit! (photos, drawings, letters, instruments, scores, personal objects ...)

The Brussels Jazz Weekend will pay tribute to him in 2022.

 

By Marc L.