The year 2022 will be 'Toots' in Brussels, an exciting laboratory of multiculturality.
On 22.04.22, a unique commemorative concert will be held at BOZAR in the Henry le Boeuf Hall (designed entirely by Victor Horta) in honour of Toots Thielemans, with guests from Belgium and abroad, accompanied by a big band and an orchestra.
The world-famous harmonica player was awarded the noble title of baron by King Albert II in 2001.
Just like Victor Horta was awarded the title of baron by King Albert I in 1932.
A beautiful musical journey in prospect.
What could be more pleasant than to stay at the Arbany hotels after this concert?
You can book your room now.
Toots Thielemans will also have a metro station on the future Line 3, which will cross the city from north to south.
It will be located under Avenue de Stalingrad, between the Gare du Midi and Anneessens stations, and will be connected to Lemonnier station.
This year the 42nd edition of the Brossella Festival (Brosella XXS) took place from 09/07/21 to 11/07/21 at the Théâtre de Verdure, in the heart of the Osseghem Park (an English-style park designed for the 1935 Univeral Exhibition by landscape architect Jules Buyssens -1872-1958) located at the foot of the Atomium in Laeken.
Festival paying tribute to the great names of folk music and jazz.
Gypsy jazz and hip-hop were also part of the programme: Myrddin de Cauter (Belgian guitarist and clarinettist), the Brussels Balkan Orchestra (BBO), STUFF (an Antwerp-based quintet that is a hit on the young Belgian scene because of its originality with their universe, which is one of the most original in European groove).
This video is produced by the Belgian animation studio Visuals Internationals.
Great initiative for this 2021 edition. The audience determined its own entrance fee, through the "pay what you can" system.
Reservations for Kids XXS were free for children under 12.
So were the breakfasts for children under 12 for bookings with the breakfast included in the price of the night, served by the Kayser bakery.
I can't help but think at this moment of pop star Lady Gaga and jazz legend, crooner Tony Bennett. Both came to Brussels in September 2014 (on the occasion of the release of their duet album 'Cheek to Cheek' where the pop star reveals a new facet of her talents, mastering the rhythmic swing to perfection...) to take over the Grand-Place of Brussels to deliver a 45-minute concert.
An unforgettable moment for a large number of Brussels residents.
No BSF this year ....
But
Brussels 'festivals'.
Brussels 'events'.
Festive Brussels.
Brussels 'innovates'.
From 22 July 2021 to 12 September 2021, a new open-air theatre-style stage (unique, modular, temporary infrastructure) will be set up on the Place de la Belgique, in front of Palais 5 (Brussels Expo): Arena 5.
The cultural 'hot spot' of the summer in Brussels for all music and show lovers.
Given the programme, the posters are likely to sell out quickly.
A new Brussels festival is born!
Belgian and international artists including
Véronique Sanson, Morcheeba, Loic Nottet, Hooverphonic...
But also :
Hooverphonic, (Belgian band, known internationally) defended the colours of Belgium at the 65th Eurovision Song Contest in Rotterdam this year. For their new album "Hidden Stories" lead singer Geike Arnaert is back!
Loïc Nottet is a Belgian singer and songwriter who participated in the TV talent show "The Voice Belgium" (broadcast on RTBF in 2014), in the Eurovision Song Contest (2015) and in the casting of "Danse avec les stars" (season 6 in 2015).
The next BRUSSELS JAZZ FESTIVAL will take place from 13/01/22 to 22/01/22 and will celebrate its 8th edition in Flagey.
Our capital of Europe will once again live to the rhythm of jazz for 10 days.
This festival likes to honour young talents (rising stars) as well as the big (inter)national names of the "contemporary jazz" scene.
You can already book your rooms for this "music's marathon" (concerts, films, dj-sets, workshops...) at Arbany Hotels.
As for Flagey, the former Maison de la Radio.....(more in the next episode).
By Marc L.
*Translated by Ambre