sized for JAZZ - Visit brussels

sized for JAZZ
PRESS KIT
I
T o o ts , J azz & B r u sse l s
As part of the festivities surrounding Toots
Thielemans’ 90th birthday, VISITBRUSSELS is
turning the spotlight on the subject of Jazz,
which is a very important matter for Brussels
at any time.
Anyone talking about jazz and Brussels cannot
fail to mention Toots Thielemans. Born in the
oldest working-class district of Brussels, the
‘Marolles’, Toots Thielemans grew to become a
jazz musician of global stature. As one of the
greatest Belgian jazz musicians of the 20th
century, he put Brussels on the musical map.
Toots’ birthday is therefore celebrated in
style with a unique series of Belgian concerts,
one of which was on 9 May at the Palais des
Beaux Arts (Bozar) in Brussels. Furthermore,
a book paying tribute to the great man is being published, and a major exhibition is being
held in the heart of Brussels, as well as the
release of a new CD/DVD.
w w w. v isitbr u sse l s . be / jazz
1. Jazz and Brussels: an inseparable bond
Down through the centuries, Brussels has always been a hub, and that applies in the
field of jazz too. From the very beginning, with the minstrel shows about big bands
and bebop to free jazz, and the latest tendencies, everything has always happened
here, and still does.
Of course, at the time it was not referred to as jazz, but during the Brussels Industrial Exhibition of 1841, Belgian instrument maker
Adolpe Sax exhibited his saxophone for the first time (it was only patented in 1846). This instrument would become one of the fundaments of jazz. The concert in 1903 by John Philip Sousa with a band including Belgian musicians and the performances of the Alabama
Minstrels during the Universal Exhibition of 1910 in Brussels, later heralded what was to come. The performance by Mitchell’s Jazz
Kings on 24 January 1920 in the Alhambra variety theatre is considered, however, to be the first major milestone in the jazz history of
Brussels. In the wake of this performance, the first European big band was founded in Brussels, the Bistrouille Amateur Dance Orchestra, with its ranks including pioneers David Bee and Peter Packay. Three great bandleaders who were leading lights in (Brussels) jazz
life were Stan Brenders, Jean Omer and Fud Candrix.
A major protagonist in that flourishing period was Félix-Robert Faecq. He published a magazine that wrote about jazz from 1924 onward, had a publishing company and a label, organized jazz competitions for amateurs and organised the first «official» jazz concert in
Brussels on 15 January 1926. Recording studios opened (including Pathé in Forest) and there were more and more concerts held at
prestigious venues such as the Residence Palace, now converted into the European press centre. In the ‘thirties the Flagey building in
Ixelles was added to the list. It became the new home of the official Belgian broadcaster, initially only of radio and subsequently television. Today the building is (partially) listed and contains among others two rooms with acoustics that are among the best in Europe.
Jazz recordings are made here regularly.
During World War II, there was restricted nightlife but jazz clubs like Le Boeuf sur le Toit experienced great moments. Django Reinhardt
was a regular guest in Brussels and Coleman Hawkins also appeared regularly. In the Rue des Moineaux, there was even a loft scene
avant la lettre for underground musicians.
After World War II everything was open again and thriving, partly due to the Hot Club de Belgique, which organized concerts and published its own magazine (Hot Club Magazine from January 1946). With a club like The Doge, Brussels was a hotbed of bebop. Another
key location was La Rose Noire where Philip Catherine officially started out in 1958. That was also the year of the World Exposition,
in which jazz played a prominent role. Benny Goodman gave a series of concerts and the Atomium appears on the sleeve of his ‘Benny
In Brussels’ record. Jazz reached an ever wider audience. The proof: Brussels department store À L’Innovation released three records
with the title ‘Innovation and Jazz’.
www.VISITBRUSSELS.BE
3
In the ‘sixties there was a minor blip, but since the early ‘eighties, the rich jazz history has continued. A club like De Kaai was a real
laboratory. This is where the group Aka Moon came into being. Legendary evenings were staged at Le Travers. Mal Waldron, the pianist
of Billie Holiday, lived mostly in Brussels during the latter years of his life, and L’Archiduc was his regular port of call.
Unfortunately, most of the temples of jazz from days gone by have disappeared, but the scene is more vibrant than ever, due to the
fact that exciting young talents are graduating from both Royal conservatoires every year. They can play at jazz clubs such as Sounds,
Jazzstation, The Music Village or alternative venues including Recyclart and the Beursschouwburg. Many major venues also regularly
feature jazz in their programming (Flagey, BOZAR, Ancienne Belgique, ….). A number of Belgian jazz labels are based here (Igloo, RAT
Records, ….). There are à la carte festivals too (Djangofolllies, Brosella, Brussels Jazz Marathon, ….). Brussels is once again a fertile
breeding ground for big bands, with the Brussels Jazz Orchestra (founded 1993) leading the way. In March this year, they guested for a
week at New York’s Blue Note. In the wake of Aka Moon, there are groups like Octurn and Mâäk’s Spirit which are continually pushing
the boundaries of jazz.
It is worth mentioning is that the two current Brussels mayors of Saint-Josse-ten-Node and Brussels City are also jazz fans and look
favourably on any jazz initiatives.
The main source of information about Brussels (and Belgian) jazz is Les Lundis D’Hortense, a musicians’ association founded in
1976, which is located in a railway station converted into a jazz club. Their website www.leslundisdhortense.be and the site of
www.jazzinbelgium.com are an absolute must.
One thing is clear: jazz and Brussels have had a long-lasting love affair over many generations. And with Toots Thielemans, Philip
Catherine and Aka Moon, we have the perfect ambassadors.
www.VISITBRUSSELS.BE
4
2. Toots, an icon of the Brussels jazz scene
In the person of Toots Thielemans, Brussels has a living jazz legend as its ambassador.
The adjective «living jazz legend» fits Toots perfectly. When he began his music career, there was no bebop, free and fusion had yet to
be invented and nobody had any idea that electronics would lead to a new offshoot of jazz. Toots was involved in it all and as a musician, he survived every radical innovation.
As a youngster, he immediately established a reputation as an accordionist in his parents’ cafe, Trapke Af at No. 241, rue Haute. That
was where Jean-Baptiste Thielemans was born on 29 April 1922. Be sure that you get the right number, because the commemorative
plaque is on the house next door due to a dispute with the current owner. It is true that Thielemans did spend a large part of his childhood in Molenbeek-Saint-Jean where his parents moved, but he is still considered to this day as a real Marollien.
Music was not a priority at the Thielemans household, at least not for Toots’ father, who wanted his son to have a good education. However, the young man’s attention tended to wander to the phonograph in the house. That was his where he learned most: playing along
with the records he bought with his savings. Music academies or conservatoires did not exist at that time. He gradually abandoned the
accordion in favour of the harmonica. Initially, a lot of musicians, when they saw his harmonica, told him to «throw that toy away!»
Fortunately, he persevered and there were those who believed in him, like Clifford Brown, who said years later: “Toots, the way you play
harmonica they should not call it a miscellaneous instrument (the category in American jazz magazine Downbeat’s annual poll, where
Toots featured permanently in the number 1 spot).
Meanwhile, he also learn to play guitar, again he was self-taught and inspired by Django Reinhardt among others. He also had a real
stage name: Toots, after two musicians who played in the Benny Goodman Orchestra (Toots Camarata (trumpet) and Toots Mondello
(sax)). At first, Toots played popular light music until in the early ‘forties, he heard a record by Louis Armstrong and The Mills Brothers.
After that, he had definitely been bitten by the jazz bug.
In 1947, his uncle invited him to go on holiday to America, and then there was no stopping him.
In the early ‘fifties, Toots moved to America to try his luck. That was where it all started. Like almost all musicians starting out, he
experienced some tough times. But he was the right man in the right place when George Shearing needed a guitarist. It became a sixyear tour. Then Toots met and played with all the icons of jazz history, including Lester Young, and band members of the Count Basie
Orchestra and Billie Holiday. Prior to that, Benny Goodman had already hired him for his tour of Europe. That was all as a guitarist,
because it was only at the end of the ‘fifties that he would increasingly use his harmonica as a fully-fledged instrument. In 1962, he
hit the jackpot with ‘Bluesette’. A seemingly simple melody but with whistling in unison as a gimmick.
Since then, Toots has been at the top, a position he has never left. The list of musicians he has worked with is a chronicle of jazz history,
but also part of pop history because artists like Billy Joel and Paul Simon also called upon his services. There are also many soundtracks where he can be heard, including ‘Midnight Cowboy’, ‘The Getaway’, Dutch film ‘Turkish Delight’, Sweden’s ‘Dunderklumpen’
and French film ‘Jean de Florette’.
www.VISITBRUSSELS.BE
5
After America and via detours through Sweden and the Netherlands, Toots later received recognition in his homeland, because until
then, he had been a «prophet without honour in his own land’. Fortunately, that has changed in the meantime, and he was even made
a baron and awarded an honorary doctorate by the VUB/ULB. In the Brussels municipality of Forest, a street was named after him. And
since 1986 he has been the patron of the Brosella festival that takes place every year at the foot of the Atomium.
Even though he is now aged ninety, Toots remains well aware of the latest developments in jazz. So he regularly invites young musicians
as accompanists, and always has his iPod and iPad close at hand, so that he can discover new things. “Never mention when you were
born, and you will always continue feeling like a teenager» is his motto.
Import
ant mo
ments
for To
29 Apri
l
ots in
1
9
22
•
Brusse
1925 Jean Ba
ls:
ptiste T
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
hielema
He was
ns was
1936-1
already
born in
9
3
playing
7 He
the Maro
1942 accordio
bought
lles
n at the
his first
age of 3
harmon
1946 Bought
ica
his first
jazz rec
1952 Herman
ords inc
Sandy (a
luding L
ouis Arm
fellow m
1957 moved
strong &
usician)
to the U
suggeste
The Mil
n
it
e
d
1986 ls Broth
S
d the na
America
tates
ers
n Citize
me Too
ts
n
in
s
2000 te
patron o
ad of Je
f the Bro
an
sella Fo
2001 obtaine
lk & Jaz
d dual n
z
F
estival
ationali
was ma
ty (Belg
de a Ba
ian and
ron by K
U.S.)
ing Albe
rt II
Around
www.VISITBRUSSELS.BE
6
3. 2012: Toots90
1.Toots90 Birthday Concert Series
To mark his birthday, Toots gave eight exclusive birthday concerts at various locations in Belgium. Not only did he perform his alltime favourite numbers with his quartet, the concerts had also a unique and surprising look.
2.The Toots90 book
The Toots year opened in a blaze of glory with a tribute book in three languages (English, Dutch and French), published by Borgerhoff
& Lamberigts. The book is available in a deluxe version: size 241 x 273mm, hard cover, 320 pages, bookstore price 49.95 euro.
The Toots90 book contains a biographical section and a series of exceptional testimonials from superstars like Quincy Jones, Joe
Lovano, Pat Metheny, Paul Simon and Billy Joel and ‘local heroes’ like Jean Blaute and Philip Catherine. Many wonderful concert photos
and images from Toots’ private archive (personal photos, letters, set lists, scores...) make the book quite unique.
3.Toots90 Exhibition
Toots90 looks back at the life of that jazz icon and presents it to the general public. Toots Thielemans’ 90th birthday will be celebrated in
great style, with a temporary exhibition, in Brussels.
Toots Thielemans is celebrating his ninetieth birthday with a dazzling exhibition. This temporary and therefore special event will open on
Friday 31st August and run until Sunday 6th January. The Vanderborght building will be the setting for a multimedia show all about one
of Belgium’s - and the whole world’s - greatest musicians.
2012 is Toots Thielemans year. In April, our monument to jazz and living legend celebrated his 90 summers. Following a series of 8
unforgettable concerts, the Toots90 organisation, a collaboration between Borgerhoff&Lamberigts Events by The Academy and Toots
Thielemans’ management, is holding an exhibition looking back at his life.
This gifted boy from the Marolles district turned into one of the world’s greatest men, a baron, the producer of Bluesette, a song repeated
many times, and into a composer of numerous famous film soundtracks. All over the world, little Jean became Toots. He’s also played
alongside Stevie Wonder, Billy Joel, Paul Simon, Ella Fitzgerald and many others.
This exhibition invites you to follow the extraordinary life path of this famous Belgian. The Sound & Vision of Toots, from the dark little jazz
bar to the impressive stage of Carnegie Hall, from the Marolles to New York City. We present an exciting interactive multimedia exhibition,
which will be held in modern surroundings with surprising backdrops.
Are you fascinated by the life and songs of this exceptional personality? Then grab this unique opportunity! The exhibition will be held
in a unique and ephemeral place, in the heart of Brussels, as it happens the Toots Theatre in the Vanderborght building. It will open on
Friday 31st August and end on Sunday 6th January. During opening hours, you can also enjoy a beer or one of Toots’ favourite dishes in
the “Café Toots”.
For this project, Toots90 is collaborating with the City of Brussels and the Brussels-Capital Region. As part of Brusselicious, VISITBRUSSELS will, for example, be holding a Toots-themed dinner. In addition, to emphasise the jazz theme, the organisation publishes a map of
a jazz walk in Brussels. A “jazz” page at www.visitbrussels.be tells the general public all about these activities.
For more information and to buy tickets: www.expotoots90.be
Press contact: Piet Lambrechts - [email protected] - T +32 (0)495 63 26 00
www.VISITBRUSSELS.BE
8
4.Box set with CD, DVD and book
There is no better way to celebrate the birthday of one of the world’s greatest living jazz icons than with music, played live and
recorded with his own European Quartet. An album of new recordings in addition to the regular CD version (in a beautiful hardcover
version), it is also available in a special limited edition birthday boxed set.
This festive box set contains:
• new album Toots Thielemans European Quartet ‘90 yrs.’
• vinyl version of the album
• DVD with a great documentary about Toots
• a hardcover book with special testimonies, beautiful photos and images from Toots’ private archive.
5.Neuhaus
2012, the year of Toots90 and the 100th anniversary of the Neuhaus ‘praline’ (filled chocolate).
Two Belgian icons will be celebrating together.
Toots Thielemans was born in 1922, the year in which the Neuhaus praline was celebrating
its tenth birthday. Toots very soon recognized the quality of Neuhaus chocolates, which were
regarded as a great luxury in his childhood years. Even today at Toots’ home, you will always
find a box of Neuhaus chocolates on festive occasions. Toots’ favourite praline? Nearly all the
chocolates made with plain chocolate, Manon Noir, Art Nouveau and Grand Place featuring high
on the list. But his absolute favourite is the Satan! A crunchy praline filled with crushed almond
and hazelnut paste with pieces of caramelised hazelnut, covered with intense dark chocolate.
This year Toots Thielemans celebrates his 90th birthday. Neuhaus is honouring this special occasion with a
unique gift box filled with Toots’ favourite pralines. As the icing on the cake, the gift box contains a unique CD with a combination of
Toots’ most famous jazz tunes and some original numbers. An exclusive combination of the best jazz with Toots’ favourite Neuhaus
chocolates, only available in Neuhaus shops!
More information about the Toots90 project is available on : www.toots90.be
www.VISITBRUSSELS.BE
9
II
B r u sse l s , a l i v e l y jazz c it y
The reputation and quality of Brussels Jazz
is undeniable: Brussels is home to musicians
with an international reputation and the city
is brimming with young talent.
Almost every day, you can attend a lively jazz
concert in one of the many jazz clubs. Moreover, there are numerous organizations that
organize annual jazz festivals with very high
quality programming. Information about upcoming festivals and concerts can be found at
www.visitbrussels.be/jazz
w w w. v isitbr u sse l s . be / jazz
1. Jazz events
All year round, Brussels offers a host of festivals where both jazz lovers and those who
are new to jazz can find something for them. The concerts will be held at all kinds of unique
locations, such as at the foot of the Atomium or in the Grand Place and provide a broad
overview of what is happening in jazz. The following summary also shows that not only jazz
is alive and well in the city centre but also in the remotest corners of the Brussels Region.
Marni Jazz Festival – September 2012
This jazz festival - open to all kinds of jazz, with international talent alongside Belgian performers - gets the new concert season off to
a flying start.
www.theatremarni.com
Saint-Jazz-ten-Node - September 2012
Saint-Jazz-ten-Node was launched in 1985 in the heart of Brussels and offers free jazz concerts that push the boundaries between jazz
and other genres: Afro, Latin, funk... A dynamic and cosmopolitan festival on 14 and 15 September, in the image of the municipality
of Saint-Josse itself!
www.saintjazz.be
Skoda Jazz Festival - October and November 2012
Innovation and quality have been the trademark of this trendsetting and broadly based international jazz festival since 1986. Innovation has always been an essential recurring theme for this festival and perhaps one of the basic «drives» of «jazz» per se. The formula
for this festival is quirky and unusual, with 70 or so concerts spread over 2 months in the better halls and clubs of Belgium. The Skoda
Jazz Festival maintains a perfect blend of super talents from the world of jazz, but from the outset has kept a significant role for World
Music, Funk, Soul, electronic styles like Drum’n’Bass and all kinds of interesting hybrids or «Fusion”. An approach which, incidentally,
has gradually been adopted by other leading European festivals such as Montreux and North Sea Jazz.
www.skodajazz.be
Djangofolllies - January 2013
Every year since 1994, the Djangofolllies festival has commemorated the birthday of Django Reinhardt, the famous ‘gipsy’ jazz guitarist
who created a brand new style: Gypsy Swing! Djangofolllies is now a fixture on the calendar and an annual rendezvous for jazz lovers,
much to the delight of both fans of the «Django» style and those who have just discovered it. Organised by the non-profit association
«Les Amis de Brosella’ and Les Riches Claires.
www.brosella.be/eng/djangofolllies
Winter Jazz Marni-Flagey – January 2013
THE winter rendezvous for jazz lovers. Théâtre Marni and Flagey offer every year an invigorating cocktail of jazz artists from Belgium or
abroad, young or experienced and films devoted to jazz.
www.winterjazz.be
www.VISITBRUSSELS.BE
11
VW Spring Sessions - March and June 2012
Like every spring for the last 14 years, the musical event VW Spring Sessions will take place from March to June: a feast of music from
all over the world, where quality and diversity are key. Since 1998, the festival has taken place all over Belgium and heralded the first
days of spring with the finest and hottest sounds. VW Spring Sessions is the music festival of choice, providing an overall picture of
what is happening in music today. The success of previous editions indicates that music lovers feel the need for an over-arching festival
featuring various styles. At this festival both «obvious choices» and unknown but good music find their way onto a Belgian stage.
www.vwspringsessions.be
Brussels Jazz Marathon - May 2012
Every year in May, Jazztronaut sets with the Brussels Jazz Marathon our capital on fire. Music mania will last throughout three days,
with around 450 musicians on four outdoor stages at wonderful locations like the Grand Place and the Sablon. Brussels Jazz Marathon
also happens in a series of clubs, cafes and venues of all kinds. There is just so much to discover.
www.brusselsjazzmarathon.be
The Blue Flamingo - June 2012
Museboosting is organizing this jazz festival in different cycles of one weekend each quarter. The intimate concerts will take place in
the magical setting of Chateau Karreveld in Molenbeek-Saint-Jean.
www.theblueflamingofestival.be
Jazz Jette June – June 2012
Jazz Jette June is one of the highlights of cultural life in Jette. Bars and halls will open their doors to stage 16 free concerts. Various
jazz and blues styles with more than 60 exceptional musicians. There is something for everyone.
www.jazzjettejune.be
Brosella Folk & Jazz - July 2012
Mid july, the famous Brosella Folk & Jazz is held at the Théâtre de Verdure in Osseghem Park in Laeken. The non-profit association
‘Les Amis de Brosella’ is organizing this free festival in the shadow of the Atomium and can count on about 25,000 visitors each year.
During two days, around twenty national and international bands perform on the stages of Brosella Folk & Jazz.
www.brosella.be/eng/brosella-folk-jazz
www.VISITBRUSSELS.BE
12
2. And much more jazz…
Brussels Jazz Orchestra
The Brussels Jazz Orchestra (BJO), founded in 1993 by Frank Vaganée, Serge Plume and Marc Godfroid, performs big band jazz of the
highest quality and artistic integrity in all its diversity for national and international audiences. BJO likes to collaborate with other artists
and has already created productions with numerous artists or has invited internationally renowned musicians such as Toots Thielemans
to perform with them. They have established a tremendous reputation in their own country and internationally. The recordings by this
ensemble are internationally appreciated and have won many prizes. In February 2012, the orchestra shared in the Oscar triumph of
the silent film The Artist, for its performance of the soundtrack. In 2013 the orchestra is celebrating its 20th anniversary.
www.brusselsjazzorchestra.com
Jazztronaut
Jazztronaut is a Brussels-based Belgian concert promoter and booking agent who organizes concerts throughout the year. It is also active
as a booking agent for local promoters and festivals in Belgium and Luxembourg. Jazztronaut manages several world renowned artists such
as Belgian guitarist Philip Catherine and pianist Jeff Neve. Each year, Jazztronaut organises various festivals, including the major Brussels
festivals the Brussels Jazz Marathon and Skoda Jazz Festival.
www.jazztronaut.be
Les Lundis d’Hortense
This Belgian association of jazz musicians for promotion and dissemination of Belgian jazz, has devised the following formulae for giving Belgian jazz an appropriate platform:
Jazz Tour :Each season, from October to May, ‘Les Lundis d’Hortense’ organises concerts where you can enjoy the richness and quality
of the continuously growing Belgian jazz scene to the full. In this way, the Jazz Tour enables 7 to 9 different groups each year to perform
in turn at fifteen jazz clubs and cultural centres in Brussels, Wallonia and Northern France. From year to year, the Jazz Tour is growing
in strength and vitality with more partners and concerts.
Gare au jazz : the «Gare au Jazz» cycle is on the bill every Wednesday from October to May at 20.30 at Jazz Station in Saint-Josse-ten-Node.
Midis Jazz : The cycle ‘Jazz Middagen’ presents solo acts and duos in a relaxed setting for an hour during the afternoon. These concerts are
held in Brussels, at the Musical Instrument Museum, in the Charlier Museum and the Maison des musiques, always from 12.30 to 13.30.
They are genuine opportunities to discover artists with their unreleased, intimist and often acoustic work.
www.leslundisdhortense.be
www.jazzinbelgium.com
www.VISITBRUSSELS.BE
13
Het Koninklijk Conservatorium Brussel (Dutch-language section)
The Jazz & Latin Music courses at the Royal Conservatoire in Brussels is an internationally renowned course of study for becoming a
professional jazz musician or jazz-composer/arranger. The ‘Stichting Koninklijk Conservatorium Brussel’ (Royal Conservatoire of Brussels
Foundation) aims to offer every opportunity to exploit the artistic potential of the Brussels Conservatoire, which since 1995 has formed part
of the Erasmushogeschool Brussel (Erasmus University College of Brussels). Master classes, scholarships, an annual chair or the purchase
of top instruments are among the range of possibilities for developing the talent of young people to prepare them better for international
competitions. The concerts of the Concert Association are an extension of the educational aims of the Conservatoire. They offer the prizewinners of this Brussels educational institution the opportunity to prove their talents to the general public.
The Toots Thielemans Jazz Award will reach its fifth edition in 2013. This prize is awarded to the most deserving student from the jazz
section of the Conservatory. The winner receives a cash prize of € 2500 and the opportunity to play a complete jazz concert in the beautiful
concert hall of the Conservatoire. In this way, the Royal Conservatoire Foundation encourages young jazz talent to give the best of themselves, and thus to lay the foundations for a future (inter-)national career. It’s Toots Thielemans himself who gave his name to this award.
www.kcb.be
Le Conservatoire Royal de Bruxelles (French-language section)
The Royal Conservatoire of Brussels has had a jazz section for over 20 years. It is open to every style, from the origins of jazz to contemporary developments, with special attention to swing, be-pop and Latin jazz. It takes technical mastery as well as musical and instrumental
expertise plus personal inspiration to create quality jazz. Every year, the Conservatoire organizes a season of concerts of a high musical
and artistic level, and works on setting up collaborations and partnerships enabling students to perform concerts outside the institution.
www.conservatoire.be
Klare Lijn (association visites guidées) : “It ain’t worth a thing ... Yes! Brussels hás that swing!“
As a matter of fact, our city was one of jazz’ hot spots in the roaring thirties. This tour tells the story of jazz in Brussels. From the
minstrels of the late 19th century, over rag time and John Philip Sousa to mainstream jazz and beyond. Where did bands rehearse,
where did giants like Coleman Hawkins perform in the very early days, or Chet Baker or Mal Waldron (much) later ? Where were the
recording studios?
Of course we cannot leave our local giant, Toots Thielemans, unmentioned! Nor Django, of whom a number of songs bear witness to his
numerous stays in this city. And what would jazz be, if it weren’t for the invention of the saxophone? Yes, that too happened in Brussels.
So come on, put on those dancing shoes and join one of our guides on this incredible journey!
www.klarelijn.be
www.brusselswalks.be
www.VISITBRUSSELS.BE
14
3. Jazz Venues
All the fun jazz addresses from authentic jazz clubs to pleasant cafes, with a varied
program.
1. Jazz Clubs
Jazz Station
Located in the totally renovated old railway station of Saint-Josse-ten-Node, this Brussels club has a special charm, with its modern
architecture and decoration that finds its inspiration in the world of Jazz. In these pleasant surroundings, in comfort and enjoying good
acoustics, you can hear varied, mature jazz, played by established artists or young rising talent. For this reason, the Brussels municipality of Saint-Josse-ten-Node sometimes refers to itself as St. Jazz-ten-Node.
Chaussée de Louvain, 193a - 1210 Saint-Josse-ten-Noode
Tél. : +32 (0)2-733.13.78
www.jazzstation.be - [email protected]
L’Archiduc
This venue has experienced some glory days since it opened in 1937. The pianist Stan Brenders, a pioneer of Belgian jazz, turned it
into a Jazz Club in 1953. Nat King Cole, Miles Davis, Jacques Brel and many more besides were regulars here. L’Archiduc remains a
legendary venue. Musicians from Belgium and abroad, established or future starts, meet up here at 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays,
from September to May. Top-of-the-range jazz keeps this place buzzing. Open daily from 16.00 to 05.00!
Rue Antoine Dansaert, 6 - 1000 Bruxelles
Tél. : +32 (0)2-512.06.52
www.archiduc.net - [email protected]
Sounds Jazz Club
You might think you are in Chicago or New Orleans, but you are actually in the Brussels district of Ixelles. There are good reasons
why Sounds is the favourite meeting place for lovers of authentic jazz. Since 1986, when Sergio Duvalloni and Rosy Merlini began
running it, Sounds has hosted the greatest Belgian and international Jazz men (and women).
Rue de la Tulipe, 28 - 1050 Ixelles
Tél. : +32 (0)2-512.92.50
www.soundsjazzclub.be - [email protected]
The Music Village
The Music Village, just a few steps away from the Grand Place in Brussels and housed in a 17th century group of houses, aims to
recreate the atmosphere of the great Brussels jazz clubs of yesteryear. The acoustics and lighting, the stage with piano, the programme
(quality concerts, jam sessions), the customer experience and comfort, food and drink ... all ensure that both the audience and the
musicians feel in their element here.
Rue des Pierres, 50 - 1000 Bruxelles
Tél. : +32 (0)2-513.13.45
www.themusicvillage.com - [email protected]
www.VISITBRUSSELS.BE
15
2. Cafes where you can regularly listen to jazz
Sazz’n Jazz
Rue Royale, 241 - 1210 Saint-Josse-ten-Noode
[email protected] - www.sazznjazz.be
Le Caveau du Max
Avenue Émile Max, 87 - 1030 Schaerbeek
Tel. : +32 (0)2-733.17.88
Toogenblik
Rue de Cortenbach, 11 - 1130 Haren
Tel. : +32 (0)497-16.16.32
[email protected] - www.toogenblik.be
Bizon
Rue Pont de la Carpe, 7 - 1000 Bruxelles
Tel. : +32 (0)2-502.46.99
[email protected] - www.cafebizon.com
Le Grain d’Orge
Chaussée de Wavre, 142 - 1050 Ixelles
Tel. : +32 (0)2-511.26.47
Le Tavernier
Chaussée de Boondael, 445 - 1050 Ixelles
Tel. : +32 (0)2-640.71.91
[email protected] - www.le-tavernier.be
Le FonograF
Rue de la Violette, 32 - 1000 Bruxelles
Tel. : +32 (0)471-64.89.51
[email protected] - www.lefonograf.be
Le Cercle des Voyageurs
Rue des Grands Carmes, 18 - 1000 Bruxelles
Tel. : +32 (0)2-514.39.49
[email protected] - www.lecercledesvoyageurs.com
Roskam
Rue de Flandre, 9 - 1000 Bruxelles
Tel. : +32 (0)2-503.51.54
[email protected] - www.cafe-roskam.be
Le Rayon Vert
Rue Van Huyneghem, 30/32 - 1090 Jette
[email protected] -www.lerayonvert.be
www.lerayonvert.be
LR6
Rue Haute 204 - 1000 Brussels
Tel. : +32 (0)2 830 21 27
www.lr6bruxelles.tumblr.com
Bonnefooi
Rue des Pierres 8 - 1000 Brussels
www.bonnefooi.be
Moeder Lambic Fontainas
Place Fontainas 8 1000 Bruxelles
Tel. : +32 2 503 60 68
[email protected] http://www.chezmoederlambic.eu
Chat Pitre
r. du Tabellion 1 - 1050 Ixelles
Tel. : +32 2 537 00 41
Le Bar du Matin
Chaussée d’Alsemberg 172
1190 Forest - Tel. : +32 2 537 71 59
http://www.bardumatin.be [email protected]
Cellule 133
Avenue Ducpétiaux 133a
1060 Saint-Gilles
[email protected] http://www.cellule133a.be
www.VISITBRUSSELS.BE
16
3. Concert halls
Ancienne Belgique
Boulevard Anspach, 110 - 1000 Bruxelles Tel.: +32 (0)2-548.24.84
[email protected] -www.abconcerts.be
Botanique
Rue Royale, 236 - 1210 Saint-Josse-ten-Noode
Tel.: +32 (0)2-218.37.32
www.botanique.be - [email protected]
Palais des Beaux-Arts, BOZAR
Rue Ravenstein, 23 - 1000 Bruxelles
Tel. : +32 (0)2-507.82.00
www.bozar.be - [email protected]
Musée des Instruments de Musique
Rue Montagne de la Cour, 2 - 1000 Bruxelles
Tel. : +32 (0)2-545.01.30
www.mim.be - [email protected]
Conservatoire Royal de Bruxelles
Rue de la Régence, 30 - 1000 Bruxelles
Tel. : +32 (0)2-511.04.27
www.conservatoire.be - [email protected]
Koninklijk Conservatorium Brussel
Rue de la Régence, 30 - 1000 Bruxelles
Tel. : +32 (0)2-513.45.87
www.kcb.be - [email protected]
Théâtre du Méridien
Chaussée de la Hulpe, 200 - 1170 Watermael-Boitsfort
Tel. : +32 (0)2-663.32.11
www.theatredumeridien.be - [email protected]
Théâtre Marni
Rue de Vergnies, 25 - 1050 Ixelles
Tel. : +32 (0)2-639.09.80
www.theatremarni.com - [email protected]
Flagey
Place Sainte-Croix, 1 - 1050 Ixelles
Tel. : +32 (0)2-641.10.20
www.flagey.be - [email protected]
Recyclart
Gare de Bruxelles-Chapelle
Rue des Ursulines, 25 -1000 Bruxelles
Tel. : +32 (0)2-502.57.34
www.recyclart.be - [email protected]
Maison des Arts
Chaussée de Haecht, 147 - 1030 Schaerbeek
Tel. : +32 (0)2-240.34.99
www.culture1030ecoles.be - [email protected]
www.VISITBRUSSELS.BE
17
Practical information
The 90th birthday of a jazz legend like Toots Thielemans is an event that deserves to
be celebrated in style. That is why VISITBRUSSELS has developed a range of actions to
highlight jazz - and Toots Thielemans in particular - in Brussels during 2012.
VISITBRUSSELS works on the following actions:
a mini-map “VISITBRUSSELS-sized for Jazz”
This mini-map sets out a plan for a city walk in Jazzy Brussels. Discover the Brussels jazz scene and pay a visit to our jazz clubs. No
wonder Toots Thielemans grew up to be a widely respected jazz musician! You can discover the musical richness of the capital during
a 2½ hour walk. This mini plan will be available in FR/EN and NL/DE, costing € 0.50 in all our tourist offices from September 2012.
a jazz section on our website
All the jazz news will appear at www.visitbrussels.be: concerts, guided tours, exhibitions, festivals... when will the next jazz concert
take place, and which festival do you have to put on your agenda? Everything you need to know on www.visitbrussels.be/jazz
Organisation of a theme dinner as part of Brusselicious, the year of gastronomy
To mark Toots Thielemans’ 90th birthday, his six favourite dishes will be served on Thursday 25 October at a meal in the honour of this
great Belgian jazz musician. Of course, music will be part of the event.
As a gala evening to mark the opening of the exhibition Toots Theatre, his favourite pieces will be played live. The menu for this meal
will consist of our national star’s favourite dishes, as he is very keen on the fine food served in Brussels. We hope that Toots will be able
to attend on that evening. An unmissable dinner-concert!
www.brusselicious.be
www.VISITBRUSSELS.BE
18
Contacts
VISITBRUSSELS
www.visitbrussels.be
Rue Royale 2-4
1000 Bruxelles
Tel : + 32 (0) 2 513 89 40
[email protected]
Press officers:
Martha Meeze
Pierre Massart
[email protected]
[email protected] T +32 (0)2 549 50 93
T +32 (0)2 548 04 45
For more information about the exhibition Toots Theatre :
Piet Lambrechts
[email protected]
T +32 (0)495 63 26 00
More information on:
w w w. v i s i t b r u s s e l s . b e / j a z z
w w w. t o o t 9 0 . b e
online Phototheque :
www.Visitbrussels.be/pictures
©VISITBRUSSELS-2012
PHOTOS CREDITS: G.Van Oz|H.Pint|P.Acken|C.Berthold|R.Merlini|J.Knaepen|J.Chalier