Gent Jazz Festival announces the start of a jazzy Belgian summer and will take place from July 10 up and to July 20 in Ghent. In the first part of the festival ( from July 10 up and to July 13) a great deal of national and international artists will ensure you a fantastic musical evening: Herbie Hancock, Pat Metheny Trio, Diana Krall, Wayne Shorter Quartet...
From July 17 up and to July 20, Gent Jazz Festival goes fusion. In this part, artists including Erykah Badu, Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club ®, The Neville Brothers and CocoRosie will appear on stage.
Tijdens de Gentse Feesten trad elke namiddag één groep op in het Duvel-Droomschip, op het Gouden Leeuwplein, in het hart van de Gentse feesten, waardoor ze alvast een veel breder publiek bereikten dan normaal mogelijk is. Een professionele jury koos uit de 8 geselecteerde groepen dus unaniem voor het akoestische jazzkwartet Bender Banjax, met als line up Erik Bogaerts (sax), Christian Mendoza (piano), Axel Gilain (bas) en Stijn Cools (drums).
Als laureaat spelen ze sowieso een JazzLab Serie in het najaar van 2008, een concert op Dinant Jazz Nights, een concert op Jazz Maastricht, een concert op Gent Jazz Festival 2009 en het slotconcert van Jong Jazztalent Gent 2009.
Also on Thursday July 17 and Friday July 18 a lot of people attended Gent Jazz Festival. There was little room left during the first concert of Buscemi with his big band and pianist Michel Bisceglia. The Herbaliser gave the audience what they expected, a stunning and music to dance! Next a true diva awaited to appear: Erykah Badu. The audience could already taste her music by a performance of her band and after the show it was very clear that this neo soul queen has a lot to offer besides singing. She introduced her new album New Amerykah: part one and even gave a percussion solo to do so.
Friday the 18th of July was Cuba day! The evening started peacefully with a concert of the young pianist Roberto Fonseca. He certainly gave goose bumps to a great deal of people in the audience. This was also the case when the grand old lady of Cuban music Omara Portuondo appeared on stage and now we know why she deserves this name. Seldom have we heard such a sensitive and profound voice as hers. Some people in the audience were so touched that a tear of joy or compassion appeared in their eyes. After this concert the members of Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club ensured the true warm Cuban vibe, even when the weather was not that good again. Despite their age, these enthousiasts are still able to provide a true party! Gent Jazz Festival wants to thank the audience in advance for a splendid 2008 edition!
Audio reporters report about everything and everyone that makes sound on Gent Jazz Festival
you can follow an obstinate report of these youngsters at: Gent Jazz Blogspot.
Listen to the 2008 performing artists thanks to our playlist!
or browse through our Hall of Fame, a 6 year-old festival history...
Do you want to taste the atmosphere of Gent Jazz Festival with some pictures? Then visit our bands & media section. Here you can find pictures of the past few festival days of the 2008 edition and we also offer a great deal of pictures of the former festival editions.
If you print your e-tickets, (reservation by TeleTicketService), please make sure to print the actual ticket as well. The confirmation of reservation will not do as a valid access pass. Thank you!