Would you like to follow in the footsteps of Orson Claeys and C-RHYMS, be part of the Brussels Jazz Vanguard TWO vinyl, and open the Lotto Brussels Jazz Weekend in 2027? Then sign up now for the open call!
To be eligible, at least one band member must be residing in Belgium, the band must play jazz in the broadest sense of the genre, and be willing to have one track recorded for the Brussels Jazz Vanguard TWO vinyl, which will be commercially released.
You can submit your application via VI.BE, Court-Circuit, and the Brussels conservatories no later than March 27, 2026 here:
- An open preselection of 15 bands in collaboration with VI.BE, Court-Circuit and the Brussels conservatories
- These 15 bands will perform live at Sainte-Catherine Square on May 22, 23, or 24, 2026, during the Lotto Brussels Jazz Weekend
- A fee of €200 per musician, with a maximum of €800 per band
- A professional jury will select one winner
- The audience will choose an audience award winner through voting
- The winner and the audience award winner will open the 2027 festival at the Grand Place or Bourse Square (depending on their artistic profile)
- The winner will receive recording time in a professional studio
- Our partners will also remain available afterwards to provide advice and guidance to all selected bands
- Communication about the winner and audience award winner will continue through the festival channels until the 2027 edition
- All concerts will be recorded in multi-track during the festival. In consultation with each band, one live track will be selected and later released on the vinyl album “Brussels Jazz Vanguard TWO”
- Upon release of the album, we will organize an industry gathering and information sessions to which all bands will be invited.
We introduce you to the jury, who will select the final Brussels Jazz Vanguard 2026: François de Brigode (RTBF), Arnaud Quittelier (Musiq3), Michaël Robberechts (Radio 1), Arne Huysmans (VOLTA), Audrey Di Troia (Full Colorz Agency), Lynn Dewitte (LD Music Agency), Paméla Malempré (Shapes No Frame) and Stéphane Thiery (Jazz Projects)
Brussels Jazz Vanguard is dedicated to discovering and nurturing the next generation of jazz musicians. By creating unique opportunities for emerging artists, we aim to inspire their growth and bring fresh energy to the Belgian jazz scene.
Each year during the Lotto Brussels Jazz Weekend, Place Sainte-Catherine becomes the beating heart of this mission: a stage where young talent shines, connects, and evolves. It’s more than just a concert venue — it’s a meeting point where musicians, audiences, and industry professionals come together to shape the future of jazz.
In 2025, we launched the project with a nationwide talent competition that drew over 150 submissions from across Belgium - a powerful testament to the vitality of the scene. Both a professional jury and the public played a role in selecting the winners, culminating in a first edition that introduced a remarkable new wave of jazz talent. Together with all our partners we proudly celebrated these emerging voices and documented their artistry on our debut double vinyl album, “Brussels Jazz Vanguard ONE”. Featuring one live track from each preselected band, this 2LP captures the creativity and energy of tomorrow’s jazz leaders and stands as a lasting milestone for our very first chapter.
Building on that momentum, the 2026 edition continues our commitment to spotlighting young talent. This year’s professional jury brings together respected voices from across the Belgian music landscape. Once again, their expertise - combined with the enthusiasm of the public - will help shape the next chapter of Brussels Jazz Vanguard, and will result in another double vinyl album, “Brussels Jazz Vanguard TWO”.
Our long-term partnerships with RTBF, VRT, CM, Playright, Sabam for Culture, VI.BE, Court-Circuit and the National Lottery help support young talent and promote the development of the Belgian jazz scene. Thanks to these collaborations, the festival is able to realize such innovative projects. Brussels Jazz Vanguard is at the heart of this mission, ensuring that jazz in Brussels continues to evolve and flourish.
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