Agenda

Baron James Ensor

In 1929, King Albert I conferred the title of baron on James Ensor at the age of 69, elevating him to the peerage and gaining social recognition for his abilities. Today, some 90 people in Belgium carry the title in their names. Art project James Baron Ensor photographed those barons and baronesses…

Ensor 1940

On the night of 27-28 May 1940, Ostend Town Hall was bombed. Three paintings and numerous etchings by Ensor are lost. Lost forever. Because in the archives, only some vague images remain. Were they also masterpieces? Did they add anything to the Ensor we know? At the request of conceptual artist…

James Ensor: Satire, parody, pastiche

The body of work of James Ensor is characterized by humor and satire. Various works attest to his talent for paraphrasing themes or specific works of other artists. Some works result in parodies or pastiches, and stand out with humor, criticism, and/or caricature. He does not hesitate to denounce…

Ashtabiez

Ashtabiez consists of trumpeter Yamen Martini, drummer Victor Khaddaj, bass guitarist Mehrad Hezarkhani, pianist Kuan Yu Chen and guitarist Thomas Decock. Five masterful musicians who have already put their weight behind various successful international projects. Be sure to stick around after…

Duo Art – New Folks - Philip Catherine & Martin Wind

Guitarist and composer Philip Catherine is a true legend within the European jazz scene. He has already worked with Chet Baker, Tom Harrell, NHOP, Stéphane Grappelli, Dexter Gordon and Charles Mingus. As an 18-year-old he toured Europe and released his first album Stream. More than 20 albums have…

Benjamin Herman Trio (NL)

Saxophonist Benjamin Herman is one of the most prominent saxophonists on the Dutch jazz scene. In the 1990s, with New Cool Collective, he blew the dust off classical jazz and made a danceable plea for groove jazz. An international career followed, in which Herman's characteristic, clear playing…

Maruja (UK) + support

Maruja has occupied a unique place within the music world. Their dynamic mix of genres and intense live performances makes them one of the most exciting new acts. Singer and guitarist Harry Wilkinson, drummer Jacob Hayes, bassist Matt Buonaccorsi and saxophonist Joe Carroll form this quartet from…

Bas Bulteel (W.E.R.F. records release)

  Bas Bulteel is a fixture in both the jazz landscape and Ostend. He has already released several albums on our W.E.R.F. records label. Now it is time for new work - a collaboration with visual artist Jan Frederik De Cock.  

Skordatura (WERF release concert)

Skordatura Punkjazz Ensemble nowadays goes by the name Skordatura. For their first release on W.E.R.F. records they join forces with several prominent figures from the Belgian jazz scene: keyboardist and electronics wizard Jozef Dumoulin and the wind ensemble of Mâäk. Skordatura brings music to…

Meral Polat Trio

  The Amsterdam singer Meral Polat has Kurdish roots. Together with the American multi-instrumentalist Chris Doyle and the Belgian drummer Jens Bouttery, she takes you on a journey through contemporary Anatolian folk, Kurdish sounds and the roots of the blues.  

New Year's fireworks

Het eindejaarsvuurwerk is een echte Oostendse traditie. Duizenden mensen vieren elk jaar opnieuw de overgang van oud naar nieuw onder het fonkelende licht van het betoverende vuurwerk met zicht op zee.

Wajdi Riahi Trio

Pianist Wajdi Riahi is a comet within Belgian jazz, both alongside Stéphane Galland (Aka Moon) and with his own music. With his Trio he presents warm-blooded jazz combined with his Tunisian roots. Their second album 'Essia', with North African Tribal and Gnawa traditions that form the basis for a…

Infectious Songhaï Music From Mali - Samba Touré Trio

On the successful albums Albala, Gandadiko and Wande, Samba Touré mixed his own original style with Western and American blues influences. Now he goes back to his musical roots in Timbuktu and resolutely chooses Songhai music, which is also sometimes called 'desert blues'. During the concert he is…

Saudade - Brussels Jazz Orchestra met Naima Joris

Brussels Jazz Orchestra remains true to its own dynamic, energetic sound. But you also get a taste of an intimate, quiet, subtle side of the band. In this way the orchestra highlights the different depths of Naima Joris' voice.The songs were arranged by Pierre Drevet, Lode Mertens and Dieter…

Heather Nova

Heather Nova conquered the world with hits such as London Rain and Walk this World. Major Belgian festivals such as Pukkelpop and Rock Werchter welcomed her several times. In recent years, her smaller-scale theater tours have made a big impression on audiences. With her enthusiastic performances…

Going like the wind - interactive exposition

Visitors are taken on a journey through the wind farms in the North Sea. They discover how electricity from offshore wind turbines comes ashore and learn about the importance of innovations such as the Princess Elisabeth Island. This will be an artificial island off the coast of Ostend, designed to…

Expo 'In the shadow of the master, contemporaries of Ensor'

Ensor was a loner, but not alone. Besides the grand master himself, other artists worked and exhibited in Ostend. After all, the city by the sea has always attracted countless artists who, either occasionally or sometimes for a longer period, stayed in Ostend to work or to settle there permanently…