The city of Antwerp has chosen the partnership of Brossela Festival and Paradise City Festival to restart the Jazz Middelheim Festival.
First held in 1969, Jazz Middelheim included Van Morrison, Jamie Cullum, Patti Smith, Ludovico Einaudi, Jean “Toots” Thielmans, John Zorn, Wynton Marsalis, Wayne Shorter, Kenny Werner, Archie Shepp, Robin Verheyen, and Cassandra. Artists such as Wilson performed.
The festival was most recently staged in 2022, but the nonprofit organization behind the festival, Jazz en Musique, filed for bankruptcy late last year. Jazz en Muziek also hosted the Ghent Jazz Festival, which was rescued by Greenhouse Talent.
The new version of Jazz Middelheim will be held on a smaller scale in Antwerp’s Den Brandt Park this year, before opening in earnest in 2025.
Details of the 2024 event have not yet been announced, but organizers have announced their intention to extend the festival to two days in September.
Antwerp was attracted to the “balance of tradition and innovation” proposed by Brocera and Paradise City.
Meanwhile, the name of the festival is still being negotiated as the brand is owned by Flemish public broadcaster VRT.
A total of eight candidates have come forward in response to the city of Antwerp’s recruitment for a new Jazz Middelheim promoter in 2023.
City officials were attracted to Brocera and Paradise City’s “balance between tradition and innovation” and “the experience of hosting events in a lush park environment.”
“The Brocera Festival is synonymous with a diverse musical offering, combining urban folk and jazz, and a variety of musical styles in between,” the city said. “We present and produce musical projects by celebrities and young national and international talent. The Paradise City Festival, held every year on the grounds of the castle, marks the start of summer for fans of electronic music and is a sustainable It is recognized worldwide for the tremendous work being done in terms of sustainable development.”
Nabila Ait Daoud, Member of Antwerp’s Cultural Council, said: “We are looking forward to a warm and intimate festival that respects both the past and future of jazz and will put Antwerp back on the international jazz map. ” he added.
Bert Schreurs, director of Brosella Festival, commented: In this way, we hope to appeal to a younger audience. Therefore, we will be cooperating with Paradise City. ”
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