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.
To launch the project, we organized a nationwide talent competition, where both a professional jury — including François de Brigode (RTBF), Arnaud Quittelier (Musiq3), Michaël Robberechts (Radio 1), Arne Huysmans (VOLTA), Audrey Di Troia (Full Colorz Agency), Willem Vandesande (Busker), and Stéphane Thiery (Jazz Projects) — and the public helped select the winners. With over 150 submissions, the search for Belgium’s most promising young jazz voices was intense. Together with all our partners such as VI.BE, Brussels Jazz Alert, Court-Circuit, CRB (Conservatoire Royal de Bruxelles), and KCB (Koninklijk Conservatorium Brussel), we proudly presented a remarkable new wave of talent.
As part of this first edition, we released our debut double vinyl album, “Brussels Jazz Vanguard ONE”. Featuring one live track from each preselected band, this 2LP not only captures the creativity and energy of tomorrow’s jazz leaders but also serves as a milestone for the project itself. It’s a lasting testament to their artistry — and a promise of what’s yet to come.
Brussels Jazz Vanguard is just the beginning. And the best is still ahead.
