The Brussels Jazz Marathon is a very popular event in Belgium that draws visitors from all over Europe, the UK and the US. It plays host to 125 concerts, 400 artists and several open stage performances. Visitors who are interested in being a part of the Marathon will be pleased to know that the entry to all concerts is free. The Marathon is a three day event that is conducted annually during the last week of the month of May.
The venues include the Grand Place, or Grote Market as the Dutch call the famous town square in the city centre, the Place du Grand Sablon, another tourist spot and market square, Place Ste Catherine and Place Fernand Cocq plein XL, both popular squares. Free bus rides are arranged by the STIB to run on select routes connecting popular locales with the places of performance. There are more than 50 indoor venues all around the city.
The three day musical event has been held for fourteen years till date and includes jazz in all its forms- modern, traditional, rock, funk, Latin and soul. European jazz enthusiasts consider the Brussels Jazz Marathon to be one of the most popular jazz festivals held within the European countries. Other popular festivals include the North Sea Jazz Festival and the Paris Jazz Festival.
Over the years, the Marathon has drawn in several jazz stars including Trumpeter Bert Joris, Jazz Big Band, Charlier, Sourisse Quartet and Jean-Paul Estievenart. These artists are some of top Belgian jazz players to have been participants in the marathon. Some of the most notable international jazz artists to be a part of the Brussels Jazz Marathon include Jennifer Scavuzzo's Take the Duck which won the best small group's name of year 2002, Trio Grande with Matthew Bourne, a British pianist and Beat n'Blow Brass Band Berlin.
To promote jazz, the Marathon has initiation workshops for young people combined with jazzy makeup shows, ice cream treats and a mini marathon. There are other special attractions like Movin' Jazz which is a mobile group of musicians and comedians.
A festive mood envelops the city of Brussels during the summer when the Brussels Jazz Marathon is hosted over the weekend. It is worth making a trip to Brussels during this time to enjoy the music and its medieval architecture.
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