Saturday night marked the end of the Gent Jazz Festival, the first one under new owners. The music event with stellar artists on its line-up attracted 40,000 visitors.
The 22nd edition of the festival came to an end on Saturday night when jazz icon Herbie Hancock played the final notes on the main stage at the Bijloke site. Organiser Greenhouse Talent has hailed the past days as a "successful start" to the event's new chapter.
Some 40,000 people came to the festival, in line with the editions under the previous management. The line-up included legendary headliners such as trumpeter Terence Blanchard, crooner Gregory Porter and singer Norah Jones.
The main stage at Gent Jazz. Credit: Belga/ Nicolas Maeterlinck
On 9 and 10 July, Italian composer and pianist Ludovico Einaudi attracted a lot of attention with his twice-sold-out piano concert. A total of seven of the 10 festival days sold out.
At the end of last year, the business court declared that the organisation behind Gent Jazz, the non-profit organisation Jazz & Muziek, bankrupt after facing a mountain of debt for some time. The beloved music festival was then taken over by concert organiser Greenhouse Talent.
Branford Marsalis quartet at Gent Jazz. Credit: Belga/ Nicolas Maeterlinck
Looking back at this year's success, the new organisation leaves no doubt that the festival has a future and promises a 23rd edition. The dates for Gent Jazz 2024 will be communicated soon.
