In a city as diverse and compact as Brussels, it's sometimes difficult to keep track of the live music programme and spot those nights not to miss before they've sold out. Even once you've found your bearings for where to see what, there's a lot to keep track of with venues catering to an international crowd and each year punctuated by numerous festivals.
Music is central to Belgium's soft power, putting the country on the map for aficionados worldwide thanks to international names, genres, labels, and festivals. And thanks to the country's geographical location, many major acts make a stop here as part of a European tour.
Keeping up with who is coming and going through the cultural crossroads is a challenge, I often kick myself for finding out only too late that a legend in the game has been and gone, flying under my radar until the moment had passed. So we called on the services of veteran musico Simon Taylor to highlight the most exciting shows of the month.
With attention paid to established names and others that are on the way to radio recognition, the informative guide provides a non-exhaustive point of reference to keep you in the know about what makes the city groove each month.
Think we missed something? Want us to tap into a niche that folks need to know about? Let us know.
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1. The Brussels Times Gig Guide: What are the best concerts this February?
We have selected the best concerts and gigs in Brussels that you and your friends should not miss this February. Read more.
2. Future post-Brexit passport checks could limit Eurostar services
The much-delayed post-Brexit EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is expected to come into force by the end of 2024 and greatly affect Eurostar trains to Brussels, as the facilities at London St Pancras have been deemed "inadequate" to process these new checks. Read more.
3. Property prices in Belgium continue to rise, but fall in neighbouring countries
Flats and houses in Belgium's surrounding countries became cheaper in 2023, while here, they continued to rise despite high interest rates. Still, the property purchasing power in Belgium remains much higher. Read more.
4. Best sushi master in the world can be found in Belgium
A Brazilian chef who works at a restaurant located in the south of Belgium won first place in this year's World Sushi Cup in Japan last month, beating more than 250 masters from around the world. Read more.
5. Police raid illegal workshop for 3D printed weapons in Leuven
The Federal Judicial Police of Leuven dismantled an illegal weapons workshop where ready-to-use weapons were made with a 3D printer to be offered for sale on the dark web. Two suspects were arrested, the Leuven Public Prosecutor's Office announced on Monday. Read more.
6. Another person becomes trapped in shutter of a Brussels metro station
A man got his foot stuck in the shutter of Merode metro station in Etterbeek early on Tuesday morning, the Brussels fire brigade reported. It isn't the first time a person has become trapped in this way, with the emergency services previously having to intervene in similar cases. Read more.
7. 'Brussels Paradox': A wealthy region with an 'acute' housing crisis
A report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) warns that the Brussels-Capital Region is suffering an "acute housing crisis" which unevenly affects the population. Read more.
