13 new names for Gent Jazz: Sun Ra Arkestra, José González, Warhaus, Asaf Avidan & announcing the first names for the Garden Stage featuring, among other young talent, Rio Kosta and Tomoki Sanders

On 2 July, in addition to the previously announced Terence Blanchard & Ravi Coltrane (Miles Davis & John Coltrane Celebration), the Main Stage will host those legendary pioneers of jazz and Afrofuturism, Sun Ra Arkestra and the dynamically versatile jazz, funk and soul - saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin who will release a new album this year. On 3 July, Swedish Argentine singer-songwriter José González will unveil his latest album, ‘Against The Dying Of ​ ​ the Light’. His calm intensity remains undiminished, but in terms of content, his new work resonates with greater urgency and lyrical clarity than ever. He will share the stage with Angus & Julia Stone.

And Gent Jazz also promises further singer-songwriter brilliance on 17 July, with captivating performances by Asaf Avidan and Warhaus. Following his impressive performance at the Royal Circus, Asaf Avidan will bring both new material and beloved familiar hits to the Bijloke site. This summer, Maarten Devoldere dives deep into the intense repertoire of Warhaus alongside acclaimed classical piano virtuoso Julien Libeer. The musical journey of this occasional duo translates into a refined, compelling interpretation of their own work, with the essence of each song serving as their guiding principle. Unique, sensual, and tinged with mystery — this is the musical ecosystem inhabited by Devoldere for years.

TP Le Green joins the already sold-out festival day on 4 July, alongside John Hiatt, Suzanne Vegaand Luka Bloom. His debut album “The Extraordinary Story Of...”, an intimate work about the loss of his son, will be released in March. July 5 continues to gather momentum as Admiral Freebee is added to a line-up that already features Alabama Shakes, Fatoumata Diawara and Fifty Foot Combo. The Antwerp native will present his eighth (yet to be released) studio album. His new single 'Q&A With Myself' offers a catchy taste of what’s to come. On 9 July, Lebanese Yasmine Hamdan - renowned for her fusion of Arabic vocals and Western electronica — will unveil brand-new music at Gent Jazz, sharing the day with Patti Smith Quartet and Tindersticks.

​As in previous years, the Garden Stage offers our audiences a more experimental counterpoint to the Main Stage. On 4 July, the Edinburgh-based five-member alt-folk collective Curiosity Shop will take to the stage. On 5 July, American duo Rio Kosta will bring their warm, groove-driven blend of psychedelia and ambient sounds, subtly infused with jazz influences. Multi-instrumentalist Tomoki Sanders - son of the legendary Pharoah Sanders - impresses here on 10 July, when Marcus Miller, Charles Lloyd Quartet and Nate Smith hit the main stage. Finally, on 11 July, soul-folk band The Milk will light up the Garden Stage, while rising West London soul singer Olympia Vitalis brings her powerful voice to the Main Stage.

​Tickets for the newly announced festival day on 17 July will be available from Friday 13 February at 10:00 via www.gentjazz.com