Gent Jazz confirms more names: Patti Smith Quartet, John Hiatt, Suzanne Vega, Luka Bloom, Fatoumata Diawara and more added to the line-up
Gent Jazz has unveiled more names for its jubilee edition: Patti Smith Quartet, John Hiatt, Suzanne Vega, Luka Bloom, Fatoumata Diawara and Fifty Foot Combo have been added to the line-up. For the 25th jubilee edition from 2 to 18 July, the festival has already revealed the first batch of names, including Terence Blanchard & Ravi Coltrane, Celeste, Marcus Miller, Alabama Shakes and Mari Froes.
On 9 July, the inimitable Patti Smith Quartet will hit the stage for another electrifying performance, fusing the raw energy of punk rock with poetry and improv. Patti feels at her best in this line-up, with her loyal bassist and keyboardist Tony Shanahan, guitarist Jackson Smith (her son) and drummer Seb Rochford (Sons of Kemet),
Anyone heading to Gent Jazz on 4 July will be treated to concerts by three extraordinary singer- songwriters. Legendary American singer-songwriter John Hiatt has released 26 albums under his own name, during a career spanning 40 years, writing hundreds of songs for several iconic artist. Since 2000, he has gone down the path of the independents, with tours in the US and beyond. This summer, he is touring Europe solo one last time as part of his Farewell Tour. He has chosen Gent Jazz to bid farewell to his Belgian fans.
Suzanne Vega recently played several sold-out concerts at Bozar and the Queen Elisabeth Hall. At Gent Jazz, she will be joined by a full band, performing timeless classics like ‘Tom’s Diner’ and ‘Luka’, supplemented with new work from her much-praised album ‘Flying with Angels’. Ghent has a special place in the heart of Irish singer-songwriter Luka Bloom. Even after fifty years of touring, he still manages to make every performance feel magical with his acoustic guitar, velvety voice and heartfelt stories. Bloom is considered one of the most respected contemporary Irish folk artists.
On 5 July, Fatoumata Diawara will be part of the line-up as well as Alabama Shakes. The Malian singer, guitarist and activist mixes traditional Malian sounds with modern world genres, creating a contemporary fusion that will captivate any audience. That same day, the audience is also in for an amazing live experience thanks to Ghent band Fifty Foot Combo and their catchy surf rock!
Tickets for the festival days on 4 and 9 July will go on sale on Wednesday 17 December from 10 am on www.gentjazz.com. Tickets for 5 July are already available for purchase.
