Gent Jazz opens with Van Morrison, Angus & Julia Stone, John Legend, Tamino, Tindersticks, Samara Joy, Charles Lloyd Quartet and more
Gent Jazz is adding eleven new names, from international greats and jazz icons to exciting rising stars and local talent. Van Morrison, D.K. Harrell, Angus & Julia Stone, Tamino, John Legend, Tindersticks, Charles Lloyd Quartet, Samara Joy and more, are set to deliver plenty of musical fireworks between 2 and 18 July 2026.
Twenty years ago, Australian singer-songwriting duo Angus & Julia Stone began making music together. Since then, brother-and-sister Stone have built a devoted global fan base. On 3 July, they will bring their enchanting indie folk to Gent Jazz.
Fans of ‘Van The Man’ will once again have the chance to experience the Grammy Award-
winning singer and musician live on stage at Gent Jazz on 7 July. Van Morrison belongs to the select group of artists who have permanently shaped the musical landscape over the past 60 years. His most recent - and 47th (!) - album ‘Remembering Now’ received widespread acclaim. Live, Morrison remains that rare force: still performing at the highest level and with an exceptional body of work on which to draw. Belgian treasure, Axelle Red, will have the honour of closing the Main Stage that day. This week, she will receive the MIA 'Lifetime achievement award'. For more than 30 years, the pop and soul diva has gifted us iconic songs, and new work is already on the horizon for late 2026.
In addition to the established icons, on 7 July, Gent Jazz will also be shining the spotlight on a number of rising stars. 27-year-old D.K. Harrell is one of the most compelling voices of the new blues generation. With his edgy guitar playing and raw vocals, he brings a fresh new sound to traditional blues.
Tamino's third album, ‘Every Dawn's a Mountain’, showcases his most layered songs to date. The Belgian-Egyptian singer-songwriter has had a particularly busy period, recently, with successful tours of America, Turkey, Europe and the UK. On 12 July he halts at Gent Jazz for an exclusive Belgian Summer show. He will dive deep into his oeuvre, as his melancholic, Arabic-inspired soundscape comes into its own when he performs at the romantic Bijloke site. He is preceded by the hugely popular foursome Ão, who will warm up the audience with their brand-new album ‘Malandra’. This album is even more layered, rhythmic and playful than their acclaimed debut ‘Ao Mar’.
On 13 July, John Legend promises to be one of the highlights of the summer festival. The American singer, pianist and songwriter unites timeless soul and r&b with a flawless sense of melody and positive energy. With his numerous hits and natural flair, this show promises to be a truly magical Monday night. The young superstar Samara Joy will take to the stage just before Legend, proving once again why her mesmerising voice and sophisticated jazz have so rapidly catapulted her to the top of the jazz genre.
On 9 July, British band Tindersticks will be joining the Patti Smith Quartet on stage. ‘Soft Tissue’, their most recent album (2024), once again demonstrated their appetite for experimentation. The band mixes intimate songs with introspective lyrics, steeped in their signature dreamy melancholy, This makes them the perfect booking for a sultry summer evening at Gent Jazz.
The Main Stage line-up for 10 July includes some new additions. Besides Marcus Miller, the sublime Charles Lloyd Quartet and the iconic jazz drummer Nate Smith with his hybrid grooves will complete the programme. Together, they will create an evening that brings jazz together in all its contemporary and varied forms.
Saturday, 4 July is sold out!
Earlier, Gent Jazz had already announced an impressive musical smörgåsbord, with Terence Blanchard & Ravi Coltrane, Celeste, Marcus Miller, Alabama Shakes, the Patti Smith Quartet, Mari Froes, Fatoumata Diawara and Fifty Foot Combo. The festival day on 4 July with John Hiatt, Luka Bloom and Suzanne Vega, among others, has now also sold out!
Gent Jazz launches a design competition for its 25th edition
This summer, Gent Jazz celebrates its 25th edition with a series of special initiatives. The festivities kick off with a creative design competition: The festival invites everyone to design their own Gent Jazz poster. Starting from a blank Gent Jazz template, participants are free to convey what they feel, see or think about, when experiencing the festival. Creativity is encouraged! Different styles, techniques, images or words of any kind — nothing is too crazy; everything is possible.
All entries will be exhibited during the festival. A selection of posters will appear throughout the streets of Ghent and on Gent Jazz’s social media. In addition, one poster will be printed in a limited edition and added to the official Gent Jazz merchshop. Three designers will also win a pair of tickets. All information about the design competition can be found on our website.
Tickets for the new festival days on 3, 7, 12 and 13 July are for sale as from Wednesday, 4 February at 10 pm via www.gentjazz.com.
