Masterclass Bert Joris, Raymond van het Groenewoud

A native of New York, Eric McPherson came to prominence apprenticing with legendary saxophonist and educator, Jackie Mclean, and innovative pianist and composer Andrew Hill. Those foundational experiences cultivated Eric into one of the leading drummers in contemporary creative music. Eric continues the legacy of the musical giants who came before him. As well as performing and teaching internationally with an array of today’s leading contemporary creative musicians, Eric teaches privately and at the University of Hartford’s, Jackie Mclean institute. In addition to his touring and recording with Jackie McLean, Eric has performed with a wide range of major jazz figures, including Pharaoh Sanders, Andrew Hill, Richard Davies, Claudia Acuña, Jason Moran, Greg Osby and Avishai Cohen. 

Flowing grooves, timeless melodies, and an intimate jazz atmosphere come together in a special performance featuring renowned New York jazz guitarist Roni Ben-Hur and the captivating voice of Katrien Van Opstal. Blending beloved standards with original compositions, they create a warm and expressive musical journey, joined by bassist Joshua Dellaert and drummer Toon Van Dionant.

Let yourself be carried away by their musical dialogue—elegant, soulful, and deeply engaging.

Free entry. Doors open at 19:30, concert starts at 20:00.

To give the screening of Celtic Utopia at KASKCinema an extra musical touch, we’re bringing Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin to Ghent. Eoghan is a folk artist and political activist whose songs—full of both heartache and joy—have won over plenty of listeners. After playing in bands like Skipper’s Alley, One Tongue, and Jiggy, he released his solo debut The Deepest Breath in 2022.

His music moves effortlessly between warmth and political edge, with songs about things like the grip of capitalism, sung in both English and Irish. He blends modern themes with a rich, tradition-inspired sound, giving it a fresh twist. His voice is something special too—deep and hypnotic, rooted in the old Sean-nós singing style, and capable of pulling you into a kind of trance.

All in all, Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin is a standout voice in Irish folk and definitely worth checking out.

Zias
‘Zias’ is a band centered around singer-guitarist Zias Roeland, with Flor Nackaerts on drums and Kasper Snellebrand on double bass. They create a warm, dusky, and intimate atmosphere. With their acoustic songs, they deliver a listening set that envelops the audience in melancholy and stillness. They aim for authentic and refined sounds that lean toward indie folk.

ZNŪN
Znūn is an energetic blend of electronic dance music and Midwest emo — born out of pure indecision, but grown into a unique sound. With guitarists and synthesizer players Rocco Segers and Zias Roeland, the musical foundation is rock solid. On drums — and occasionally synth as well — Flor Nackaerts adds extra dynamics and drive. Together, Znūn delivers a live set that floats between emotion and danceability, combining raw guitars with electronic synths that get the audience moving.

• 19:30, Doors open & hot dogs
• 20:00, ʁə.no
  The project of Renaud Lauwers – a piano-led performance blending storytelling, stillness and intensity. Expect a mix of opera rock and glam rock, in the spirit of artists like King Crimson, Queen and David Bowie. Featuring Renaud Lauwers (vocals, piano), Diete Verschaeve (bass), Arthur Pas (guitar) and Hannes Denhaerynck (drums).
• 21:15, The Dance Funk Collective
  A high-energy fourteen-piece band delivering explosive grooves, powerful brass and an irresistible stage presence. The rhythm section features Joppe Vermote (drums), Kasper Snellebrand (bass), Kamiel Bossuyt (guitar) and Staf Decoene (keys), joined by a dynamic horn section: Sebastiaan Cooman (baritone sax), Mjolnir Pauwels (trombone), Simon Cuypers (tenor sax), Ferre Vankeirsbilck (alto sax), Axl De Groote (trumpet) and Thomas De Maertelare (trumpet). Vocals by Natacha Braeckman, Anna Schaeken, Louisa Hautekiet and Marthe De Leeneer, who rotate lead duties and bring a set full of dancefloor-ready grooves, tight hooks and vibrant energy. 

Trumpeter, arranger and composer Pierre Drevet has 35 years of experience at the CRR of Chambéry teaching trumpet, harmony and arrangement in the Jazz Department. He is currently performing with the Jazz Ensemble of Patrice Caratini (since 1996) and the Brussels Jazz Orchestra (since 2001). Alongside these projects, Drevet has been a part of the Stéphane Guillaume Project and the Karim Maurice Quintet. In 2004, he formed the “Pierre Drevet Quintet”. Since 2012, Drevet has been involved in the “European Jazz Trumpets”, a project that was awarded, in 2006, 1st Prize at the international “Made in New York Jazz Competition”. One of Drevet’s more recent projects is the Bossa 2.0 (2017) of the Lilananda Jazz Quintet, which was formed in 2015, Phares (2021), and 'Espaces Partages' (Duo B. Revel, P. Drevet - 2021).

Pierre Drevet will give a masterclass with the jazz and pop trumpet players between 10h and 12h30 and the jazz and pop composition students between 14h and 17h.

Join us for a vibrant evening of music performed by the talented students of KASK & Conservatorium - guided by accordeonist Philippe Thuriot and composer and musician Vitor Gonçalves. They present a colorful program inspired by Brazilian rhythms and styles - a lively mix of Chorinho, Forró, Bossa Nova, Samba, and more - where jazz, pop, and classical influences meet the rich spirit of Brazil.

For his new project, ‘The House of Modes’, bassist and composer Martijn Vanbuel invited Brazilian accordionist Vitor Gonçalves to join him: a musical chameleon with jazz in his fingers, Brazilian rhythms in his blood, and a sound palette as colorful as a street party in Rio. To complete the trio, Martijn also brought in Tim Finoulst, a guitarist with whom he has shared a strong musical connection for years. The result is a band with solid roots and fresh shoots.

The House of Modes is not a house with walls, but with musical rooms, each with its own atmosphere. Jazz, classical, folk, Brazilian music: it's all there, interwoven and mixed together. But don't expect a tour down the familiar path. With Martijn's idiosyncratic compositions as their compass, these three musicians take the less traveled roads. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., the concert starts at 20:00. Admission is free.

Winner of The Voice, his debut single “Table of Fools” shot straight to number one on De Afrekening. He toured major festivals like Rock Werchter and Pukkelpop, won a MIA award, and went platinum. Then COVID turned everything upside down. Now IBE reclaims the spotlights with new music and a new band, making his long-awaited comeback. A unique try-out show marks the start of his WONDER TOUR. Don't miss out! Doors at 19:30, free entrance.

Guitar: Nils Borremans
Keys & Backing Vocals: Emma Huyghe
Bass: Etienne Gijselinckx
Drums: Sam Enthoven

On 13 February, Spinvis will visit KASK & Conservatorium. He will discuss his creative process, listen to live performances by jazz, pop and music production students, and share his thoughts on what works, what doesn't, and why it sometimes takes time to realise that something was actually good all along. The masterclass is open to all jazz, pop and music production students.

Spinvis is the musical alter ego of Erik de Jong, one of the most idiosyncratic voices in Dutch-language pop music. At the age of 41, he released his self-titled debut album (2002), which he put together in his attic room in Nieuwegein. Using samples, toy sounds, pan lids and poetic lyrics, he creates a unique, lo-fi sound world like puzzles: cutting, shifting and searching until everything seems to fall into place. The lyrics often deal with ordinary people on the fringes of society, full of fragile beauty. What started as a one-man project has grown into a living, changing line-up with musicians from different generations. Over the years, Spinvis has gained widespread recognition, including the Zilveren Harp, the Annie M.G. Schmidt Prize and the Popprijs. Wandering, coincidence and imagination are still at the heart of his creative process.

On 13 February, Spinvis will visit KASK & Conservatorium. He will discuss his creative process, listen to live performances by jazz, pop and music production students, and share his thoughts on what works, what doesn't, and why it sometimes takes time to realise that something was actually good all along. The masterclass is open to all jazz, pop and music production students.

Spinvis is the musical alter ego of Erik de Jong, one of the most idiosyncratic voices in Dutch-language pop music. At the age of 41, he released his self-titled debut album (2002), which he put together in his attic room in Nieuwegein. Using samples, toy sounds, pan lids and poetic lyrics, he creates a unique, lo-fi sound world like puzzles: cutting, shifting and searching until everything seems to fall into place. The lyrics often deal with ordinary people on the fringes of society, full of fragile beauty. What started as a one-man project has grown into a living, changing line-up with musicians from different generations. Over the years, Spinvis has gained widespread recognition, including the Zilveren Harp, the Annie M.G. Schmidt Prize and the Popprijs. Wandering, coincidence and imagination are still at the heart of his creative process.

KASK & Conservatorium jazz teachers present a tribute to Jazz’s great composers, accompanying jazz master saxophone player Simon Rigter (collaborations with the Dutch Jazz Orchestra, The Reeds, Curtis Fuller, George Coleman, Joe Cohn, Jim Rotondi, Nancy Marano, Alvin Queen, Ferdinand Povel, Ruud Jacobs, Pim Jacobs, Frans Elsen, Rob van Kreeveld, Peter Beets, and Marco Kegel and many more).

On tenor sax: Bart Defoort, guitar: Hans Van Oost, double bass: Janos Bruneel, drums: Toon Van Dionant and piano: Christian Mendoza.

Three vicious brigands and a court jester storm Fort Telex!
Stretch your goatskin, don your armour and prepare for spectacle. After Goatskin can jam paint off the walls, bring your instrument.

Trapped Ants is a pop/rock duo best described as the musical cross between twenty one pilots, Muse and My Chemical Romance. Lead singer/pianist/bassist Niels is currently studying at KASK & Conservatorium where he will graduate this year with Trapped Ants as his graduation project. This is a try-out for his graduation concert.

Flautist Nele Vernaillen performs compositions that hover between warm jazz harmonies and narrative improvisation, as well as more elaborate themes and grooves. As the graduation project of her master jazz the Conservatory of Ghent, she collaborates for this with Willem Heylen (Lara Rosseel Quintet, Aki, Games & Motifs ...) on guitar, Anke Verslype (Aki, Bodem ...) on drums, Cedric Haeck (Milo Meskens, Bani Adam ...) on bass and Oya Bakiroglu (Anemoon, Ikaro ...) on darbuka/percussion.

The sage lurks in every moment of every day, in every sneer, or smile. The challenge is to grasp it and, again and again, find the courage to pull it out of the shadows into the light. This confrontation is the friction that sets me on fire, from which I dedicate myself to creation. Each work is an opportunity to face my fears and expand the space within myself. Welcome to an atmosphere created by Cedric Haeck and like-minded people under the banner: ‘Sage’.

JUNKYARDPOOL is a hard rock/punk band soon to release their first single — come headbang on Thursday 23 January at Club Telex. doors at 19:30, show at 20:00. After that, you can come jam the gel out of your mohawk, don't forget your instrument!

What do you do when you are 20 and your big dream is to dedicate your life to music? Ask Emma Demoor and the answer will be: go all the way and work hard for it. And that is what she does. A young maestro who has already made a name for herself here and there with her band Ventus, and is now ready, with her solo project Desma, to introduce the world to a particularly beautiful musical universe.

Desma brims with dreamy and somewhat mysterious indie pop, in which themes such as the search for identity and the big questions of life lead to catchy pop songs. Desma does not shy away from mystery, and does not easily allow itself to be pigeonholed. Dreamy and mysterious? Yes, but Desma also pushes the boundaries of electro and rock. In terms of vibe, Desma connects with bands and artists like Trixie Whitley, PJ Harvey, Wende Snijders, Tsar B and SX.

Demoor is surrounded by like-minded souls, friends-musicians she got to know at KASK & Conservatorium, and with whom she easily speaks the same musical language: Danzel Hoever (drums), Babette Rogiers (keys), Esmee Cuvelier (bass) and Robbe De Bock (guitar). A combination that already paid off in a fairly recent past: Desma won the Gent Crochet (as part of Gent Got Talent) and got a spot on the main stage of the Gentse Feesten, 2024.

• 21:45 - 22:30:  AYATARU (support act)
• 23:00 - 00:30: MDCIII

20 Belgian projects were selected by a professional jury to perform during the official artistic program of the European Jazz Conference, that’s coming to Ghent this September. Supported by Sabam for Culture and PlayRight.

Tribal voodoo band MDCIII was founded by Mattias De Craene (Nordmann) and creates a sublime crossover, starting from the possibilities of drums and saxophone. Drummers Simon Segers (De Beren Gieren, Black Flower) and Lennert Jacobs (The Germans) have been part of the Belgian pop, jazz and experimental scenes for years, while De Craene has a reputation for being equally at ease in diverse surroundings. Together, they explore a legacy that started with John Coltrane & Rashied Ali, keeping the spiritual and explorative in a fascinating balance. An eponymous EP and their debut album Dreamhatcher established the band as a powerhouse unit. Sophomore album Drawn In Dusk (2022) further strengthened their reputation, with a sound that dives into psychedelia, combining the contemplative, cosmic and epic.

EJC Ghent 2024 is possible thanks to Ha Concerts, VI.BE, JazzLab, Europe Jazz Network, Creative Europe, Bijloke Muziekcentrum, Stad Gent, Vlaamse Gemeenschap, Lotto, Sabam for Culture, PlayRight, Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles, Wallonie-Bruxelles Musiques, Museact, Belgium Booms, VIERNULVIER Gent, DEMOCRAZY, Gent Jazz & Omer.

• 21:45 - 22:30: Support act Jules & Gents (come early!)
• 23:00 - 00:30: FNUSSJEN

20 Belgian projects were selected by a professional jury to perform during the official artistic program of the European Jazz Conference, that’s coming to Ghent this September. Supported by Sabam for Culture and PlayRight.One of those projects: FNUSSJEN! 

Fnussjen is the brainchild of drummer / percussionist Nicolas Chkifi. Their music hovers between the folkloric and the contemporary, yet always with a meditative character, and is presented as a sequence of miniature compositions written by Chkifi and linked together by adventurous improvisations.

EJC Ghent 2024 is possible thanks to Ha Concerts, VI.BE, JazzLab, Europe Jazz Network, Creative Europe, Bijloke Muziekcentrum, Stad Gent, Vlaamse Gemeenschap, Lotto, Sabam for Culture, PlayRight, Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles, Wallonie-Bruxelles Musiques, Museact, Belgium Booms, VIERNULVIER Gent, DEMOCRAZY, Gent Jazz & Omer