The Brussels Jazz Vanguard is a competition where a professional jury and the public determine the winners. This new project aims to attract young talent and play a key role in developing the next generation of jazz musicians by offering them unique opportunities. Place Sainte-Catherine plays a central role in bringing this emerging talent into the spotlight. This square will become a hub for young jazz musicians, where they not only get the chance to perform but are also supported in their artistic growth through networking opportunities. It will be a meeting place where young artists, the audience, and the music industry come together to discuss and shape the future of Belgian jazz.
In collaboration with the Brussels Jazz Conservatories and other Brussels-based organizations, the festival offers a stage for emerging jazz musicians who are ready to take the next step in their careers. These young artists will have the opportunity to perform in front of a broad audience, providing them with valuable visibility and experience. The square will become a creative hub for artistic growth and a place where musical innovation is encouraged.
The winner of this competition will be selected by a professional jury consisting of renowned music experts. They will not only have the honor of performing at Place Sainte-Catherine during the festival but will also receive, in addition to other prizes, a unique opportunity: opening the prestigious Grand Place stage at the 2026 edition of the festival. Additionally, there will be a public winner, chosen through audience voting, who will have the honor of opening the festival at Place de la Bourse in 2026. These two selected bands will have the chance to perform in front of a larger audience and gain valuable experience in the Brussels jazz scene.
Moreover, each band from the preselection will have one of their songs recorded live during their concert at Place Sainte-Catherine. These 15 songs will then be compiled into the first Brussels Jazz Vanguard 2025 vinyl release. This will ensure lasting visibility for young artists in both the Belgian and international jazz scene. We hope to inspire and encourage a new generation of musicians to make their voices heard in the jazz world.
Our long-term partnerships with RTBF, VRT, Amplo, Sabam for Culture, VI.BE, Court-Circuit and the National Lottery help support young talent and promote the development of the Belgian jazz scene. Thanks to these collaborations, the festival is able to realize such innovative projects. Brussels Jazz Vanguard is at the heart of this mission, ensuring that jazz in Brussels continues to evolve and flourish.
In concrete terms:
- 15 bands will be preselected via VI.BE and Court-Circuit.
- These 15 bands will perform live at Place Sainte-Catherine on May 23, 24, and 25, 2025, during the Lotto Brussels Jazz Weekend.
- Artists will receive a fee of €150 per musician, with a maximum of €700 per band.
- A professional jury will select one winner.
- The public will vote to select a public winner.
- The winner and public winner will open the festival in 2026 at either Grand Place or Place de la Bourse (depending on their musical style).
- The winner will receive a gift voucher from Groove Street 98.
- Workshops or information sessions will be offered to the winner and public winner through our partners.
- Advisory support by VI.BE for all winners of the pre-selection.
- Information about the winners will be promoted through the festival's communication channels until the 2026 edition.
- One live song from each preselected band will be included in the "Brussels Jazz Vanguard 2025" vinyl album.
Submit your application here:
