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Leuven Jazz

City-wide jazz festival in Leuven, 2026 edition built around tradition, cross-overs and International Piano Day with acts like The Bad Plus and Chris Potter.

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Marketing angleinferred

Position Leuven as a premier European jazz destination for music enthusiasts and cultural travelers seeking world-class performances and cross-genre innovation.

Relevance 55medium intent
  • Spotlight on International Piano Day integration and featured artists like The Bad Plus
  • Behind-the-scenes artist interviews and festival tradition storytelling
  • Travel guides: Jazz festival + Leuven city exploration packages
  • Cross-over genre highlights and experimental jazz performances
Programme

In 2026, Leuven Jazz presents a compact but powerful edition, featuring top international musicians and lots of local talent. The festival aligns with 'International Piano Day', reflected in the line-up. On Friday, 3 April, the festival will host an extra gig by The Bad Plus, Chris Potter & Craig Taborn, which will be The Bad Plus's final concert in Belgium.

Line-up
LUCA Big Band led by Frank Vaganée (Kenny Wheeler tribute)Sultan Stevenson Trio & Bremer/McCoyNOVA ft. Félix Zurstrassen, Aaron Parks, Jeff BallardBelle Chen (Australian-Taiwanese pianist)The Bad Plus, Chris Potter & Craig Taborn (farewell concert)

Part 1

Wed 11/03/2026

Part 2

Souvenir Shop (family theatre) at 30CC/Wagehuys

Part 3

Fri 27/03/2026

Part 4

Sultan Stevenson Trio & Bremer/McCoy (20:00, 30CC/Schouwburg)

Part 5

Sun 29/03/2026

Part 6

Morning: Belle Chen (11:00)

Part 7

Afternoon: BRIES (children, 14:00 & 17:00)

Part 8

Evening: NOVA (20:00)

Part 9

Mon 30/03/2026

Part 10

LUCA Big Band — Kenny Wheeler tribute (20:00, UZ Leuven hospital venue)

Part 11

Fri 03/04/2026

Part 12

The Bad Plus, Chris Potter & Craig Taborn — farewell concert (20:00, 30CC/Schouwburg)

Part 13

Thursday 26 March to Monday 30 March 2026, plus Friday 3 April extra gig

  • Four-day compact edition, Thursday 26 to Monday 30 March 2026
  • LUCA Big Band tribute to jazz trumpeter Kenny Wheeler (Mon 30/03)
  • Fresh, energetic tribute to Keith Jarrett's American Quartet (Fri 03/04)
  • Sultan Stevenson Trio (Fri 27/03) — new powerhouse of British jazz with McCoy Tyner and Herbie Hancock influences
  • NOVA featuring Belgian bassist Félix Zurstrassen and renowned pianist Aaron Parks (Sun 29/03)
  • Piano Days crossover theme with international and local artists across multiple venues