- Daily & Weekly newsletters
- Buy & download The Bulletin
- Comment on our articles
Culture Beat: 22 January
Irish comedy hip-hop act Abandoman come to Brussels with their award-winning blend of live music and gonzo comedy. The crossover act combines the wit of stand-up comedian Rob Broderick and the musical talent of Sam Wilson and Dan Attfield. After five years touring the world – with appearances at such high-profile events as the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and Glastonbury – these three performers are a well-oiled improv machine. They are able to take cues from the audience and create novelty hits in real time without missing a beat. 26 January, 19.00 at TTO Theatre, Brussels
The latest instalment of Bozar’s Electronic Music Series boasts an international line-up of experimental performers. The main event is the Belgian premiere of SHXCXCHCXSH’s new audiovisual show. The Swedish group created the piece in collaboration with visual artist Pedro Maia. Also appearing is Greek duo Mohammad, a fusion of throbbing, machine-generated noise and improvised live strings. Both the instruments and computer programs are handmade. Finally, Pieter-Jan Van Assche’s solo project Innerwoud deconstructs the double bass. The Flemish musician uses every neglected nook and cranny of his instrument to make brand new sounds. 27 January, 20.00 at Bozar, Brussels
The Brussels Philharmonic Orchestra presents Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis and R Vaughan Williams, featuring flutist Delphine Tchaousouglou and conducted by David Navarro Turres. 24 January 15.00, Concert Noble, Rue d'Arlon 82, Brussels
As the Europalia biennial - exploring guest country Turkey - draws to a close, this weekend is your last chance to see the Bozar exhibition Imagine Istanbul, which shines a light on contemporary arts in Turkey. Recognising the significance of the city that straddles continents and cultures, it focuses on photography and Turkey’s renowned lensman Ara Güler, ‘the eye of Istanbul’. Contemporary Turkish and Belgian photographers also display their work, until 24 January.
The Brussels Jazz Festival at Flagey and the River Jazz Festival at venues around Brussels both draw to a close on Saturday, 23 January. But there's still time to enjoy Djangofolllies at venues all over Belgium until 31 January, the annual celebration of the birth in Belgium of guitar virtuoso Django Reinhardt, the father of gypsy swing.
Outside Brussels
Holiday Fair: Now that the holidays are over, it’s time to start planning your next vacation. Trips to suit every taste, from adventure to luxury travel. Free dive initiations, exclusive deals, ladies’ day and more. 21-25 January, Antwerp Expo, Anton Rijswijcklaan 191, Antwerp, €7
Spring-Sprong Festival: Two days of indoor fun for kids. More than 1,000 square metres of bouncy castles and other games, like an obstacle course, ball pit, giant slides and more. 23-24 January 10.00-13.00 and 14.00-15.00, Sporthal Iham, Bautersemstraat 57, Mechelen, €5
Little Red Riding Hood: A traditional English pantomime based on the beloved fairy tale, with comedy, music, song and dance (in English). Reservations recommended on 03 202 46 46. 23-25 January, Arenbergschouwburg, Arenbergstraat 28, Antwerp, €8-€16