16/01/2025
A look back at the first (and very wet) Jazz Middelheim in 1969 📽️
The story of Jazz Middelheim began in the summer of 1969, when Elias Gistelinck, head of the jazz section at the BRT public broadcaster, organized a series of jazz concerts across Antwerp. Among these was a performance in Middelheim Park, the city's renowned open-air sculpture museum, right next to Park Den Brandt, where the festival is currently held. Originally conceived as a "jazz promenade," the event encouraged visitors to explore both music and art in a unique setting.
Despite heavy rainfall that day, the concert's lineup, featuring Charles Tolliver, Nathan Davis, Stanley Cowell, and Eje Thelin's Quintet, delivered a performance that the journalists aptly described as "exciting but not very easy."
Undeterred by the weather, the audience embraced the initiative, marking the start of what would become a cherished tradition. The following year, the organizers learned from experience, adding a large tent to accommodate over 2,000 people and protect against unpredictable weather.
What began as a bold experiment combining jazz and nature has since evolved into one of Belgium's most iconic festivals, honouring its origins while continuing to innovate.
Jazz Middelheim's journey from a rain-soaked concert in 1969 to a celebrated international event is a testament to the enduring appeal of jazz and the vision of its founder, Elias Gistelinck.
Expect more stories (and music) from the rich legacy of Jazz Middelheim in the following months. The new, revamped version will take place on June 6-9 in Park Den Brandt. Find more info, the first names and tickets via the website ( www.jazzmiddelheim.eu ).
