The 34th edition of Uhoda Jazz in Liège : between heritage and modernity

The 34th edition of the Uhoda Jazz Festival in Liège, held from May 8 to 11, 2025, was a resounding success, confirming its status as a must-attend event for jazz lovers in Belgium and beyond. For four days, Liège came alive to the rhythm of a rich program, blending established artists, emerging talents, and musical explorations.

Among the highlights, the Philip Glass Ensemble delivered a hypnotic performance of Koyaanisqatsi, combining minimalist music with the screening of the cult film, creating a unique immersive experience. Thomas Dutronc charmed the audience with his elegant gypsy jazz and infectious swing. South Korean singer Youn Sun Nah captivated listeners with her haunting voice and her ability to modernize jazz. Yazz Ahmed also stood out with a performance infused with Eastern influences, blending contemporary jazz with Middle Eastern sounds.

The festival also showcased international artists such as Brazilian pianist Amaro Freitas, Swiss trumpeter Erik Truffaz, American saxophonist James Brandon Lewis, and the British trio Mammal Hands. The Belgian scene was equally well represented, with standout performances by Adja, Aleph Quintet, Vaague, Ferdi, and many more. Audiences also discovered innovative sounds with artists like Derya Yıldırım & Grup Şimşek, who brought a psychedelic touch inspired by Turkish folklore.

Spread across several iconic venues in Liège — the Forum, Trocadéro, Reflektor, Cité Miroir, Sauvenière, Hôtel de Clercx, and its Regina Hall — the festival managed to create a welcoming and festive atmosphere.

The event also included initiatives to make jazz accessible to everyone, with children’s workshops as part of “Jazz Kids,” an introduction to swing with Zénobe & Gaston, and free concerts as part of “Jazz Off” in various bars around the city.

A Must-Attend Event

With rising attendance and enthusiastic feedback from both the audience and artists, this 2025 edition of Uhoda Jazz in Liège confirms the vitality of the jazz scene in Wallonia. The festival has established itself as a major event, bringing together diverse audiences around a shared passion for vibrant and creative music.

Jazz à Liège already invites you to the 2026 edition, promising new discoveries and a first big name: renowned American saxophonist Joshua Redman will perform at the next edition!

SCREENING & PRESENTATION OF THE DOCUMENTARY “JAZZ OF BELGIUM” BY JAM

Discover the incredible story of Belgian jazz!

“Jazz of Belgium“, the new documentary by JAM (RTBF), takes you deep into the heart of Belgium’s jazz scene: a passionate generation of artists, balancing tradition and innovation.
A unique perspective on a genre that constantly reinvents itself.

To celebrate the Uhoda Jazz Festival in Liège, we invite you to a special free screening of “Jazz of Belgium”, in the presence of director Renaud Verstraete and drummer Antoine Pierre, leader of the Vaague project.

Join us on Sunday, May 11 at 5 PM at the Régina Club.

A special moment to discover the artists who are shaping the face of Belgian jazz today.

T-15 before Uhoda Jazz à Liège: the city is about to pulse to the rhythm of jazz!

The countdown is on: in just 15 days, Uhoda Jazz à Liège returns to make the heart of the Fiery City beat once more! From May 8 to 11, 2025, the city will welcome jazz legends, emerging artists, and local talent.

For over 30 years, Jazz à Liège has stood as one of the leading jazz events in Belgium!
This new edition is no exception: a diverse stage, open to all shades of the genre — from traditional jazz to the most modern forms, infused with soul, funk, electro, and so much more.
A true immersion in the world of contemporary jazz, to experience solo, with family, or with friends.

Free concerts will also be offered, making it possible for everyone to enjoy the festival, no matter their budget.

📍 One city, many legendary venues
Jazz à Liège is also the perfect opportunity to (re)discover the iconic music venues of Liège: Cité Miroir, Forum, OPRL, Reflektor, Regina Club, Trocadéro, Brasserie Sauvenière… Each a unique setting for unforgettable concerts.

The festival’s HQ? Hôtel de Clercx!
Free to access throughout the festival, it will host activities, meet-ups, and serve as the central hub for all festivalgoers.

Book your tickets now.

“JAZZ OF BELGIUM”, the new documentary by JAM-RTBF

The new jazz wave made in Belgium

Since the end of the lockdown, a vibrant music scene has been shaking up the foundations of jazz in Belgium. At the crossroads of improvisation, electronic sounds and live energy, a new generation of musicians is emerging—eager to bring jazz into the clubs… and into the now.

Around Volta, a talent incubator based in Anderlecht, projects are multiplying: Stuff, Echt!, Lander & Adriaan, Tukan, Jean-Paul Groove, Kau… Names that are already echoing far beyond our borders. Some call it the Brussels Sound. Others see it as the rise of a truly Belgian black-yellow-red sound.

In this new documentary, Jam dives into this bubbling scene. The film follows Echt! on tour across Europe, while giving voice to the artists and key players behind the movement.

Artists featured at Uhoda Jazz in Liège 2025!

Through this film, discover VAAGUE, who will be performing at the Reflektor on May 10, 2025, and LEFTO EARLY BIRD 30Y, live at the Régina Club the same evening!

Belgium has found in this new generation a jazz that truly reflects it — inventive, curious, and free. And maybe, one of its strongest musical calling cards for the years to come.

WATCH THE DOCUMENTARY HERE !

Jazz Brunch!

🥐 Jazz Brunch at Olga’s – Sunday, May 11 🎷

Looking for a cozy moment before diving back into the festival? Join us on Sunday, May 11 from 11:30 AM to 1 PM at Olga’s for a brunch open to all, in a relaxed and jazzy atmosphere ✨

On the menu: an all-you-can-eat buffet (drinks not included), lovingly prepared to help you start the day gently and deliciously. Whether you’re coming solo, with friends, or with family – everyone is welcome!

📍 At Olga’s – Rue Neuvice, Liège
🕦 From 11:30 AM to 1 PM
🍴 All-you-can-eat buffet (excluding drinks)
🎶 Jazz vibes guaranteed

Come share a great moment with us!

The schedule for Jazz à Liège is online!

The schedule for the Uhoda Jazz Festival in Liège has just been released, and the excitement is through the roof! The festival will take place from May 8th to 11th, 2025, and promises to make the city come alive with exceptional concerts, captivating performances, and an incredible atmosphere.

The concert schedule is now available, so it’s time to plan your festival experience! Don’t miss this chance to experience magical moments with internationally renowned artists. Whether you’re a regular or a beginner, the Uhoda Jazz festival will captivate all jazz lovers (and beyond!).

Find the performance times of Thomas Dutronc, Philip Glass Ensemble, Youn Sun Nah, Arooj Aftab, and many more.

Tickets are likely to sell out quickly, so don’t wait too long!

Jazz’s tickets are on sale at FNAC!

Tickets for Jazz in Liège are also available through FNAC’s ticketing service, online and in-store!

Easy and convenient, you can choose the reservation method that suits you best!

We’ll see you from May 8th to 11th in Liège for an edition that promises to be magical!

Book your tickets now on our website www.jazzaliege.be, on www.fnactickets.be, or in your local Fnac store.

The UHODA Jazz à Liège festival lineup is now complete.

The Jazz à Liège festival, taking place from May 8th to 11th, 2025, has now revealed its full lineup for this 34th edition. Headlining acts include the Philip Glass Ensemble performing Koyaanisqatsi with a film screening, Thomas Dutronc celebrating gypsy jazz, and Youn Sun Nah performing in an exclusive concert at the OPRL in Liège. Legendary group Azymuth and Grammy-winning artist Arooj Aftab will also be part of the event.

The festival will also feature free concerts, including a performance by Lefto, and will offer options suited to all tastes with a variety of passes. The 4-day Pass provides access to the entire festival, while daily passes, venue-specific passes, or single concert passes allow for a personalized experience. For a premium touch, VIP passes will offer exclusive access to concerts, a meal at Olga Le Bistro, and much more. Finally, on Sunday, May 11th, Jazz Kid will offer a family-friendly moment with a silent film screening accompanied by a live musical performance.

Tickets are now available at the box office.

A festival, seven iconic locations

Jazz in Liège is a unique way to explore the city center through seven iconic locations. From the Forum to the Reflektor, passing by the Regina Club / Hôtel de Clercx, the Sauvenière, the Cité Miroir, the OPRL, and the Trocadéro, each space adds its own unique atmosphere to the event. These easily accessible venues offer a true immersion into the city while providing the opportunity to experience exceptional concerts. A wonderful chance to rediscover Liège, from May 8th to 11th, 2025, blending music and heritage.

Philip Glass Ensemble at Jazz à Liège