Van Morrison, Agnes Obel and Kae Tempest are the first international names to shape the lineup of Gent Jazz 2022. The artists had already been confirmed to perform at the the editions of 2020 and 2021, but were to withdraw from performing due to the pandemic. The organization then established alternative editions twice. Earlier this year, Sting already moved his 'My Songs' tour to 2022 and he will be come over to Ghent on July 13.
Not all negotiations with the artists who would be performing at Gent Jazz in 2019 have been completed yet, but Van Morrison, Agnes Obel and Kae Tempest have already signed up for Gent Jazz 2022. Festival director Bertrand Flamang: "After two exceptional years, the confidence of the artists has returned and now it's a matter of paving the way for a full-fledged edition again, to which many new groups and artists will be added."
On Sunday, July 10, Van Morrison will take the stage as headliner. After releasing 42 albums, the 76-year-old Northern Irish singer with hits as "Brown Eyed Girl" and "Moondance" is far from retiring, which he proved last spring with the launch of his "Latest Record Project, Vol. 1." In any case, it reinforces the organization's belief that Van the Man will once again live up to his rock-solid live reputation.
On Friday, July 15, the festival welcomes Kae Tempest to the Bijloke venue. The author, poet and performance artist - formerly named Kate - already won several prestigious awards. Kae launched their fourth studio album, The Book of Traps and Lessons in 2019 and were allowed to curate the Focus Music Festival in 2020.
With her sober, fragile and captivating songs, the queen of melancholy Agnes Obel (14/7) is coming to perform for her third time at Gent Jazz. On her latest album Myopia, the Danish artist takes us on a unique musical and visual trip, linking classical and alternative music.
Celebrating with Sting
After three unsuccessful attempts to get the British singer and musician to the country's biggest jazz festival, Gent Jazz is eagerly looking forward to celebrating his arrival on Wednesday July 13, 2022. This concert is completely sold out.
New names will be announced soon. Ticket buyers with (a) voucher(s) from previous editions can already exchange them for the 2022 edition or exercise some patience until new names will be announced.
