OUR BANDS
Jake Walker
Friday evening
Jake Walker was founded in 2016 by pianist Wouter Van den Broeck and saxophonist Alec Lagrange while studying at the conservatory in Ghent. Inspired by a Wynton Marsalis concert, they formed a seven-member ensemble rooted in traditional jazz and New Orleans–style repertoire. After early performances in pubs and small festivals, the band reached a wider audience in 2017 with their performance at the Gentse Hoppers Exchange, marking a turning point in their career.
Since then, Jake Walker has become a beloved presence within swing and lindy hop communities, who repeatedly invite the band back for dance events and festivals. Following Alec’s departure in 2018, Wouter took on the role of musical leader and steered the band toward tightly arranged swing repertoire tailored to the dancefloor. This evolution led to a growing catalogue of arrangements inspired by Count Basie, Duke Ellington, and Benny Goodman. Today, Jake Walker continues to tour internationally while maintaining a strong connection with the Ghent dance scene, where their energetic and dancer-focused performances remain highly appreciated.
Easy Pete & the Early Pearls
Friday evening
Easy Pete and the Early Pearls bring an irresistible mix of swing, early R&B and groove. They take you back to the golden days of Earl Bostic and Louis Jordan, mixed with the atmosphere of Fats Waller and cult classics. Led by singer and double bassist Pieter Mortier, the quartet creates a sound that is raw, playful and danceable at the same time. Whether you dance lindy hop or blues, with Easy Pete it's always a party.
instagram.com/EasyPeteBand
Luminous Big band
Saturday evening
Luminous Bigband is a professional big band from Ghent, Belgium, born in january 2025, led by trumpet players and conductors Marie-Anne Standaert and Floris Windey, created with a clear focus on music for dancers.
Rooted in the swing tradition, the band performs repertoire ranging from classic big band swing to fresh and contemporary arrangements, always guided by one central principle: the dance floor comes first.
For dance events and festivals, Luminous Bigband is fully conducted by Marie-Anne Standaert. Those who know her work as a big band conductor are familiar with her high-energy, communicative, and expressive leadership style — a driving force that transforms concerts into vibrant, festive dance experiences.
Luminous Bigband is particularly experienced in delivering extended swing sets for dancers, with thoughtful pacing, minimal interruptions, and a balanced mix of tempos and energies. Whether for elegant tea dances or high-energy festival floors, the band creates immersive performances that invite dancers to stay connected and in motion. As one enthusiastic listener once put it: “When Marie-Anne conducts a big band, you don’t just hear the music — you feel the party coming.”
The Hop Sh Bam Deluxe
Saturday evening
An excellent SWING band from Belgium, brilliantly guided by Marie Anne Standaert on trumpet and vocals. Being a dancer herself, she perfectly knows how to combine all the musical ingredients to provide dancers with top swing music.
All Hop Sh Bam musicians swing with their whole body, heart and soul! Be prepared: Heavy swing and Hot jazz that will make your feet move like never before!
’t Mouvement
Sunday afternoon
't Mouvement is a vibrant big band from Ghent, a colorful ensemble of more than twenty musicians founded just over 15 years ago at the local music school that has blossomed into a beloved big band, now well-known far beyond the Ghent jazz scene.
Under the steady hand of conductor Jonathan Ackaert, their repertoire blends the golden swing classics of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Fletcher Henderson with fresh, modern influences like Latin grooves, funk, and fusion.
’t Mouvement will get you back on your feet!
Boogie Phil & the Swing Devils
Saturday afternoon
Boogie Phil grew up in a musical household and quickly traded his toys for the blues, ragtime and boogie woogie of the previous century. After years of studying old recordings and a period at the Ghent jazz conservatory, he decided: this will be my life. Expect no dusty history lesson, but an idiosyncratic cocktail of swing jazz, original creations and a generous dose of “beastly” boogie.
Together with his band THE SWING DEVILS, he sets stages ablaze from Ghent to the legendary Parisian “Caveau de la Huchette”. They tear the roof off with hits by icons such as Nat King Cole and Louis Jordan, while also dusting off forgotten legends like Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson, Wynonie Harris, Big John Greer and Tyrone Hibbs (Tyrone who?..). THE SWING DEVILS bring the steaming atmosphere of New York’s Savoy Ballroom straight into the here and now. No polished pop music, but raw rhythm & blues, retro swing and that unmistakable boogie woogie vibe that makes it impossible to sit still. From Paris to Switzerland, they already know: when Boogie Phil comes to town, the roof comes off.
Heebie jeebie jazz band
Saturday afternoon
This vibrant group of performers plays with musicality, humour and irresistible rhythms. Joining the fun is compulsory!
Fazant
Saturday afternoon
Formed in 2020 through a series of fortunate coincidences, the Fazant Trio embodies the magic of unexpected musical chemistry. All musicians are based in the city of Antwerp, where their strong artistic connection first took shape.
At its core, the Fazant Trio brings together three skilled musicians who share a deep passion for creating captivating musical moments. Their repertoire is broad and varied, spanning multiple genres, making their music versatile and perfectly suited for both attentive listening and dancing.
The heart of the group features the tasteful trumpet solos of Angel Calvo Pérez, the warm and inviting vocals and guitar of Sam Stuyck, and the rhythmic soul of double bassist Frank De Wolf. Their performances are not only entertaining but also emotionally enriching, creating the perfect atmosphere for any event.
instagram.com/fazantmusic
