Following the Brussels World Expo in 1958, an amphitheater in one of the city’s parks had fallen into disuse. To breathe new life into the venue, in 1977 the city organized “Brosella Folk,” an event that’s since taken firm hold on the city’s cultural calendar. Always held on the second weekend of July at the “Groentheater” in Ossegem Park, by the Atomium, the event now includes a full day dedicated to jazz.On Saturday, seven diverse and critically acclaimed folk acts will entertain the crowds. The Dhafer Youssef Quartet is made of musicians from an unlikely combination of countries — Canada, Estonia, Tunisia and the United States — while the group Oratnitza, whose members hail from Bulgaria, combine their homeland’s folklore with the sounds of Aboriginal didgeridoos and Orthodox chanting. Homage will be paid to the legendary Woody Guthrie on the occasion of what would have been his 100th birthday.Sunday’s program is for jazz lovers and includes the Brussels Jazz Orchestra and the U.K.’s Lighthouse Trio, along with five other acts. The music gets underway both days at 3 p.m. and the last groups take to the stage at 10:30 p.m. Both days also see a range of child-friendly activities. Admission is free. Since this is an outdoor bash, bring a blanket to sit on. Learn more at www.brosella.be/eng.
