Music

It took me two and a half years before I first walked into Het Muzi(e)kantenhuis, although it was only a one minute walk. Pretty silly really. In this place a lot goes down, from some musicians playing all night to some improv theatre with youngsters.

The prices of the drinks differ by the way if there is an event or not, a system you can favour or not. This bar is pretty mixed with cultures and very easy going. When there is nobody performing, it is really comfortable to talk without any shouting and try a water pipe/shisha. But you can have lovely meals too! I guess they do not really care about the law.

The one thing I stay confused about is the spelling of this bar’s name. On the window, you will see Muziekantenhuis, but on the website it is spelled without an -e. Make up your mind!

Before I became a somewhat resident at Jan Van Gent, I often came to the Hotsy Totsy Club, a bar on the other end of the Oude Houtlei and close to Walter, the nice coffee bar.

The Hotsy Totsy has already a long history (it already exists more than 30 years now!) and is mostly known as an artists or jazz café. The walls are filled with art and exhibitions by photographers and other creative masterminds.

The couches in the front are accompanied by some old lighting and in the back you can find games to play like Monopoly. But you can only smoke in the front. If you like jazz, this is must been address. On their website you will find their upcoming and past activities, and it mostly is for free!

In Ghent we’re spoiled with all kind of cultural activities whole year round. But in summer the offer is really massive. Of course we have the Ghent Festival in July. But just before it starts we can enjoy the Gent Jazz Festival, this year for the 11th time from July 5th till 14th.

The festival takes place in the lovely scenery of the Bijloke Abbey. Where you maybe already visited the City Museum. The programme offers a wide range of artists. Starting with pure jazz, going to Blues, world music, etc. If you don’t find your choice of music on the programme, just go and discover, there will always be something which you will like.

And if the music would really disappoint you, you will be excited about the atmosphere. It is more a luxury festival in an unique historical setting.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Gent Jazz (5 – 14 July 2012) | Art & culture, Festivals & events, Music | Per day € 37
Godshuizenlaan | Ekkergem | +3293244530
Jul 5 – 14 18:30 – open end

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This bar is actually linked to the ‘Geus van Gent’, a liberal centre where a lot of organizations have their homebase and from which a series of activities is set up. Their meeting point ‘Het Geuzenhuis’ has become a nice bar for everyone to enjoy.

Het Geuzenhuis is near the movie complex so mostly after a cinema visit, I like to come here for a drink and discuss the film we’ve just seen. Sometimes you have to be lucky to find an available spot as this is a popular place, especially during the week when a lot of students find their way to this bar.

When you enter, it feels like you are entering your own personal living room with the wooden tables, red covered couches, book shelves and retro cinema chairs. There are several separate and cozy corners where you can make yourselves comfortable with a hot tea or coco.

Not only is this a great place to lay back and relax, you can find some action as well: playing a game of pool or listening to the weekly organized jam sessions with some fabulous jazz musicians!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Het Geuzenhuis | Art & culture, Bars, Music | Beer € 2.00
Kantienberg 9 | Sint-Pieters | +3292207825
Daily

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