With her clear, sometimes fragile but always deeply expressive voice, she brings poetic lyrics with a melancholic atmosphere to life. Songs such as Witte Nachten and Niets voor mij have become classics, giving Vera and Madou a lasting cult status in the Low Countries. In January, she received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Flanders Folk Awards.

For this unique living-room concert, she will perform with her son, guitarist Thomas Devos.

Vera Coomans: vocals
Thomas Devos: guitar, vocals

As a visitor, you will be warmly welcomed into a unique space in his home. On May 10, his music room is transformed into an intimate concert venue, where you can discover traditional music in an inspiring and stimulating setting.

Oliver grew up in a musical family. His parents, originally from the United Kingdom, were involved throughout their lives in numerous musical and artistic projects. Oliver enthusiastically shares this rich history with his guests.

In addition to his deep passion for music, Oliver is also a true family man. It is in this house that he raised his three children, who have since gone on to build their own lives.

Rue de Laneau 88-90, 1020 Laeken

With this title, the band offers a critical reflection on the geopolitical significance often attached to ‘land’. While the word ‘Unland’ does not exist in English, in German it refers to wasteland or uncultivated terrain. The first single, ‘Oufti’, provides a meditative preview of this new work. In this track, a double bass played with a plectrum creates a characteristically Middle Eastern texture. The title ‘Oufti’ is an exclamation of surprise from the Liège region, underscoring the emotional depth of the composition.

The music on the album unfolds through Sufi-inspired rhythms and calm, contemplative pulses. With this new release, the trio confirms their position as innovators within the worldwide jazz scene.

Yamen Martini: trumpet

Piet Maris: accordion

Otto Kint: double bass

Of Galician origin, Begoña’s relationship with music has the feel of something self-evident. Not quite a hobby, not quite a passion. Just a reassuring presence that accompanies her gently through the rhythm of everyday life.

Rue Edmond Tollenaere 16, 1020 Laeken

Accompanying herself on guitar and joined by the virtuoso melodies of Luca Isolani, she carves a path through landscapes where volcanoes slumber and the wind still whispers ancestral secrets. Her voice creates a universe where the unleashed elements — fire, wind, and wild water — clash with the fragility of the human soul.

Between dust and passion, her melodies bridge two worlds: that of the untamed wild and that of the heart that beats, hopes, breaks, and is reborn.

Ana Vaga: vocals, guitar

Luca Isolani: guitar

Originally from West Flanders and now at home in Brussels, she decided to open her living room with one simple idea in mind: let music do what it always does for her; build connection when words fall short.

Steylsstraat 77 B13, 1020 Laeken

Simon Leleux specializes in the doholla, darbuka, and various other Arabic and Middle Eastern percussion instruments and styles. Since 2014, he has focused specifically on the doholla (bass darbuka), studying with the instrument’s foremost innovator, Levent Yildirim. Following Yildirim’s philosophy, Simon’s work has transformed the doholla into a soloistic and melodic instrument. He is one of the artistic directors of both Auster Loo and Spëcht.

Bao Sissoko, descending from a celebrated Senegalese griot family, is renowned for his virtuosity on the kora and calabash. Having performed with legendary artists such as Baaba Maal, he further expanded his repertoire after moving to Belgium, collaborating with the likes of Malick Pathe Sow, Zap Mama, Vaya Con Dios, and Damon Albarn. He is a member and composer for the group Tamala and contributed to Mamy Kanouté’s album Mousso Lou. Bao has graced prestigious stages and festivals worldwide, including Roskilde, Forde Festival, Frankfurt Philharmonie, Bozar, Sauti Za Busara in Zanzibar, and the Rainforest Festival in Borneo.

Bao Sissoko: kora, calabash, vocals

Simon Leleux: doholla, daf, percussion

Carine est une véritable femme du monde. Au fil de sa vie, elle a effectué plusieurs voyages vers des destinations comme le Sénégal. Elle a également participé pendant plusieurs années à un projet à l’étranger en Guinée.

Le salon de Carine est donc richement rempli de souvenirs et de traces de ses nombreuses aventures. Les nombreux objets qu’elle a rassemblés font de sa maison un petit musée. Lorsque l’on entre chez elle, on est immédiatement interpellé par son intérieur excentrique.

On pénètre dans un univers où l’art ouest-africain se mêle à l’ornementation joyeuse de De Amandelbloesem, une œuvre de Vincent van Gogh.

Avenue Prudent Bols 59 , 1020 Laeken

Joana Costa: vocals, adufe
Suchet Malhotra : djembe, didjeridoo, def

One could say that the beauty and joy of traditional music have stayed with Jolan. At the same time, it reflects the sense of community and human connection that Muziekpublique values so highly. Once a friend of Muziekpublique, always a friend!

Beyond the festival, Jolan is deeply involved in musical activities. He produced his mother’s Brazilian music album, manages two Belgian artists, and has been working for several years with the Brussels Jazz Weekend. Jolan is a warm and welcoming host who is delighted to invite you to experience an unforgettable concert in his home.

Rue Drootbeek 76, 1020 Laeken

In this new project, Folktopia crosses the borders of the city and explores more traditional music styles, from the islands, mountains, north and south of Greece. Merged with the sounds of two new members, all up and coming musicians of the experimental music scene, they reshape the old melodies, into an atmosphere of wonder, where improvisation and connection become central.

With Koen Boeijinga on the winds, Manos Barkatsas on the lute, Nicolas van Belle on bowed guitar and effects and Pericles Makris on bouzouki and voice, they travel you through Greece’s varying landscape with the fresh touch of the avant garde. Pure emotions, wild landscapes and mystical soundscapes form a performance of wonder, every time new, yet lovingly carrying on the heritage of this ancient land.

Koen Boeijinga: winds
Manos Barkatsas: lute
Pericles Makris: bouzouki, vocals
Nicolas van Belle: bowed guitar, effects

As part of the Klanken van de Steden project, a collaboration between the Musical Instrument Museum, the Vleeshuis, and the non-profit organization Wesp / Merodefestival, with support from the Flemish Government.

Since 2016, 18 households have made l’Échappée their home. Families, couples, solo dwellers, this remarkable place brings together people from 0 to 75. The name? An affectionate nod to the many cyclists who live in this one-of-a-kind co-living space.

Here, hospitality is far more than a concept; it’s daily practice. So is ecology: the trees planted along the street may well be flowering for the very first time just as the Living Room Festival arrives. Coincidence, or something more?

Music has always had its place here. People sing, people play, sometimes around a brasero on summer evenings. There’s even a small stage in the garden, built from recycled wood by one of the residents, where the kids occasionally do slam poetry. And when the evening winds down, there’s only one thing left to do: head up to the rooftop terrace, take in everything below, a craft beer in hand and the setting sun as your backdrop.

Rue Drootbeek 30 – 1020 Laeken

In the blink of an eye they move from intimate folk songs to lively fiddle tunes that might just get you dancing. Before you know it, you’ll feel as if you’re sitting in a living room on the other side of the Atlantic.

Olivia Vandeweghe: fiddle, vocals
Hannah Skrinar: banjo, vocals
Becca Fredrick: guitar, vocals

Véronique and Thomas are warm and attentive hosts who look forward to opening their living room on May 10 for an intimate musical experience. With great care and attention, they welcome their guests into a home where hospitality and atmosphere take center stage.

At the heart of their livingroom stands a piano, naturally transforming their living space into a true salon de musique — a place where music does not simply resonate, but truly comes to life. The space invites listeners to pause, reflect, and share in the moment.

While the family has a deep passion for classical music, they are equally open, with curiosity and enthusiasm, to new musical discoveries. They look forward to sharing this unique experience with their audience in a setting that feels both personal and inspiring.

Avenue Prudent Bols 139, 1020 Laeken

Joana Carvalhas: violin, vocals

Rue Jacques Vandervleet 47, 1090 Jette

Rodrigue Robert Ndong Bibang inherited this tradition from his father and is a member of the Fang community of Central Africa. In his narratives, he bridges ancestral knowledge with contemporary themes, such as environmental preservation and the vital importance of water. In doing so, he aims to both safeguard his cultural heritage and share a meaningful message for the future.

Rodrigue Robert Ndong Bibang : vocals, mvett, storytelling

Randy Nguema Ndong : percussion, bells, vocals

Stella Mindzie M’Ella : percussion, bells, vocals

Avenue Richard Neybergh 51 – 1020 laeken

The Egyptian-American violinist Riad Abdel-Gawad leads three ensembles: the Riad Takht Ensemble (violin, oud, qanun, percussion), the Ziryab Jazz Quartet and the Ziryab Duo. Get ready for oriental compositions with influences from contemporary music, where both composition and improvisation keep alive the spirit of the great master Abdo Dagher.

Riad Abdel-Gawad: violin
Peter Borcsok: percussion

Nicole is naturally very social. She worked for many years as a social worker and cares deeply about the well-being of the people in her neighborhood, as well as that of her city. For several years, she has been involved in the project Brussels, Healthy City and Region, helping to make the city a pleasant and livable place.

Rue Laneau 52, 1020 Bruxelles