Mark Guiliana BEAT MUSIC (US) & Meral Polat (NL)

Line-up change: Mark Guiliana replaces Donny McCaslinDonny McCaslin has cancelled his European tour, which means this concert here has unfortunately also been cancelled. However, we acted quickly and found an excellent replacement in Mark Guiliana. ------------------------------------- Mark Guiliana BEAT MUSIC Born out of relentless exploration of rhythm and sonic textures, BEAT MUSIC pulses with an electrifying fusion of jazz, electronic, and experimental sounds, captivating audiences worldwide with its dynamic and innovative performances. Led by the visionary drummer and composer Mark Guiliana, this ensemble pushes the boundaries of contemporary music, creating a sonic journey that defies categorization. Beat Music 2.0 is coming fall 2026. Mark Guiliana’s passion for both jazz drumming and electronic music is unmistakable in his playing. From bebop to hip-hop and breakbeats, he moves effortlessly across styles. It is no coincidence that he was invited to contribute to major projects such as Blackstar, David Bowie’s final album, and Mehliana, the electro-jazz duo with Brad Mehldau. It will also be a welcome return for Leuven’s jazz audience. Guiliana previously appeared at Leuven Jazz 2018 as part of the now-legendary drummers edition paying tribute to the late Elvin Jones. For fans of David Bowie’s Blackstar, J Dilla, Squarepusher, Elvin Jones, Art Blakey …Meral Polat A contemporary interpretation of traditional Anatolian music: Meral Polat infuses the Kurdish soul with raw blues energy and unfiltered emotion. In her quartet, she creates hypnotic soundscapes that resonate deeply. Her debut album Ez Kî Me was a contemporary interpretation of the Anatolian repertoire: sometimes a battle cry, other times a tender call for identity and solidarity. This album was nominated for the prestigious Songlines Music Award and the UPBEAT Best New Talent Award 2024. On her new album Meydan, Polat is backed by a fresh line-up, and reveals an innovative aspect of her sound: a blend in which different eras and cultures merge into a powerful, contemporary language. Meydan gives a voice to women who forge their own path and celebrates female strength. Musically, the album leans towards more rhythm, groove and rock ’n’ roll – telling tales of resistance, struggle and solidarity in the ongoing quest for women’s rights.,