![Elias D'hooge Trio is the first finalist of B-Jazz 2023](https://jazzinbelgium.be/pictures/news/2810/LdkKKErA83kLmfQom0xUciXAZD7N1DdWKomiaiAI-720x300.jpg)
Elias D'hooge Trio is the first finalist of B-Jazz 2023
Last Saturday, four Belgian bands competed for a final place in the B-Jazz International Contest 2023 during the first preliminary round. Teddy's Brain Drain, Mojo Jojo, Elias D'hooge Trio and Koala Swim (who filled in for Wajdi Riahi Trio last minute due to illness) each played a punishing set at CC het SPOOR in Harelbeke. No easy task for the jury, consisting of Maarten Weyler, Anneleen Boehme and Geert Decock. Elias D'hooge Trio is the first band to warm up for the finals at Jazz in 't Park in September. Congratulations!
From the jury's report: "A piano trio: can it still be original? The compositions, sometimes very classical and at other times very modern, together with the numerous rhythmic variations, the interaction and excellent communication between the members of the trio, who know the pieces very well... All this contributes to a powerful, original set that takes you to all sorts of different moods. In short: the ideal final concert of a successful evening."
The next preliminary round will take place on Friday 17 March at 30CC/Stadsschouwburg during Leuven Jazz. In the final from Thursday 7 to Saturday 9 September, the two Belgian winners of the preliminary rounds will take on four international acts.