Culture beat – October 17

Electronic DJ legend David Guetta will be performing in front of 17,000 fans at Palais 12 at Brussels Expo on Saturday night. The French celebrity’s latest single ‘Dangerous’ previews forthcoming LP ‘Listen’. Tomorrowland atmosphere guaranteed.

Belgian singer Arno takes to the stage at KVS on Sunday evening (20.00), part of Freedom Festival, the annual event devoted to human rights and equality. His concert The Light Front is the singer’s personal commemoration of first world war events during the first battle of Ypres in 1914. The festival closes on October 25 with a free concert by Jamaican reggae veteran Winston McAnuff accompanied by French accordionist Fixi.

The Dialogue Series: IV Moya at KVS_Box tonight and tomorrow evening (until October 18) is the result of a collaboration born in Africa. Choreographer and dancer Moya Michael, who divides her time between South Africa and Belgium, saw Conglolese dancer Faustin Linyekula perform in Kinshasa and invited him to work with her. This is the fourth in a series of performances based on Linyekula’s discussions with friends and other artists about their relationship to their history and the environment in which they live. Saturday’s performance will be preceded by an award ceremony to honour the Congolese dancer. It includes the premiere of a short film on his work followed by a discussion between Linyekula and American director Peter Sellars.

Canadian stand-up, actor and musician Phil Nichol headlines the English Comedy Night on October 21. Support comes from Swedish comedian Emma Wessleus. At The Black Sheep, Chaussée de Boondael (performances in English).

Brussels continues its focus on local designer fashion in Mode Parcours #14, part of This is Not a Fashion Week but a Fashion Month. The three day event from October 24 to 26 is a chance to discover new collections by more than 45 designers. As well as a new generation of designers and stylists, you can see the work of already established hip names such as Filles à Papa, Fabuleux Marcel de Bruxelles and Olivia Hainaut. The promenade tour is free, departing from 22-23 Place Nouvelle Marché aux Grains, 11.00-18.00, nocturne October 24, 18.00-22.00. There are also performances, catwalk shows, concerts, and happenings, including an exhibition on Citizenship by curator Fréderick Denis and photographer Jimmy Kets, exploring the relationship between the designer and the city.

Brussels literary house Passa Porta celebrates its 10th anniversary all week with a collection of events: Brussels in shorts 2 at Belgian Comic-Strip Center on October 21, discussion Writing Away From Home on October 22, and a poetry evening on October 23. Check the website for full details.

English-language bookshop Waterstone’s hosts author Sam Humes’s presentation of his book Belgium, long United: Long Divided on October 23 at 19.00. The former director of Boston University’s Brussels graduate programme explores the history of Belgium. The event is free but registration necessary at events.brussels@waterstones.com

Explore local artisan works and designs at the Made in Belgium fair at Tour & Taxis from October 24 to 26. From jewellery, hats, furniture and lamps to porcelain, games, food, wine and spirits, the range and quality of Belgian-made goods and articles is remarkable.