Culture beat – January 9

London-based Irishman Andrew Maxwell leads the laughs at Stand-up comedy night at Théâtre 140 on January 18. The triple billing features the UK circuit stalwart who excels in intelligently crafted travelogues that shun the usual clichés. Warming-up the evening are British Tamil former maths teacher Romesh Ranganathan and seasoned stand-up comedian and writer Pierre Hollins. Pre-show Indian buffet available for €12. Fans of Standupworld should note that the next shows are February 8 and March 22.

Joining the world of English-language entertainment in the capital is FFAct: Fun, Food & Acting, a new series at Théâtre Toison d’Or , January 21. The monthly evenings aim to interact with the expat community in a packed programme of cooking, music, magic and plays. The first kicks off with British-born Antwerp comic Nigel Williams and mind-reading Gili, the Mentalist. There is a pre- and post-show buffet by Café Georgette from 19.00.

The European Foundation Centre (EFC) recently opened the splendid Philanthropy House as an accessible one-stop shop for foundations across Europe. The newly refurbished building includes an exhibition space that opens tonight (Thursday) with the European Photo Exhibition Award. The event is a free space for young European photographers to display socially-relevant topics. It runs until March 7.

Beat the seasonal blues by tuning in to some of Europe’s finest musicians at the Winter Jazz festival at Théâtre Marni and Flagey from January 15 to 25. Marking the start of Greece’s EU presidency, Marni has organised a Hellenic double bill with the European premiere of Greek composer/classical guitarist Yiannis Magoulas’s Live Project, and a performance by Athens-based gypsy jazz trio Diminuita. The festival also makes a timely nod to gyspy jazz giant Django Reinhardt in a concert by Mike Reinhardt (no relation) on what would have been the Belgian-born legend’s 101st birthday. And Icelandic jazz/blues outfit ADHD (pictured) provide a Nordic touch at Flagey on January 22. Mini jazz fans are equally catered for on the same date with La mélodie philosophale at 15.00 (from five years).

Continuing their series of family-friendly films, Bozar screens the Charlie Chaplin classic The Kid at Cinematek on January 12 at 11.00 (from five years). Live piano accompanies Chaplin’s first full-length feature about an abandoned baby. Reservation necessary.

Across the country

The annual tribute festival Djangofolllies (the three Ls are deliberate) celebrates its 20th anniversary with more than 30 concerts across Belgium in honour of manouche master Django Reinhardt who was born on January 23, 1910 in Liberchies, in Hainaut province. There are groups from Greece, Germany, France, Scandinavia, the Netherlands in addition to Belgium. Representing the home country are Philippe Catherine, the Hans Mortelmans Groep & guests, La Femme Belge and DjanGo-on.