The IKSV Jazz Festival, the vibrant jazz world, has begun. The festival features emotional melodies, thrilling performances, and remarkable collaborations that await the participation of all Istanbul residents. With a rich program, the event brings together jazz enthusiasts and experienced musicians. The festival includes free workshops and concerts and started on July 7th, and continues until July 19th.
The IKSV Jazz Festival, a tradition for Istanbul residents with its long history, celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. Every year, the event features new artists and are showcased performances at different venues throughout Istanbul. Traditional and contemporary jazz, fusion, experimental sounds, and various jazz genres can be enjoyed at the festival. Additionally, the festival contributes to the promotion and experience of jazz for a larger audience, making it an important cultural event for Turkey.
Here are the dates of this year's IKSV Jazz Festival and the artists who will be performing:
July 7th: Festival Opening Night, Artist: Takeshi's Cashew, Venue: Austrian Consulate
The opening night of the IKSV Jazz Festival, one of Turkey's oldest festivals, featured the Austrian group Takeshi's Cashew. The group combines Anatolian funk, progressive, krautrock, and Afrobeat, and delivered an unforgettable experience to the audience.
July 8th: "The Ritual," Artists: Sharon Kovacs / Riff Cohen & Okay Temiz / Mert Demir / Takeshi's Cashew, Venue: Parkorman
Internationally renowned artist Kovacs, who shares the stage with extraordinary names and captivates with her unique style, delivered a remarkable performance on July 8th. The project "The Ritual" by Riff Cohen & Okay Temiz made its debut, and composer Mert Demir also performed. The progressive jam band Takeshi's Cashew, featured on the opening night, also participated.
July 9th: Artists: Morcheeba / Alfa Mist / Ekin Beril / Mammal Hands, Venue: Parkorman
Talented and renowned artists delivered unique performances at Parkorman, one of Istanbul's greenest venues. Ekin Beril, Alfa Mist, Mammal Hands, and Morcheeba, who create music by blending low-tempo trip-hop and R&B, took the stage on this special night where free melodies and alternative styles blend.
July 14th: Artists: Youn Sun Nah / Deniz Taşar, Venue: Robert College Konak Terrace
Youn Sun Nah, who began her musical journey in Seoul and then completed her education in Paris, meets jazz enthusiasts at Robert College, one of Istanbul's oldest schools. Youn Sun Nah attracts attention by bringing a different perspective to pop, rock, and jazz with her pure vocals. Furthermore, Deniz Taşar, a graduate of Robert College, will greet the audience before Youn Sun Nah's performance.
July 16th: Jazz Boat, Artists: Brassist / Flapper Swing / Swing'it, Venue: Kabataş Pier
The Jazz Boat eagerly awaits July 16th with all its liveliness. The event will start at 11:00, featuring the groups Swing'it, Flapper Swing, and Brassist. Taking place at Kabataş Pier, the boat will embark on a Bosphorus tour and return to Kabataş, providing a unique experience. This event can be a perfect choice for a weekend activity.
July 17th: Artists: Fatoumata Diawara, Venue: The Marmara Esma Sultan Yalısı
Fatoumata Diawara, who draws attention with her artistic vision and works addressing social issues, adds color to the 30th Istanbul Jazz Festival. You can buy tickets to her concert at The Marmara Esma Sultan Yalısı to explore the world of this artist, who performs her songs in the Bambara language.
July 18th: Artists: Elif Sanchez / Lizz Wright, Venue: Sultan Park Swissotel The Bosphorus
Lizz Wright blends jazz, folk, and Americana genres, and Elif Sanchez combines jazz, flamenco, and Latin music genres that will perform on the same day. You can attend this event to be a part of emotional melodies while enjoying the unique view of the Bosphorus.
July 19th: Three Generations of Istanbul Jazz in the 30th Year of the Festival, Artists: İpek Göztepe Quintet, Selen Gülün Blue Band, İmer Demirer Trio Feat. Ali Perret, Venue: Cemal Reşit Rey Concert Hall
The Istanbul Jazz Festival is preparing to conclude this year's festival with a performance befitting its 30th anniversary. On the day featuring musicians from three different generations, İpek Göztepe and her team, Selen Gülün Blue Band, and İmer Demirer Trio Feat will take the same stage. At the end of the night, the recipient of this year's Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented.
Free Events
The Istanbul Jazz Festival continues to host public concerts in beautiful venues that aim to introduce the captivating sounds of jazz to all Istanbul residents. The festival's free concerts have already begun at various locations throughout the city. The last of the free shows will be held on July 16th at Şişli Habitat Park.
The dates for the free concerts are as follows:
July 9th: Jazz in Parks Beylikdüzü, Artists: Eggmann Quartet / Esra Gürçay Ft. Peter Shalamow / Boğaziçi University Music Club Orchestra / Takeshi's Cashew, Venue: Beylikdüzü Yaşam Vadisi
July 10th: Jazz in Parks Küçükçekmece, Artists: Esra Gürçay Ft. Peter Shalamow / Projektiles / Takeshi's Cashew, Venue: Küçükçekmece Lake Shore Amphitheater
July 16th: Jazz in Parks Şişli, Artists: Rüzgar Yıldırım Band / Zonda 4 / Keskin Band / Swing'it, Venue: Şişli Habitat Park
July 12th - 13th: Colorful Jazz Workshops, Workshop Facilitator: Uğur Kaya, Venue: İKSV Alt Kat
In addition to the free concerts, free workshops are organized at the IKSV building for children. The workshops, designed for the age groups of 6-8 and 9-12, are conducted by Uğur Kaya. It is recommended to fill out the reservation form to participate in the workshops.
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