Jazz Festival To Rock Istanbul

The 14th International Istanbul Jazz Festival concerts will be presented at the Cemil Topuzlu Open Air Theatre and also at Esma Sultan Yalisi, Istanbul Modern Sculpture Garden, San Theatre, French Cultural Centre - Courtyard, Istanbul Jazz Center, Nardis Jazz Club, Kemer Golf & Country Club, Hagia Eirene Museum and Istanbul Archaeological Museum. The now traditional organization of the festival, the Jazz Boat, will be the Baris Manço Boat cruising the Bosporus on July 8, Sunday, while the Young Jazz Concerts will give young amateur musicians the opportunity to take their place on the Festival programme.

One of the most popular female singers of our times, Norah Jones is coming to Turkey for the jazz festival right after releasing her latest album “Not Too Late”. Norah Jones will be on stage at the Cemil Topuzlu Open Air Theatre on the evening of August 1, Wednesday.

This year, the International Istanbul Jazz Festival introduces an important novelty: In the heart of Istanbul, a very special and unique venue will be converted into a jazz club! The garden of the French Cultural Center at the entrance to Istiklal Street in Beyoglu will house the European Jazz Club – one of the most beautiful festival spots. It is also the intention of the European Jazz Club to build a platform for European and Turkish artists to perform together at the threshold of 2010 when Istanbul will be the European Capital of Culture. It is highly probable that, after the concerts in the European Jazz Club, the night will continue with fascinating jam sessions.

One of the guests of this year's jazz festival will be the legendary Robert Plant. Sponsored by Emirates, the voice of the celebrated rock group Led Zeppelin, Robert Plant will meet festival-goers at the Open Air Theatre, July 4, Wednesday at 21.30.

One of the most popular rock groups of the 70s were the Roxy Music with Bryan Ferry as the vocalist and song writer. Seven years later, he is once again at Istanbul Jazz Festival! Sponsored by Dockers® Bryan Ferry will be performing at the Cemil Topuzlu Open Air Theatre stage on July 5, Thursday at 21.00.

One of the most important concerts of the festival this year is that of the Bee Gees' soloist Robin Gibb. Sponsored by Garanti Bank, Robin Gibb will be presenting a very special project on July 10, Tuesday at 21.00 at the Cemil Topuzlu Open air Theatre.

Another must-see of the festival is the concert by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra conducted by Wynton Marsalis on July 11, Wednesday at 21.00 at Cemil Topuzlu Open Air Theatre. The orchestra is one of the most prominent followers of the Big Band tradition with their varied approach to jazz. Currently, Wynton Marsalis is the art director of Jazz at Lincoln Center, and with his technical wisdom and deep knowledge of classical jazz, surprises the audiences with a different and modern style as can be seen in his latest album, “From the Plantation to the Penitentiary”. This concert is sponsored by West LB.

Sponsored by Matras the Open Air Theater will be hosting a lady who has many times been awarded "the best jazz singer of the year" title by jazz critics, on July 16, Monday at 21.00. Mississipi-born Cassandra Wilson has a special place among jazz singers with her smokey vocal style and an individual style extending from blues to folk.

Michael Bolton will be presenting his latest project “ Bolton Swings Sinatra” at Sepetçiler Kasri on July 3, Tuesday at 22.00. Bolton will be playing and singing classics like “ New York, New York ”, “Night and Day”, “My Funny Valentine” and “Fly Me to the Moon” from the legendary Frank Sinatra. This unforgettable evening is sponsored by Aviva.

For more details and programme of the festival please visit https://www.iksv.org/caz/english/program.asp.