Istanbul Jazz event to put int’l eye on Turkish singers

By Salih Seref

ISTANBUL (AA) - An annual jazz festival hosting musicians from across the world in Istanbul aims to bolster the recognition of Turkish singers globally, said festival director on Friday.

Istanbul Jazz Festival is hosting 300 foreign artists from different parts of the world as part of its 26th edition between June 29 and July 18.

“With the festival, we not only aim to meet our audience with important names of contemporary music and contribute our audience’s vision, but also to make Turkish musicians and artists to gain more recognition globally” Harun Izer, director of Istanbul Jazz Festival, told Anadolu Agency.

As part of the festival this year organized by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (IKSV), the audience will enjoy more than 50 concerts in almost 20 different venues across the Turkish metropolis.

This year’s festival is held under the theme of “Hands that touch Jazz,” Izer said, explaining, “The theme means that musicians' hands touch their instruments while the audience touches jazz.”

“We want everyone to have access to the festival as much as possible,” he said.

Prominent contemporary artists, including Kamasi Washington, Joss Stone, Jacob Collier, Snarky Puppy, Mozaik and RYMDEN, will perform during the festival.

The festival also covers the Vitrin (Showcase) project for the third time year, which gathers music event organizers and prominent press members in Turkey.

“As part of the project, more than 30 delegates will visit local music groups from Turkey and award those selected among them will be honored with a support award for the tour,” Izel said.

*Writing by Erdogan Cagatay Zontur