Artists Say Yes To Turkey

Pelin Opcin, from the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (IKSV), told Pollstar that last year’s troubles don’t appear to have deterred the artists.

“On the contrary, the acts seem very keen to visit us,” she said.

IKSV announced the bill for this year’s event, which includes Katie Melua, Hugh Masekela, Chick Corea and Stanley Clarke, Danilo Perez, John Patitucci, Brian Blade, Brad Mehldau, Mark Guiliana, and Cécile McLorin Salvant.

Opcin said Istanbul is now a calmer place, although the parlous state of the Turkish economy means the festival has to be careful with ticket prices.

“There’s still some tension, which is probably because of the upcoming local elections, but it’s nothing like last summer,” she explained.

Istanbul Jazz Festival is July 1-14.