The Akbank Jazz Festival, a cornerstone of Istanbul’s cultural calendar for 35 years, returns from 27 September to 12 October, once again ready to leave its mark on the city’s musical memory. Renowned for hosting legends and opening its stage to emerging talents, the festival has unveiled the latest additions to its already anticipated line-up, promising another year of boundary-pushing performances.
Carrying the banner of “The Jazz State of the City,” Akbank Jazz Festival is set to welcome over 200 artists this year, with a programme curated by Akbank Sanat and BKM that spans continents and genres. The newly announced artists span an impressive spectrum.
Grammy-winning Brazilian pianist and vocalist Eliane Elias will grace the stage, merging the sensuality of Brazilian music with jazz through her unmistakable voice and virtuosity. Chief Adjuah (formerly Christian Scott), a trumpeter, producer, and composer at the forefront of “stretch music,” will guide listeners on a journey into the future of jazz with his genre-defying approach. Pianist Alfredo Rodriguez and percussionist Pedrito Martinez are set to deliver an electrifying fusion of jazz and Afro-Cuban traditions, their performances steeped in the vibrant percussion and vocal styles of their heritage.
A highlight for the local scene, Nilüfer Verdi—Turkey’s first female jazz pianist and a passionate activist—will perform “songs for peace” alongside her trio, bringing both musicality and message to the festival. Spanish innovator Raül Refree, known for his experimental approach to flamenco and collaborations ranging from Rosalía to Lee Ranaldo, brings his album “El Espacio Entre” to life, blending acoustic instruments with samplers and textured soundscapes.
The “Legendary Hammond Trio” featuring Önder Focan and Yavuz Darıdere, unites guitar, Hammond organ, and drums—one of jazz’s classic formats—for a colourful evening, joined by a new generation of musicians. Master percussionist Adam Rudolph’s “Invisible Threads” project will see celebrated artists such as Okay Temiz and Hacı Tekbilek share the stage with musicians from across the globe, creating a powerful testament to the healing, cross-cultural force of collective music-making.
The festival’s late-night offering, All Night Jazz, promises to keep the city moving into the small hours with a DJ set from India-born producer Jitwam, whose selections traverse hip-hop, house, and soul. Preceding him, local favourite Grup Ses will treat audiences to a genre-hopping vinyl journey through jazz, funk, krautrock, psychedelia, and post-punk. Poland’s Niechęć will introduce Istanbul to their latest album, weaving together dark, cinematic, and electronic sounds in a jazz-noir aesthetic.
On the alternative front, multi-instrumentalist Dilan Balkay, a standout of Turkey’s local scene, will showcase her emotive melodies centred on trumpet and vocals. Drummer Ömercan Şakar—who splits his time between New York and Istanbul—brings Project OM 4.0 to Jazz Clubs Night, continuing his exploration of music’s unifying power. Meanwhile, the Sinem İslamoğlu Group, acclaimed for their seamless fusion of jazz and theatre, will present a modern repertoire where neo-soul meets jazz, interpreted with characteristic flair.
With more names yet to be revealed, the 35th Akbank Jazz Festival promises to be richer than ever. Tickets are available via Biletix, with a 10% discount offered exclusively to Wings cardholders.
To view the program, click here.