Istanbul summer music festival scene is jam-packed and wildly varied. Our indispensable guide to the best concert experiences and don’t-miss music lineups will help you choose which memories to make in 2011.
Soak up the summer atmosphere — along with some sun — by exploring the culture and creativity that fills these festivals. Among them there are new, old and legendary groups and singers. The city is waiting to hear the famous voices at the concerts and festivals that will gather metal, rock, jazz, pop lovers in Istanbul.
Sonisphere
When: June 19
One of the legendary festivals for metal music lovers, Sonisphere has become one of the most preferred festivals in Istanbul with its stage shows and legendary metal groups. This summer, starting on June 19, the festival will bring Iron Maiden, Slipknot, Alice Cooper, In Flames and Mastodon.
18th Istanbul Jazz Festival
When: July 1-19
Istanbul’s annual jazz festival, which is organized by IKSV, will celebrate its 18th year this summer. The festival will start on July 1 and run until July 19. The Istanbul Jazz Festival will host Joss Stone, Marcus Miller, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Natalie Cole and Buika.
10th One Love Festival
When: July 2-3
During July, apart form the Jazz Festival, festival goers will be attending the 10th One Love Festival. The groups for the two-day festival are of huge interest, as there will be Manic Street Preachers, Suede, Editors, Cake and Nneka will be onstage. One Love will take place July 2 and 3.
Rock’n Coke Festival
When: July 16-17
The Rock’n Coke Festival , on July 16 and 17, will gather Motörhead, Limp Bizkit, 9 Travis, 2 Many Djs, Friendly Fires, Thievery Corporation and Fm Belfast. The festival’s huge attraction is Sonar Mogwai and The Black Lips.
Heavy Metal
On July 10 Istanbul’s Maçka Küçükçiftlik Park will host two legendary heavy metal groups Judas Priest and Whitesnake. Pentagram will also be on stage for this concert. The tickets cost 78 to 154 Turkish Liras.
Joe Cocker
When: June 8
Having signed his name in music history with his hits such as “Unchain My Heart,” “You Can Leave Your Hat On” and “Many Rivers to Cross,” Joe Cocker will be at Maçka Küçükçiftlik Park on June 8.
Jamiroquai
When: June 26
Finally, Istanbul will witness a legendary show. Famous British jazz funk and acid jazz band Jamiroquai will be performing in Istanbul Turkcell Kuruçeşme Arena on June 26th.
Unirock Open Air Festival
When: September 9-11
The end of the summer will welcome the Unirock Open Air Festival. The festival will feature HammerFall, Between The Buried And Me, Opeth, Mayhem, Katatonia and Eluveitie.
