Ankara Jazz Festival kicks off

ANKARA

The 12th International Ankara Jazz Festival began on May 8 with a reception hosted by U.S. Ambassador to Ankara John Bass at his residence. 

Speaking at the opening of the festival, Bass said jazz was one of the most valuable gifts the U.S. has given to the world. 

Describing Ella Fitzgerald as the queen of jazz, Bass expressed his pleasure to mark her 100th birthday in Ankara. 

Among the attendees of the reception were Hacettepe University Rector Professor Haluk Özen, Jazz Association Honorary President Gen. Ergin Celasin, Ankara Jazz Association’s founding member and Honorary President Sedat Ergin, as well as many other guests.

Until May 26, the festival will feature various artists and groups including Ayhan Sicimoğlu & Latin All Stars, İlhan Erşahin’s Istanbul Sessions, Hakan Başar, Aydın Esen & Randy K, Enrico Rava Quartet, Burak Bedikyan Trio, ENBE Orchestra Jazz Project, Mourad Benhammou & The Power Trio and Karsu. 

The festival will also host events with children, a jazz workshop, breakfast with jazz at various venues including the ATO Congresium, MEB Şura Hall, the Turkish-Japanese Foundation and Hacettepe University’s Beytepe campus.