This week is an especially fruitful one for nightlife-lovers here in Istanbul. Whether you want to hear a live concert at Babylon or Salon IKSV, or want to dance to sets by talented international DJs, whether you want to go out mid-week or on the weekend (or both), The Guide has got you covered. Here are four nightlife picks – two concerts and two DJs – at four of Beyoğlu’s best-known music venues, courtesy of The Guide’s editorial staff. 

St. Vincent

Traveling back and forth between indie-rock and jazz, Annie Clark, better known by her stage name St. Vincent, recorded her first album Marry Me in 2007 together with Brian Teasley (The Polyphonic Spree) and David Bowie’s pianist Mike Garson. Her second album Actors had such great reviews (including from Bowie himself) that St. Vincent’s success was assured. St. Vincent now comes to Istanbul, ready to perform her songs, including some from her latest album, last year’s Strange Mercy.

When: February 21, 9:30 PM

Where: Salon IKSV, Sadi Konuralp Caddesi No:5, Şişhane; P: (0212) 334 07 00

How much: From the venue: 35 TL, 25 TL (students). From Biletix: 39.50 TL, 28 TL (students)

Rayko

The name behind “Broadway” – listed as the number one disco piece of 2011 by Juno – talented Spanish DJ and producer Rayko is at Küçük Otto on the 23^rd!

Influenced by 70’s and 80’s disco, electro funk and rock styles, Rayko founded his own label, named “Rare Wiri,” and has worked with A-list producers like Ilija Rudman, Ichisan, Phoreski, and Marbeya Sound. Rayko is known for digging up forgotten classics from his record bins, to create stellar sets that never disappoint his fans. But don’t take our word for it – come to Küçük Otto for a great night of music with DJ Rayko.

When: February 23, 11:00 PM

Where: Küçük Otto, Şehbender Sokak No. 5/1, Asmalımescit; P: (0212) 292 70 15

How much: Free

Selah Sue

Often compared to Amy Winehouse and Adele, Selah Sue is a young talent from Belgium inspired by artists such as Erykah Badu and Lauryn Hill. Her major breakthrough followed after her collaboration with Cee Lo Green on his album The Lady Killer, and soon she was performing and major international festivals such as Lowlands, Sziget, and the North Sea Jazz Festival. Selah Sue will now perform in Turkey for the first time as part of the Garanti Caz Yeşili concerts. Don’t miss out.

When: February 23, 9:30 PM

Where: Babylon, Seyhbender Sokak No: 3, Asmalımescit; P: (0212) 292 73 68

How much: From the venue: 80 TL, 50 TL (students). From Biletix: 88.50 TL; 66.50 TL

Aeroplane

Burn Energy drink’s Electronica Days continue, this time with the infamously smooth disco Belgian DJ Aeroplane (a.k.a. Vito de Luca). Aeroplane’s 80s disco / house mixes of pop songs have already been praised by such nightlife gurus as Erol Alkan, 2manyDJs, Yuksek and Brodinsky; following the release of his 2011 compilation album In Flight Entertainment, Aeroplane’s unique cosmic disco beats are now ready to shake up Istanbul’s nightlife...you don’t want to miss this opportunity to dance in space!

When: February 24, 11:00 PM

Where: Indigo, Akarsu/Acara Sokak, Tomtom Mahallesi; P: (0212) 244 85 67

How much: From Biletix: 34 TL