The Pera Museum is hosting their Genç Çarşamba Konserleri (Young Wednesdays’ Concerts) the last two weeks of this month, starting September 19. Check out the groups below for some great music on the cheap.  Admission to the venue costs 10TL, with free admission for students.

Yakaza Ensemble

Yakaza Ensemble formed in 2008, and have since performed at numerous concerts through Turkey and abroad. Their latest album was produced both in Turkey and Japan, and with their notable live show being as appealing to the eyes as they are to the ears, have gained plenty of attention in recent years.

Their music is deeply dramatic and emotional, incorporating a wide variety of instruments and vocal chants to create pieces often 9 or 10 minutes in length that are cinematic in their scope. The group features Eray Düzgünsoy on Afghani rebab, guitar, vocals, and percussion, Fakih Kademoğlu on ney, shakuhachi, saxophone, saron, Ceren Erendor on cello, and Ömer Sarıgedik manning fretless bass guitar, and the groups electronics. They bring their incredibly unique sound to the Pera Cafe September 19.

Billie Not On Holiday

Composed of a group of young, international jazz artists who have made Istanbul their home, Billie Not On Holiday draw inspiration from the 1920’s and 30’s era of American jazz. The band has become a hit with the nightlife scene in Taksim, whether busking on Istiklal or giving live shows at more proper venues. No two performances are the same, with the group often switching musical styles from blues and gospel to New Orleans style jazz. Currently their lineup features Mirabelle Gilis on violin and Cyrille Allaigre on guitar, specialists of Parisian “gypsy swing,” Jack Butler on upright bass, and Hakan Bilmex on tenor sax. Catch their swinging show September 26.