You have been in Istanbul many times. How do you like the city? Is performing here different than performing in other cities?

It absolutely is, because there is a story behind it. We had our first international concert with Parov Stelar & Band in Istanbul, so it is absolutely an honor for us to come back and play here!

We would like to learn a bit more about Parov Stelar. Where does the name come from?

There is no big story behind it, I was searching on the net for some combination of words, which haven’t been used by anybody else so far and that sounded good. In the end, Parov Stelar was the result and I hope you like it.

Austria is known for its great classical musicians. Where did the inspiration for making electro-swing music come from?

Since my start as a DJ, there have been a lot of different musicians and genres that influenced me as a person and also my career as a musician. So it is important for me to try new styles, I think it would be boring to always do the same thing.

I do not really think that there is a direct connection with Austria in terms of my influences. I don’t think you can categorize music, because the word “music” is something universal, which is independent of age, sex, or origin. Overall, the most important thing for me is to transmit emotions.

Which artists have influenced your music the most?

There are a lot of different influences, if I had to point some out of them they would be: Jeff Parker, Portishead, and Muse.

What got you started as a DJ? Were there any specific artists or moments that drove you to engage with electronic music?

It happened more or less by accident. I worked as a graphic artist and I designed some flyers for techno events and clubs and finally had the chance to get involved with the music scene step-by-step, starting with some production trials.

Recently you have transitioned from DJing to performing live as a band. How was that transition? What drove you to include live musicians on your set?

It was not really a decision, more of a process. At the beginning of my music career I started on my own. By traveling around, playing concerts and working with different people, I got in touch with a lot of interesting and talented artists. So finally I “found” the right people to form a band with, so it was basically more a logical process to invent the “Parov Stelar Band”, than a decision.

What’s your favorite part about playing with a live band?

Playing live shows is generally the best way to pass on the feeling and power of our music to our fans, because live shows include a kind of “live experience,” and the exciting fact is that on stage, there is just one chance to play a song in its best quality.

What do you always carry with you when you are on the road?

My iPhone and my band.

Tell us a little about your new album, The Princess? How is it different from your previous albums?

All of my albums have a certain connection with each other of course, but it is not like you can say that this is “Godfather, Part 3” or anything like that. It is natural for an artist to produce something new on the next record, but it’s also important to ensure that the artist’s style and handwriting is easily recognizable on a new piece.

One very important difference is that it took me a lot longer to finish, or I rather gave myself more time to finish it, than the albums before. Two and a half years to be exact. It was originally planned for the album to be released much earlier, but this time I decided to wait long enough until I could happily and confidently say: “Now I am finished”. “The Princess” is less experimental than “Shine” or “Seven and Storm.” It is important that the different stages in my life and the experiences, which I have been through, are recognizable in my songs. This is why there are so many different influences and approaches on this album.

You’ve also established your own record label (Etage Noir) and work as a producer. Can you tell us a little about the Etage Noir experience.

Not “only” being a musician but also having your own label is a lot of responsibility. But of course the most positive effect is that I am my own boss and can decide, which kind of music I’d like to release and when I’d like to produce a new album. But it would not be possible without having a lot of people who know how to work independently and take responsibility for all the decisions during the time I am away for business meetings or touring. So I am more than grateful to have the right co-workers that help me be the artist Parov Stelar and also the owner of the label Etage Noir recordings.

It is also great to give other bands the possibility to do their own music, play shows, and produce songs. There are so many great artists, just to point some of them out, you should listen so some songs of A-G Trio or La Rochelle. We also show our great support for DJs like Pat Poree or Alex Ryba, we love to take them with us on tour.

If you were on a deserted island and you could bring five records with you, what would you bring?

Daft Punk - Homework

Portishead - Dummy

Moby - Play

Jeff Parker - Triple Best

Muse - The Resistance

What should your Istanbul fans look forward to in your performance on the 26th of May? What will the set include?

They can expect an amazing live show where we will present our new album “The Princess.” So do not forget to wear your dancing shoes and be ready for some blisters while you enjoy yourself. The concert will be the time for people to stop thinking about problems of the following day and just have a good time with good music and a great atmosphere. We are looking forward having a great party all together.

The Happy Hour concept is a foreign-inspired theme and has just begun to take part in the city’s nightlife scene. As such, we did the research for you and found bars, cafes, and restaurants that host the Happy Hour crowd:

Bej Kahve

We don’t have to say much about Bej Kahve’s Saturday Happy Hour party, because the entire Karaköy neighborhood is witness to the boisterous exclamation of its crowd. The party takes place from 5-9pm and features house music and a full list of cocktails, including favorites such as the margarita and the vodka martini made with thyme. Kemankeş Caddesi Fransız Geçidi No.11, Karaköy; P: (0212) 251 71 95

Tag Cafe

Another neighborhood outside-drinking-parade, Tag Cafe features a Happy Hour every day (except Fridays and Saturdays) from 5-7pm with a 20\% discount on all drinks. Make sure to drop by Friday and Saturday nights as well, even if there is no discount, the party goes on until the morning hours. İstiklal Caddesi Postacılar Sokak No.1/A, Beyoğlu; P: (0212) 243 68 62

Cento per Cento

Every Saturday beginning at 4pm the Happy Hour begins at Cento per Cento with local and international party music and a new addition to the cocktail list such as Passion Vodka made with passion fruit (as the name implies). Abdi Ipekci Caddesi, Zati Apartmani, No:36, Nişantaşı; P: 0212 2326202

Den Cafe

Another Nişantaşı spot, Den Cafe offers an Aperitivo event every Thursday from 6-9pm with music, delicious cocktails, and a free hors deuvres buffet. Make sure to grab a seat outside to enjoy the end of another day with a drink in your hand. Mim Kemal Öke Caddesi No. 1/D, Nişantaşı; P: (0212) 224 24 70

Kiki

Kiki offers both Aperitivo and Happy Hour under one roof (and garden). Every Monday and Wednesday the slightly claustrophobic nighttime hipster hideout offers a Happy Hour from 7-9pm with 50\% off all drinks. Tuesday and Thursday means Aperitivo from 7-9pm with a free open buffet of hot and cold tapas. Siraselviler Caddesi No:42, Cihangir; P: (0212) 243 53 73

Dai Pera

Every day between 5-8pm, Dai Pera offers a 20\% discount on all their alcoholic beverages, including homemade cocktails like red or white Sangria, Caipiroska, and Apple Martini among many others. Make sure to not tumble down the slightly steep descending cobblestone street, where the bar is located, on your way out. Yeni Çarşı Caddesi 54, Galatasaray; P: (0212) 252 8099

The concert craze takes off with none other than Madonna, who’ll take the Türk Telekon Arena stage on 7 June. Unfortunately, tickets are sold out, so if you haven’t already bought yours, your best bet is to head to the arena on the day of the concert and see if you’re lucky enough to find a ticket at the door.

Things get going for indie lovers on 28 June with the Küçükçiftlik performance of Metronomy and Two Doors Cinema Club. In June, the Istanbul Jazz Festival takes off with some incredible names, especially the very cool Canadian indie rock band The Dears on 12 July at Istanbul Modern and the Grammy-winning Erykah Badu on 13 July at Cemil Topuzlu Açıkhava Sahnesi.

Possibly the most exciting concert of the summer is Morrisey on 19 July at at Cemil Topuzlu Açıkhava Sahnesi. He’ll surely mesmerize the audience with his dynamic voice and stage performance.

This year’s Efes Pilsen One Love Festival, taking place from 14-15 July, will feature Pulp, Kimbra, and Selah Sue. Pulp will bring 90s Brit-pop to the present, while New Zealand sensation Kimbra’s mix of neo-soul and dance music and Selah Sue’s reggae and soul beats will get the Istanbul audience ready for the summer.

Come fall, the Canadian songwriter, poet, and novelist Leonard Cohen, who is the brain behind the uber-covered ultra-emotional song "Hallelujah" will be back in Istanbul on 19 September at Ülker Sports Arena.After the Canadian music genius, the sensational indie band Beirut, most famous for their song “Nantes,” will take the Turkcell Kuruşçeşme Arena stage on 21 September for a night of Balkan-inspired upbeat songs.

Nuteras opens the last week of April, meaning that the weather is finally reaching amenable temperatures. Mixed with a slight bitterness that Nupera (composed of 67, LilBitz and Auf) must close for that to occur, the terrace is a welcome escape from a common ground-floor-existence. Like most trendy bars in the city, Nuteras is also a restaurant, with a menu that combines the international and Turkish.

After a certain hour the tables begin to disappear, allowing for standing and dancing space, and the volume of the music begins to creep to high levels. This is the time when the first brave soul makes his or her way to the top of the glass dance floor to break the seal of immovability. The full bar offers whatever cocktail your mind might conjure, but the recommended Rose Mojito, made of white wine, red wine, Absolut vanilla, lime, and mint,is a worthy palatal endeavor. Meşrutiyet Caddesi No. 67/1; P: 212 245 60 70

A wise wine expert once said that the only truth behind the art of tasting and enjoying wine was to trust one’s palate and therefore believe in its judgment and preferences. If this means that you will have to call a$2,000 bottle a perfect specimen of garbage juice, then so be it.

This advice came to mind, while the cork from a bottle of Gülor’s Malbec Öküzgözü, only one from among many bottles on display at Solera Wine Bar in Galatasaray, slowly slid out of the narrow space of its bottle neck, allowing the compressed to dissipate. The owner of the space, Süleyman Er, looked on as the first and most decisive sip was taken, with the tips of three fingers directing the glass forward and up, allowing for the inevitable reaction between crimson liquid and palate to occur. The reaction was extremely positive.

Er continued to pour, something he has done many times, with a past in the restaurant wine serving business and an interest in wine that took him all the way to the vineyards of South America for self-initiated research. Now, as the owner of Solera, Er’s passion for the grape has turned into a small and consequently intimate space decorated with a giant print of wine grapes on one wall and black and white photography, from one of his trips to Katmandu, on the other. Shelves display an array of bottles, both domestic and international, brought in from independent boutiques, among others. Shiraz, Malbec, Öküzgözü, Boğazkere, Merlot goes the list and up to a variety above an impressive number of 1100.

Apart from the wine, a light menu of cold appetizers is served, and if you choose to take your wine home, a 25\\\\% discount is automatically presented, since the bar is also a small wine shop. The photos also happen to be on sale for those interested, while the collection of other photographers are put up for sale intermittently.

Whether you are a wine enthusiast or not, Solera offers a place to have a conversation without interruption, before or after a night out. And if you need some advice about which bottle to open, Er will surely show you the way. Yeniçarşı Caddesi No.4; P: (0212) 252 27 19

Ulus29: While the restaurant of Ulus29 is a distracting venture in terms of trying to concentrate on the person sitting across from you, when Istanbul’s most attractive are all around, the lounge is a worthy alternative. An upscale feel is accompanied by the lights of the Bosphorus bridge that change color outside the open windows of the glass chandelier festooned space inside. Allow another well made drink to lubricate that conversation you are having, and maybe on the balcony overlooking the water, the combination of everything good will make you want to say a little more than you intended. A. Adnan Saygun Caddesi Ulus Parkı İçi; P: (0212) 358 29 29

X Restaurant and Bar: When you take the elevator up from the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (IKSV) building, a dance of mirrors outside the elevator glass weaves in and out making you wonder where it is you’re going to exactly. Yet with the opening of doors, an almost hidden venue is revealed, where the lights are low to allow Istanbul’s night to enter and reflect off the alcohol bottles awaiting to be handled and tipped into glasses. While also offering a dinner menu, the later hours at X Restaurant and Bar continue with a relaxing atmosphere that allow couples to fold their legs into one another and find shelter upon the swivel chairs by the bar. The balcony is also a step away with a large space to enjoy a liberating view, a cigarette, or the increasing temperatures of an oncoming spring. IKVS Deniz Palas Sadi Konuralp Caddesi No: 5; P: (0212) 334 08 45

Mikla: If you haven’t eaten dinner at Mikla yet, you should, but if you take a right from the entrance and continue to walk you will once again find yourself in a bar and beautiful view symposium, where soft lounge music not only allows but beckons conversation. Walk out to the balcony where, above the rooftops of residences, the rest of the city and its people traverse vociferously, while the water glides by undisturbed. The Marmara Pera, Meşrutiyet Caddesi 167/185; P: (0212) 293 56 56

Leb-i Derya: The outside of Leb-i Derya looks like the entrance to another apartment building unevenly placed on the cobblestone streets near Tünel. Yet once you make it up the winding stairs, the restaurant and its bar arrive like a relief with a mural of Istanbul at night in the background of chattering tables and the full bar. The feel of walking into someone’s fantastic rooftop loft will continue by the bar, where you can begin or end the evening, sipping your drink and stealing glances, between words spoken, at Istanbul’s historical sights illuminated for recognition. Kumbaracı Yokuşu No. 57/6; P: (0212) 293 49 89

Whatever the answers to those vital questions may be, this year will be the time to simmer in past memories, with Istanbul concerts taking place in July and September.

Guns N’Roses have been confirmed to perform July 6^th but the details are still under wraps so keep up with our Agenda to be informed of the updates.

Chris de Burgh, most famous for his hit “Lady in Red,” will be performing July 10^th at Küçükçiftlik Park.

Megadeth will be on stage July 19^th at Küçükçiftlik Park with front row standing tickets already sold out.

The Red Hot Chili Peppers will be performing September 8^th at Santral Istanbul. Tickets are unavailable at the moment, but check up in our Agenda for updated information.

The Retro Jets, a Turkish rock ensemble composed of three young musicians, started the night enthusiastically, to a comic degree, with a set reminiscent of the original punk rock sound of The Stooges and The New York Dolls. At times the sound began to slide into White Stripes and Arctic Monkeys territory, yet what was truly monumental was the energy exuded onstage that gave the crowd no other option but to dance, increasing the mass energy for the main act: the Kill It Kid.

The band came on stage with raw power and presence playing songs from both their albums Kill it Kid and Feet Fall Heavy. Using tracks from famous blues artists and legendary activist Alan Lomax, they managed to bring the feeling of the Mississippi Delta to Istanbul. The powerful vocals of both Christopher Turpin and Stephanie Ward broke the pretension that has characterized much of the Gospel and Blues revival in the UK, putting them center stage with the tremor of Marc Jones beating on the drums and the discreet but assertive Dom Kozubik on the bass.

After presenting new songs that got the crowd clapping and dancing along, technical difficulties rendered the show unfulfilled as some of the band’s equipment simply stopped working. Anxiously waiting for an encore the crowd clapped and screamed as the band left, worried the concert was going to end on a bad note. But the power of blues and its improvisational capacity came forward and the band returned with just a guitar and the voices of both singers. With a good sense of humor they performed an encore that would close the night's performance in a very personal and emotional fashion for it was the band's last concert from their European tour.

The 31^st Istanbul Film Festival, hosted by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (IKSV),is about to begin (only 2 days left). By now, you’ve probably got your tickets or you’re still in the process of picking your films (take a look at our festival piece here for some help on this).

Most festival-goers will want to make a night of their night at the movies. If you’re one of them, take a look at our suggestions for places to go for drinks and party. We highly recommend you get something to eat beforehand though (see our Restaurants Guide for the film festival).

<div class="detail_extra_cont fr" style="font-size: 12px !important;">Festival Locations

This year, the festival will be held at the following cinemas, museums and cultural centers: Atlas Cinema, AFM Fitaş, Beyoğlu Cinema, Citylife, Rexx Cinema in Kadıköy, the Pera Museum, Salon IKSV, and Akbank Sanat.</div>

Around İstiklal

Beer and funky house at Balkon:Located right by Küçük Otto, Balkon is a cozy bar with a nice atmosphere to have a chat over a bottle of beer with funky house and the oldies playing in the background. Asmalımescit Mahallesi Şehbender Sokak No.5 K.6, Tünel; P: (0212) 293 20 52

Cocktails at Leb-i Derya:An upscale venue that attracts Istanbulites as well as tourists, Leb-i Derya is a romantic spot that offers fantastic views of the Golden Horn and parts of the Old City. We highly suggest the tiramisu martini for those with a sweet tooth. Kumbaracı Yokuşu No. 57/6, Tünel; P: (0212) 293 49 89

Shots or cocktails at Parantez:Parantez is a tiny bar located on Jurnal Sokak across from Babylon Lounge. It’s a casual spot frequented by locals as well as tourists. If you want a glass of something delicious, go for the Orman Cini, made with rum, fresh green apple juice, and cinnamon. The rim of the glass is lined with cinnamon and it is served with a slice of green apple. You can get it as a cocktail or a shot, depending on how fast you want to get tipsy. Asmalımescit Mahallesi Sofyalı Jurnal Sokak No. 1, Asmalımescit; P: (0212) 245 75 13

Deep house and minimal techno at Küçük Otto:A legendary Istanbul bar flocked by its frequenters and tourists and a local favorite for late night dancing in Asmalımescit, Küçük Otto is a small bar that tends to get quite crowded. Here, we suggest you indulge in a few shots: the Gelincik Shot made with corn poppy sauce, lime, and vodka; Sakız Shot made with mastic, milk, and vodka; and Kiss my Otto, made with cinnamon, orange juice, lime, and vodka.

Shots at Tektekçi:Istanbul’s first shot bar, Tektekçi is one of the most popular venues in Beyoğlu these days. This small bar gets quite crowded, overflowing with fearless dancers who can see the bottom of several shot glasses in less than minutes. Here, you’ll find a wide variety of interesting shot combinations, from the sweet to the sour, to the spicy to the sweet-and-sour. (For a full review of Tektekçi, click here.) Tomtom Mahallesi Akarsu Sokak No.2/1, Beyoğlu; P: (0533) 774 74 60

Around Pera/Şişhane

Beer at North Shield Pub:The North Shield Pub serves as a great spot for those who want a true pub feel. Here, you’ll find a variety of imported beer, such as Leffe and Germany’s Historical Brewery Tavern Schlenkerl’s Aecht Schlenkerla Eiche (a smoky beer that tastes just like bacon). Palazzo Donizetti Hotel Entrance, Asmalı Mescit Mahallesi Meşrutiyet Caddesi No.55, Asmalımescit; P: (0212) 243 15 23

Wine or cocktails at Baylo: Baylo is a great spot in Şişhane for enjoying a glass (or bottle) of wine by the bar, or sipping a delicious green apple martini by the cozy outdoor seating area.Asmalımescit Mahallesi Meşrutiyet Caddesi No.107A,Beyoğlu; P: (0212) 243 60 18

Cocktails at Gozo:A relatively new addition to the area, Gozo is a good option for cocktails. Meşrutiyet Caddesi No.94, Şişhane; P: (0212) 251 53 14

Cocktails at Bird:Bird is one of the most popular places in Şişhane, attracting a steady crowd especially on weekends. If you’re after a good cocktail, we suggest you try the Bird Mojito. If you’re after something hardcore, try the Flatliner shot, made with tequila (reposado), sambuca (Italian liqueur), and 3 drops of Tabasco.Meşrutiyet Caddesi No. 103, Şişhane; P: (0212) 245 70 85

Around Nişantaşı

Chill out at Biber:Unwind with a glass of your favorite drink accompanied by chillout and downtempo music at Nişantaşı’s coolest neighborhood bar Biber. Abdi İpekçi Caddesi No. 36, Nişantaşı; P: (0212) 231 41 06

Beer and Turkish rock at Corridor:Located in Nişantaşı’s Milli Reasürans Çarşısı, Corridor’s cozy and laid-back atmosphere attracts a steady stream of frequenters, especially on Tuesday nights for a bottle of beer and the most popular Turkish rock pieces. Milli Reasürans Arcade No.57, Nişantaşı; P: (0212) 343 02 41

Around Kadıköy

Beer at Karga:Karga is an unpretentious bar where the grunge set of the Asian side come out to party. This local favorite offers cheap drinks, loud music, and avant-garde art on the walls. Kadife Sokak No. 16, Kadıköy; P: (0216) 449 17 25

Shots or beer at Arkaoda:A cozy bar frequented by expats, tourists, and Kadıköy locals, Arkaoda is one of the highlights of nightlife on the Asian Side. If you’re up for something strong, try the 3 Maymun shot there. This shot carries a kind of urban legend status. It was created in 1999 by the Arkaoda bartender Deniz Özüer. The ingredients are kept confidential but we know that there’ll be lots of burning in the throat. If you’re ready for what lies ahead, go for it! Kadife Sokak No. 18/A, Kadıköy; P: (0216) 418 02 77

DJ Martin Dawson has been rising in fame since the release of his first solo album in 2009 and his work with such important labels as Crosstown Rebels, Get Physical, and 2020vision. Dawson, whose album was nominated as best of the year by DJMag, not only produces music but also enjoys performing on his own and has participated in festivals all over the world. Now the DJ, who has won the support of such renowned DJs as Laurent Garnier and Tiefschwarz, will spin away for the Istanbul crowd.

When: March 24, 11pm

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

How much: From Biletix: 28.50 TL, 23.50 TL (student)

Burn Dubstep Series: Hatcha featuring MC Crazy D

DJ Hatch, a British DJ who has been a pioneer in introducing sets cut to 10”, and who has collaborated with other South London producers like Benga and Skream, will be playing at Babylon as part of the Burn Dubstep Series. From the streets of South London, MC Crazy D, the “Dread Poet of Dubstep,” will accompany DJ Hatcha in his performance.

There will be a warmup by two bassheads from Istanbul, MC Chellyfish and Nk6, who together have been pushing the Istanbul Dubstep scene with their Re-Spectralize events.

When: March 24, 11:30pm

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

How much: From the venue: 35 TL; 25 TL (students). From Biletix: 39 TL

Jonny Rock

All the way from Britain is the old school DJ Jonny Rock who will spin the best of soul, funk, disco and house together to shake up the dance floor and bring the boogie back to town!

When: March 24, 11:45pm

Where: MiniMüzikhol, Sıraselviler Caddesi Soğancı Sokak No:7 D:1, Cihangir

DearHead

The female DJ duo composed of Bengi Ünsal and Evrim Tüfekçioğlu will be playing at Küçük Otto tonight. Based in Istanbul and Berlin since 2009, Ünsal and Tüfekçioğlu have played at numerous clubs, bars and festivals, displaying their talent with mixes and original tracks of chill deep house and good danceable electro. A touch of sophistication gives their performances that extra something that makes them worth checking out.

When: March 28, 11pm

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

How much: Free

Booka Shade DJ Set

With four albums released and a presence in the international club scene, the German House duo Booka Shade will bring their fresh genre of techno mixed with vocal and synth sounds to Istanbul. Get ready to dance all night.

When: March 30, 10pm

Where: Otto Santral, Santralistanbul, Eski Silahtarağa Elektrik Santrali Kazım Karabekir Caddesi No. 1, Eyüp; P:(0212) 427 18 89

How much:FromBiletix: 49 TL

Alexis Taylor “Hot Chip” & Justus Köhncke

Alexis Taylor, one half of the successful indie / electronic duo Hot Chip, has teamed up with German disco / house producer and DJ Justus Köhncke for a brand-new live project. Their first single, “Sorry,” was featured on the album Kitsuné Maison Compilation 10: The Firework’s Issue.

Tonight, Taylor will perform on vocals and synthesizer, with Köhncke performing a great DJ set. The night will begin at 10:30 with a warmup by Mr. Sur, followed by DearHead at 11:30; Taylor and Köhncke will come on stage at 12:30, with DearHead hosting the after party.

When: March 31, 10:30pm

Where: Ghetto, Kamer Hatun Caddesi No.10, Beyoğlu; P: (0212) 251 75 01

How much: From the venue: 35 TL; 30 TL (students); From Biletix: 39.50 TL; 34.50 TL (students)

Erol Alkan

Burn Energy drink’s Electronica Days continue with no one other than the London based lord of electro music, master of the decks; Erol Alkan.

Erol Alkan started playing gigs at the tender young age of 12, invented and re-invented so many styles and genres, influencing many of the DJ’s we have come to love today. In his early twenties he founded Trash night in London, pioneered mash-ups and made the alternative club culture just as well-respected as dance club culture. After a decade of an ever-growing phenomenon, the London Trash nights ended, but Erol’s sizzling beats and bass lines continue to conquer souls around the world and tonight it’s time for the Istanbulites to give in and surrender to his mesmerizing DJ sets.

When: March 31, 11pm

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

How much: From Biletix: 45 TL

Best Places to Drink Beer in Istanbul

The North Shield Pub: The North Shield Pub has numerous locations around Istanbul (as well as Turkey) and serves as a great spot for those who really want a true pub feel. It is an obvious favorite among tourists (specifically the Sultanahmet branch) and expats (especially the Asmalımescit branch). Here, you’ll find a variety of imported craft beer (beer brewed by small independant breweries) such as Brooklyn Lager and Brooklyn Brown Ale by the famous Brooklyn Brewery. Germany’s Historical Brewery Tavern Schlenkerl’s Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier (a strong, dark, aromatic beer) and Aecht Schlenkerla Eiche (a smoky beer produced only during Christmas time) can be found here, as well as Germany’s wheat beer brewery Schneider Brewery’s beers. If you want a full-bodied, well-balanced beer, go for the Schneider Weisse Unser Aventinus (a kind of beer that’s been in production since 1907). If you’d rather taste what German wheat beer tasted like in the 19^th century, go for the Schneider Weisse Original. Palazzo Donizetti Hotel Entrance, Asmalı Mescit Mahallesi Meşrutiyet Caddesi No.55, Asmalımescit; P: (0212) 243 15 23. For other locations, click here.

U2 Istanbul Irish Pub: A particularly small pub that is often raved about for its cozy atmosphere by its frequenters who love going there to drink Guinness. There are over 50 beer varieties here including Brooklyn Brown Ale, Amstel, Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier, Schneider Weisse Original, and Beck’s. There is also an Irish band plays every night. İstiklal Caddesi, Bekar Sokak No: 21, Beyoğlu; P: (0212) 243 40 45

Taps: Taps is Turkey’s first brewpub, and is still one of the only pubs in Istanbul to make craft beer. This makes it especially attractive for tourists and expats who are big fans of microbrewery. The pub’s location is also a huge plus. Where else in the world can you sip craft beer while looking at the fantastic view of the Bosphorus?

Once you get to Taps, look through the Taps Craft Beer Guide on the back of the menu where you can read through the various kinds craft beer on offer and take your pick. There are approximately 20 kinds (of which only 4 or 5 are available depending on the season), with a range of Lager, Ale, Wheat beer, Stout, Dark, and more. In addition to Taps’s own craft beers, you’ll find a variety of bottled beer, such as Amstel, Amstel Light, Budweiser, Heineken, Corona, and Apoftel Brau. Music gets going after 10pm, with playlists of popular songs. Cevdet Paşa Caddesi No. 119, Bebek; P: (0212) 263 87 00

Bi Buçuk: Not necessarily a pub per se, but a favorite spot for drinking beer for locals. Bi Buçuk is famed for its chicken wings, and the majority of its frequenters go there simply for that: a bucket of wings, a bowl of French fries, and lots and lots of beer. Here, you’ll find a varied beer list that includes Efes and Bomonti on draft, as well as Corona, Budweiser, Heineken, and Schlenkerla. As for the music, top hits of the 90s will be playing in the background. Süslü Saksı Sokak No. 14-18, Beyoğlu; P: (0212) 244 70 10

Arkaoda: A favorite spot on the Asian Side among locals as well as tourists and expats, Arkaodacan’t really be classified as a pub but it sure is a bar where beer is consumed in large quantities. You won’t find a wide variety of beer (only Heineken, Budweiser, and Corona under imported beers) and most Efes varities. Kadife Sokak No. 18/A, Kadıköy; P: (0216) 418 02 77

Balkon: Located right by Küçük Otto, Balkon is a cozy bar with a nice atmosphere to have a chat over a beer with friends. Efes, Budweiser, Corona are what you’ll find on their humble beer menu. Asmalımescit Mahallesi Şehbender Sokak No.5 K.6, Tünel; P: (0212) 293 20 52

Ritim Bar: Ritim Bar is a meeting spot for Istanbul’s expats. You’ll hear a variety of languages spoken over many glasses of beer here. Istiklal Caddesi, Nevizade Mevkii Balık Pazarı Sahne Sokak No.20, Taksim; P: (0212) 249 02 52

Karga: Different kinds of music is played each night of the week at Karga, a favorite Asian Side spot. Here, you’ll find Tuborg and Guinness on draft, and Leffe, Carlsberg, and Corona bottled. Kadife Sokak No. 16, Kadıköy; P: (0216) 449 17 25

Belfast: A typical Irish pub located on the Asian Side, Belfast is a great spot for, well, drinking beer. They have Carlsberg, Guinness, and Tuborg on draft as well as Leffe Brown, Leffe Blonde, Amstel, Beck’s, Bomonti, Heineken, Miller, Germania, Corona, Taps Kölsch, Taps Red Ale, Efes Dark, and Efes Brown bottled. You won’t hear any Turkish songs but the best of the 80s and 90s and sometimes Irish picks. Caferağa Mahallesi, Dr. Esat Işık Caddesi, No 28/1, Kadıköy; P: (0216) 418 97 06

Sultan Pub: A classic spot for tourists looking for a home away from home on their Istanbul trip, Sultan Pub is a typical pub that offers a fantastic view of the Old City with prices to match. Divanyolu Caddesi. No: 2, Sultanahmet; P: (0212) 528 17 19

James Joyce Irish Pub: A pub that receives mixed reviews but is nonetheless flocked to by expats for a beer or two, especially when celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. Here, you’ll find hard-to-find beers like Hoegaadren (orange-flavored wheat beer on draft), Leffe Brown (bottle) and Leffe Blonde (bottle), Guinness (draft), Tuborg, and Carlsberg. They also have cider. İstiklal Caddesi Balo Sok.No:26,Beyoğlu; P: (0212) 24479 73

Turks and Beer

Everybody knows that rakı is the Turk’s drink. No songs or poems have been written in the name of beer, but Turks do consume beer as well, even if there isn't such a strong culture attached to it. Efes Pilsen is the most widespread and world-famous Turkish beer brand, which has been around since 1969 and is found pretty much wherever you go. Efes beers are all Lager, and varieties such as light and dark are available. They also have a non-alcoholic beer, which tastes quite good. Interestingly enough, Tuborg, another Turkish beer brand that produces malt beer, seems to be the brand of choice for those living on the Asian Side.

Beer Dictionary

For the beer-illiterate, here a few terms that will make your life easier and make you sound all the wiser at the pub:

On draft/tap/draught: Simply means beer that is poured into a glass from a keg.

Ale: Rich, flavorful, complex. A type of beer often described as fruity and hearty, made from top-fermenting yeast. Varieties include brown, pale, mild. Leffe is a popular example.

Lager: Crisp, clean, refreshing. This is the most widely-available beer made of bottom-fermenting yeast. Corona, Heineken, Efes, Budweiser, Carlsberg are all Lager.

Wheat beer: Light-colored, top-fermenting beer. Schneider Weisse, Hoegaadren, and Gusto are examples.

Stout: A type of dark beer made with roasted malt or barley. They are easy to spot because their color is quite dark. They have strong flavors. A very popular example is Guinness.

What to watch out for when drinking beer

If you’re after a night of heavy beer-drinking in a cheap bar, it’s highly suggested you go for bottled beer instead of draft because drinking draft carries the risk of having a glass of a very watered-down version of what you ordered. So it’s best to pay the few extra bucks and get the bottled one.

What about drinking beer at a restaurant?

Most restaurants carry Efes, and a few additional locales import varieties like Heineken, Budweiser, and Corona. But if you’re a serious beer-drinker, your best bet is one of the pubs listed above.

Beer and French Fries

It doesn’t get better than a glass of cold beer and a bowl of French fries to just relax and forget about the world. House Café in Ortaköy (overlooking over the Bosphorus) or at NumNum (especially in the Kanyon branch) are great places to do this.

İstiklal Caddesi: This long pedestrian road is always filled with people – from all walks of life, all tastes of music, and all sorts of passports. And the bars that line this street offer an equally diverse mix. There are also the side streets that branch out of the main Beyoğlu vessel, doubling the amount of options available.

If you’re an expat who wants to mingle with other expats, or if you’re a local who wants to feel as if you’re on vacation dancing the night away with foreigners, check out Araf (a live-music venue where you can dance to anything from Rebetiko to Anatolian Rock), Ritim Bar for a few reasonably-priced drinks, Live Haymatlos for good-quality independent music, and Nayah if you’re after Reggae.

In addition to these budget hangouts that are filled with travelers and expats, there are also more upscale venues that are attractive to both the Istanbulite and the seasoned traveler. There’s Leb-i Derya that offers fantastic views of the Golden Horn. This is a romantic spot that attracts couples a lot, so beware. There is also 360istanbul, famous for its unrivaled views of Istanbul.

Many 20-30 year-old Istanbulites meet up in TomTom Sokak, which can be best described as an open mall only with bars instead of shops. Possibly the most popular venue here is Tektekçi, a shot bar that is the ideal place to, well, get wasted by drinking really tasty shots. It has to be said, although the concept of Tektekçi is to warm up for a long night out, the music is so good that many end up spending the majority of their night there. If you like to dance to a mix of upbeat songs – anything from Adele and Lily Allen to the golden oldies like “Let’s Twist Again” - you may have to cancel your post-Tektekçi plans.

TomTom is also home to live music venue Indigo andIndigo Loungewhere you can continue your dancing after several Tektekçi shots, Alt. (for a night of jazz), and We for a slightly more tuned down night of drinking.

Şişhane: The other legendary concert venue,Salon IKSV,which brings together different performance styles under one roof, is situated in Şişhane, where a number of chic bars that last until around 2am are located. Bird takes the lead here as the hotspot that attracts the young and the sexy, followed by Baylo, which attracts a mainly 40+ crowd who knows how to have fun. There is also Gozo for cocktails, as well asRook (which attracts a considerably younger crowd) and GoodMoodPera. All these are decent options to give the night a start, but the night really gets going once Şişhane bars are left behind for barhopping in Asmalımescit.

Asmalımescit/Tünel: Everybody knows Tünel – it’s where the nostalgic tram stops at the end of İstiklal Caddesi and it’s where the world’s second oldest underground railway is located. Summer or winter, this square always serves as a meeting point. After the no-tables-and-chairs ban, Tünel’s character did change a bit – some argue for the better, some argue for the worse. Nonetheless, Tünel and Asmalımescit (which is possibly 100 steps away from Tünel) are as lively as ever – even on the coldest of winter nights.

Lokal is the basically what defines nightlife in Tünel. Located right at the square, this multi-storied, multi-genred local favorite provides answers to many crucial nightlife questions: where to mingle with the locals and where to dance all night long. You’ll find different music on different floors, from pop to house. But the best time to really enjoy this place is during summer when the entrance is filled with groups of people drinking and mingling, and passersby, who are unable to help themselves, joining in.

A similar situation is evident on Şehbender Sokak in Asmalımescit. This is the street where Istanbul’s legendary concert venue Babylon is located. There is a concert or a party going on almost every night of the week here (except during the summer months when the venue is closed and moves to its summer location in Çeşme). Pre-concert meet ups, cigarette breaks throughout the concert, and post-concert gatherings turn this street into a street party. Few steps down is where Küçük Otto, another legendary Istanbul bar, is located. Regardless of the weather, crowds flock to this tiny bar, with the party bustling both indoors and outdoors by the street. Many people just pass through there even if they don’t intend on going to Otto simply because the street is always filled with someone they know that they haven’t seen in a while.

Many Otto-goers also stop by Parantez at some point in the night for shots, an end-of-the-night beer, or just to hang out. This similarly tiny bar is located on Jurnal Sokak (parallel to Şehbender) where Babylon Lounge is located. There is also Faces on the way between Babylon and Babylon Lounge where you’ll find a considerable crowd dancing until the wee hours on a weeknight.

Another very popular bar that probably marks the transition from Asmalımescit to Pera is Off Pera. This tiny bar is filled with locals and the occasional traveler who enjoys a mix of Turkish pop, Turkish rock, and popular dance songs.

Pera: Pera has a bunch of clubs (mainly playing Turkish pop). Possibly, the only club here that makes Pera a great area for nightlife is Nupera. During winter, Nupera is a combination of three distinctively-conceptualized restaurants (Auf, LilBitz, and 67) that transform into nightclubs after midnight. During summer, the entertainment moves up to the rooftop restaurant/club called Nuteras, which is famous for its exceptional views of the old city as well as its hip and young crowd. During winter, you can bar-hop without putting your jacket on, dancing to funky house, electro, 80s and 90s, and popular dance songs.

Cihangir:Cihangir is where most people go for late-night partying. There are two very popular places in Cihangir. One of them is Kiki, which gets going around 2am, and the other one is MiniMüzikhol, which is at its peak at 4am when the crowds in Asmalımescit flock to Cihangir. Both places tend to get very crowded with Istanbul’s hipsters. If you’re after minimal techno, house, funk, and disco, and don’t mind being squished, then do give these places a try.

Delicatessen:Take a couple of friends with you and enjoy the pomegranate martini here.Mim Kemal Öke Caddesi No.19/1,Nişantaşı; P: (0212) 225 06 04

Le Fumoir:Head to Galata’s hotspot and enjoy a glass of champagne at the bar. If you’re after something sweet, definitely go for the chocolate mousse that is oh so good! Serdar-I Ekrem Sokak No.24, Galata; P: (0212) 244 24 2

Bird:Head to thisŞişhaneclassic and enjoy a glass (or two) of Bird Mojito made with pomegranate juice. If you’re hungry, we suggest you nibble on guacamole with shrimp. Meşrutiyet Caddesi No. 103,Şişhane; P: (0212) 245 70 85

Biber:The meeting point of the stylish Nişantaşıcrowd, Biber is a great bar to hang out for a few hours listening to the best of the oldies and drinking whatever suits your mood. Abdi İpekçi Caddesi No. 36,Nişantaşı; P: (0212) 231 41 06

Baylo:If you want a tête-à-tête, head to Baylo and enjoy the charcuterie plate with a glass (or bottle) of wine. Make sure you try the delicious green apple martini afterwards! Asmalımescit Mahallesi Meşrutiyet Caddesi No.107A,Beyoğlu; P: (0212) 243 60 18

3 Maymun at Arkoada:3 maymun means 3 monkeys, and this shot carries a kind of urban legend status. It was created in 1999 by the Arkaoda bartender Deniz Özüer. The ingredients are kept confidential but we know that there’ll be lots of burning in the throat. If you’re ready for what lies ahead, go for it!

Flatliner Shot at Bird:Even the name scares us. It’s made with tequila (reposado), sambuca (Italian liqueur), and 3 drops of Tabasco.

Sakızlı Vodka at Kiki:This shot translates as mastic vodka, and is made with mastic and absolute vanilla. If you have a sweet tooth, give it a try.

Orman Cini at Parantez: Roughly translated as the genie of the forest, this shot is made with rum, fresh green apple juice, and cinnamon. The rim of the glass is lined with cinnamon and is served with a slice of green apple.Be careful, it’s too yummy to stop drinking.

Gelincik Shot at Küçük Otto: Corn poppy sauce, lime, and vodka. Yum! (We know the article is titled 5 Bars, 5 Shots but here are two more from Küçük Otto: Sakız Shot, made with mastic, milk, and vodka, and Kiss my Otto, made with cinnamon, orange juice, lime, and vodka.)

Arkaoda, Kadife Sokak No. 18/A, Kadıköy; P: (0216) 418 02 77

Bird, Meşrutiyet Caddesi No. 103, Şişhane; P: (0212) 245 70 85

Kiki, Sıraselviler Caddesi No:42, Cihangir; P: (0212) 243 53 73

Parantez, Asmalımescit Mahallesi Sofyalı Jurnal Sokak No. 1, Asmalımescit; P: (0212) 245 75 13

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

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

Don’t waste your time trying to figure out what “Mando Diao” means. The name of this Swedish foursome is the whimsical invention of founding member Björn Dixgård. The band picked up speed when Dixgård, together with vocalist/guitarist Gustaf Norén, supposedly embarked on a marathon 14-month songwriting session in a beach house in the late 90s. It was only a matter of time before they signed on to the EMI Sweden label and released their first album, 2002’s Bring’Em In. Their latest album, Give me Fire,came out in 2009, and was produced by the Salla Salazar from the hip-hop band The Latin Kings.

There will be a warm-up at 9:00 PM by progressive rock group Helicopria, with Mando Diao coming on stage an hour later.

When: February 18, 10:00 PM

Where: Küçükçiftlik Park

How much: From Biletix: 55 TL; 40 TL

For the Ladies:

Option 1: Head to the Wailers concert at Küçükçiftlik Park.

Option 2: Get drunk out of your mind at the shot bar Tektekçi. They have an extensive and detailed menu where you can choose what to drink. But being adventurous and not knowing what you’re drinking is half the fun. So, order the 10-shot platter and ask the waiter to mix it up however they want to!

Option 3: If you don’t want to search for your ID and keys at the end of the night, head to Baylo for a few cocktails (we strongly suggest the Green Apple Martini). If you decide to really let loose, Asmalımescit’s bars are just around the corner.

Option 4: Drinking shots and dancing wildly are synonymous with Asmalımescit’s bar scene. You can start at Lokal, make your way to Parantez, then Küçük Otto. And the night will probably take you all the way to MiniMüzikhol in Cihangir.

For the Men:

Option 1: Drink beer at home and play Playstation 3 until your thumbs hurt.

Option 2: Head to The Game at the Point Hotel Barbaros. Live out your rock star fantasies, enjoy a 3D race simulator, play Playstation 3 or Nintendo Wii or Acer Predator – or all of them in any order you want! Heaven for the male species away from estrogen!

Option 3: Go hunting. You know where the ladies will be barhopping in Asmalımescit (see Option 4 above).

Tektekçi, Tomtom Mahallesi Akarsu Sokak No.2/1, Beyoğlu; P: (0533) 774 74 60

Baylo, Asmalımescit Mahallesi Meşrutiyet Caddesi No.107A, Beyoğlu, P: (0212) 243 60 18

Lokal,Tünel Meydanı No.186/A, Tünel; P: (0212) 245 40 28

Parantez,Asmalımescit Mahallesi Sofyalı Jurnal Sokak No. 1, Asmalımescit; P: (0212) 245 75 13

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

MiniMüzikhol,Sıraselviler Caddesi Soğancı Sokak No: 7 D: 1, Cihangir

Point Hotel Barbaros, Yıldız Posta Caddesi No. 29, Esentepe; P: (0212) 337 30 00

Billed as a neighborhood bar and bistro, Baylo Bistro & Bar was opened by a team of two ladies, Güldal Seçener and Neslihan Sağlamer, who saw a need for down-to-earth drinking and dining in Istanbul. Located on Meşrutiyet Caddesi (a few steps away from Bird), this is an ideal date destination, with seductive lighting, historic setting, and tables-for-two (perfect for tête-à-têtes).

The building that Baylo is situated in was built in the 1870s by the Kamondo family (you may have heard of them from the famous Kamondo staircase in Karaköy). Before Baylo opened its doors in October 2011, the building went under a serious three-year restoration. Now, Baylo’s interior is the ideal mix of the old and the new: the ceiling and walls carry the worn-out glory of the old days, the antique mirror by the bar gives a sense of beautiful imperfection, while the modern seating and tableware remind us that we’re in fact dining in the 21^st century.

One of the highlights of the décor is the use of aged brass, which is particularly appealing at the bar. Large, white candles and golden candlesticks are placed all around the venue. An earlier work of the young Turkish artist Lara Kamhi hangs on one wall, a long mirror with a black-and-white photo of old Istanbul in the middle hangs on another.

Right by that mirror is the only table that can seat 8-10 people. Inside, by the bar, there are three tables for two. The outdoor dining area, which has five round tables for 2-4 people, is well-heated, so all the tables are filled, even on cold days. The bar, which features black-and-brown bar stools by Aziz Sarıyer of Derin Design, is designed to allow for comfortable seating while eating.

The venue carries a slightly nostalgic, quite romantic, and all in all, a very comforting feel - all thanks to Bülent Güngör of B-Design. When you step inside, Baylo’s interior centers on the bar, yet the menu offers much more than finger food. The something-for-everyone menu offers soup of the day (which is always something out of the ordinary like chestnut, pea, carrot, or beetroot soup), salads (caprese salad, goat cheese salad, and salmon salad), charcuterie plate, mains (Super Hamburger, Chicken Schnitzel, Pork Sausage) and more, all prepared by the young and talented Berk Baysan.

On our visit to Baylo on a Thursday evening, we went for the mixed charcuterie plate, which was a delicious serving of gouda, roquefort, brie, parmesan, gruyere cheese from Kars, bresaola, prosciutto, ham, smoked beef, and Italian Salami. This generous charcuterie plate was a great starter for two. If you’re a vegetarian, you can opt for the cheese plate.

Following an appetizing mix of cheese and meat, I had the beetroot soup, which, when sprinkled with a generous amount of parmesan, is truly divine. For mains, I opted for the Tagliata. Topped with fresh arugula, the beef tenderloin slices were cooked to perfection. The home-made fries that it came with were scrumptious – they are on the thin line between fries and chips – round and very crispy, with a surprisingly soft center. Yum times ten!

Another item that is sure to dazzle is the Super Hamburger, made with a variety of spices and served in ciabatta bread with home-made fries. Since the venue is quite new, additions to the menu are soon to be finalized – like the fırın makarna (oven-baked pasta), a typical home-made dish, which will be offered with a Baylo twist.

Much like the menu, the crowd is a pleasant mix as well - mostly 30+ during the week but slightly younger on weekends. The venue starts to fill up at around 7:30pm and there’s a nice circulation from then on. Everybody is smartly dressed without being particularly over-dressed, casual but not in an I-just-rolled-out-of-bed look. The venue has a steady stream of its frequenters, neighborhood professionals, and tourists - in for a cocktail with a colleague by the bar, dinner and longed-for chats, or the glorious charcuterie plate and a glass of wine.

A rotating group of five female DJs are in charge of the turntable on Fridays and Saturdays (and sometimes during the week), playing whatever suits the mood on a particular day, from 80s to lounge, from indie rock to nu jazz. A London-based DJ company is in charge of the music when the girls are not around, playing a range of unfamiliar songs that instantly feel familiar. Although the venue never turns into a full-blown club, the music picks up after 10:30pm, and people start to dance around, especially on weekends.

If you’re in for the post-dinner bar scene, try the Green Apple Martini, which is ideal for those after a sweet cocktail, or the Baylo Rose, made with prosecco and martini rosato, if you’re after something bitter.

If you live or work near Şişhane, make sure you try this inviting neighborhood bar for an after-work get-together. If not, rest assured that Baylo’s cuisine and atmosphere create a lush pairing that is well-worth the trip.

Baylo Bistro & Bar, Asmalımescit Mahallesi Meşrutiyet Caddesi No. 107A, Beyoğlu; P: (0212) 243 60 18

If one of your New Year’s resolutions involves getting out and going to more concerts this year, then you’re in luck: 2012 promises to be a great year for music lovers in Istanbul. Here is a list of some not-to-be-missed upcoming concerts, courtesy of The Guide’s editorial staff.

To hear a tried and true rock band:

Red Hot Chili Peppers

The Red Hot Chili Peppers most likely need no introduction. This alternative band from LA has been going strong for nearly three decades now since its founding in 1983, and has turned out one great hit after another: “Otherside,” “Under the Bridge,” “Californication,” and many more. The Red Hot Chili Peppers will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this year; you surely don’t want to miss your chance to see them live in Istanbul. Stay tuned for the location of this concert.

When:September 13, time TBA

Where:TBA

How much: TBA

To hear an Anglophone songstress from Spain:

Russian Red

Russian Red is the colorful stage name of young Spanish singer/songwriter Lourdes Hernández, who writes and performs her own songs entirely in English. (Her moniker is not an instance of nostalgic Communist chic but refers to the shade of lipstick Hernández typically wears). Russian Red – who will represent her native Spain at this year’s Eurovision contest in Azerbaijan – is in Turkey for the first time thanks to Avea’s Escape to Music series, and will enthrall audiences at Garajistanbul with well-loved songs like “The Sun The Trees” and “I Hate You But I Love You.”

When:January 13, 10:00pm

Where:Garajistanbul

How much: From Biletix: 45 TL.

To see a 60s acting and singing legend:

Jane Birkin sings Serge Gainsbourg “Via Japan”

The protean Jane Birkin is a living legend of 60s London, known for her modelling, her roles in films like Antonioni’s Blowup, and – last but not least – her romantic relationship and musical collaboration with French musician Serge Gainsbourg. Unfortunately Gainsbourg is no longer with us, but you surely don’t want to pass up the chance to see Birkin performing songs like her and Gainsbourg’s duet “Je t’aime...moi non plus” (I love you...neither do I), as well as other classic songs by the late great singer. Birkin will be accompanied by an ensemble of Japanese musicians consisting of Nobuyuki Nakajima on piano, Hoshiko Yamane on violin, Ichiro Onoe on drums, and Takuma Sakamoto on horns. All proceeds from this concert will benefit the victims of the 2011 tsunami in Japan.

When:January 18, January 19, 9:30pm

Where:Babylon

How much: January 18:From the venue: 180 TL (table); 100 TL (standing).From Biletix: 195 TL (table); 110 TL (standing); 88 TL (standing). January 19: From the venue: 180 TL (table); 100 TL (standing); 50 TL (students).From Biletix: 195 TL (table); 110 TL (standing); 88 TL (standing).

For fans of shoegaze:

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart

Shoegaze isn’t dead...and The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, the hot new shoegaze/dreampop foursome from New York City, are here to prove it. Described by the New York Times as “irrepressibly light, a band at ease with melody and softness,” The Pains of Being Pure at Heart have been winning audiences over with their sound that puts you into a reverie without ever becoming somnolent. Come to Babylon and give the group (consisting of singer Kip Berman, singer/keyboardist Peggy Wang, bass player Alex Naidus, and drummer Kurt Feldman) the warm welcome it deserves.

After the concert there will be an Indie Club party hosted by DJ Mabbas of Radio Eksen.

When:January 20, 10:30pm

Where:Babylon

How much: From the venue: 40 TL; 35 TL. From Biletix: 44.50 TL; 39 TL.

To see a great indie act from Liverpool:

Robots in Disguise

The decade-old indie duo known as Robots in Disguise consists of two women from Liverpool, UK: guitarist/vocalist Dee Plume and bassist/vocalist Sue Denim (not their real names). Shrinking violets they’re not: Plume and Denim’s onstage performances are every bit as bold and in-your-face as their tough, resilient vocals. The group’s third album, We’re in the Music Biz, came out in 2008, and they’re currently hard at work on a fourth one. If you’d like a preview of what this eagerly-anticipated release will be like, all you need to do is come to Salon İKSV to hear Plume and Denim live.

When:January 28, 10:30pm

Where:Salon İKSV

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

To hear a voice from the American South:

Cat Power

Cat Power is the stage name of the versatile Charlyn Marie Marshall, from Atlanta, Georgia, who over a twenty year career has composed nine albums and two EP’s, and played in several movies such as Wong Kar-Wai’s My Blueberry Nights. Marshall’s soulful vocals, combined with her raw, minimalist guitar sounds have earned her great critical acclaim. She’s especially noted for her interpretations of Bob Dylan’s “Hard Times in New York Town” and Oasis’s “Wonderwall.”

When: February 9, 9:00 PM

Where: Garajistanbul

How much: From Biletix: 55 TL; 45 TL.

To hear a little-known musical instrument:

Gheorghe Zamfir

Gheorghe Zamfir, a.k.a. “The Master of the Pan Flute,” started his musical journey at the age of 14 in Romania. After being discovered by Swiss organist Marcel Cellier, Zamfir moved to Western Europe, where he began to perform on film soundtracks such as Picnic at Hanging Rock, Once Upon A Time In America, The Karate Kid,and more recently Kill Bill Vol. 1. Zamfir is also known for expanding the traditional Romanian pan flute from 20 to 30 pipes.

When: February 13, 8:30pm

Where: Caddebostan Kültür Merkezi

How much: From thevenue: 89 TL, 69 TL (students). From Biletix: 112 TL, 72 TL (students).

To hear a vintage 70s punk band:

Buzzcocks

Here’s your chance to see a punk legend live on stage! The Buzzcocks came together in 1975, and soon became one of the most important punk bands around, sharing the stage with other legends like the Sex Pistols, Siouxsie and The Banshees, The Clash, and The Damned at the 100 Club Punk Festival. The Buzzcocks’ positive, upbeat music is sometimes referred to as “pop punk.” Don’t miss your chance to see their original line-up, including Pete Shelley and Steve Diggle, live at Babylon.

There will be a warm-up and an after-party with a DJ Set by Rashit.

When: February 15, 9:30pm

Where: Babylon

How much: From the venue: 50 TL, 40 TL (students). From Biletix: 55.50 TL.

For fans of reggae:

The Wailers

1963 was the year that Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer came together to form The Wailers, a legendary Jamaican Ska / Rocksteady / Reggae band that would go on to sell 250 million albums over the next four decades. After Marley’s death, The Wailers carried on his legacy, with members like Aston Barrett and new vocalist Koolant, uniting millions of people worldwide with their rhythmic sounds. It would be a crime for any reggae fan not to go see The Wailers perform in Istanbul – get your tickets today.

When: February 15, 9:00pm

Where: Küçükçiftlik Park

How much: From Mephisto Kitabevi (Beyoğlu), Zihni Müzik (Kadıköy), Zero Müzik (Kadıköy): 20 TL. From Biletix: 24 TL.

To hear a great band from Scandinavia:

Mando Diao

Don’t waste your time trying to figure out what “Mando Diao” means. The name of this Swedish foursome is the whimsical invention of founding member Björn Dixgård. The band picked up speed when Dixgård, together with vocalist/guitarist Gustaf Norén, supposedly embarked on a marathon 14-month songwriting session in a beach house in the late 90s. It was only a matter of time before they signed on to the EMI Sweden label and released their first album, 2002’s Bring’Em In. Their latest album, Give me Fire,came out in 2009, and was produced by the Salla Salazar from the hip-hop band The Latin Kings.

When: February 18, 9:00pm

Where: Küçükçiftlik Park

How much: From Biletix: 40 TL.

To hear an American indie success story:

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, 9:30pm

Where: Salon İKSV

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

To hear an up-and-coming young talent:

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, 9:30pm

Where: Babylon

How much: From the venue: 60 TL, 40 TL (students). From Biletix: 66.50 TL; 55.50 TL; 44.50 TL.

For jazz aficionados:

Brad Mehldau Trio

Known for his innovative and experimental compositions, jazz pianist Brad Mehldau will be the second guest musician in İş Sanat’s jazz series. Mehldau is widely known among jazz aficionados for his unique blend of jazz with rock and classical music; he has recorded arrangements of works by Nick Drake, The Beatles, Radiohead and Paul Simon. Mehldau will play play together with the other two members of his trio: Larry Grenadier on bass and Jeff Ballard on drums/percussion. Come to İş Sanat and hear them live on the 8th of March.

When: March 8, 8:00pm

Where: İş Sanat

How much: From Biletix: 55.50 TL; 50 TL; 39 TL; 34 TL (students); 22.50 TL (students).

To hear a unique mixture of East and West:

Duisburg Philharmonic Orchestra & Erdal Akkaya

The Duisburg Philharmonic Orchestra, with a 134-year-old history, is one of the most prestigious orchestras in Germany. The orchestra, currently directed by Hendrik Vestmann, will perform Schubert’s Unfinished Symphony and Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 4 for audiences at Hagia Irene. Joining the Duisburg Philharmonic will be Turkish bağlama master Erdal Akkaya, with his own original compositions arranged for orchestra. All profits from this concert entitled Doğu’dan Batıya Sesler (Sounds from East to West) will be donated to Türkiye Sakatlar Derneği’s housing initiative for the disabled in Balıkesir.

When: March 10, 8:00pm

Where: Hagia Irene

How much: From Biletix: 100 TL; 83 TL; 61 TL; 34 TL.

To hear a hardcore DJ:

The Gaslamp Killer

After last summer’s Rock ‘n’ Coke performance, DJ Gaslamp Killer will return to Istanbul on the 10th of March, to perform at Babylon. The Killer’s first influences include musicians like Jimi Hendrix, Dr. Dre and DJ Shadow. The Killer is the founder of LA’s Low End Theory theme party, a popular event which still continues today. Since the release of his latest EP Death Gate (2010), The Killer hasn’t been sitting still but has been touring at internationally renowned festivals like Coachella, Reworks and Decibel. His set at Babylon will include old Turkish funk and rock samples – we’re sure it will be a night to remember.

When: March 10, 12:00am

Where: Babylon

How much: From the venue:35 TL, 25 TL. From Biletix: 39 TL.

For fans of electronica:

Modeselektor

Modeselektor, a duo consisting of Gernot Bronsert and Sebastian Szary, is one of Germany’s best-known electronic bands. Founded in 1990s Berlin, in 2001 the group signed onto the BPitch Control label, with whom they’ve released the albums Hello Mom!, Happy Birthday!, and Moderat. In the group’s own words: “Modeselektor emerged out of the tangle of post-wall Berlin, monkey men with beats clenched between their teeth and ideas that would soon force music journalists to make up new words: bastard dancehall, euro crunk, acid rap, big bass techno, labstyle, happy metal, psychedelic electro.” If that sounds like your cup of tea, come to Babylon on March 16th.

When:March 16

Where:Babylon

How Much: TBA

For those in need of a feel-good concert:

Bobby McFerrin

American singer Bobby McFerrin rose to fame with his 1988 song “Don’t Worry, Be Happy,” which won him numerous awards at the 1989 Grammys. In fact, the versatile McFerrin, who has over a dozen albums to his name, is not only a singer but also performs regularly as a guest conductor with major symphony orchestras in the US and Europe. McFerrin’s upbeat, spontaneous personality is hard not to like. In his own words: “Listening to Bobby McFerrin sing may be hazardous to your preconceptions. Side effects may include unparalleled joy, a new perspective on creativity, rejection of the predictable, and a sudden, irreversible urge to lead a more spontaneous existence.” Need we say more?

When:March 28, 8:00 PM

Where:İş Sanat

How Much: From Biletix:117 TL; 107 TL; 92 TL; 77 TL (discount); 20 TL (students).

To hear the sounds of West Africa:

Salif Keita

Malian singer Salif Keita, known as the “Golden Voice of Africa,” became well known in the 70s as a member of the Malian group Les Ambassadeurs, later embarking on a successful solo career, the latest product of which is his 2009 album La Différence. Keita’s message of hope and tolerance is a good accompaniment to his singing, which has won him a huge fan base internationally. In Keita’s words, “Happiness isn’t for tomorrow; it starts here and now.”

When:April 3

Where:Cemal Reşit Rey Concert Hall

How much:TBA

To see a one-of-a-kind electronic act from the UK:

Gold Panda

Gold Panda is the stage name of UK musician and producer Derwin Schlecker, whose song “Quitters Raga” made number 75 of Pitchfork magazine’s Top 100 Tracks of 2009. Of his 2010 debut album Lucky Shiner, the UK’s Guardian newspaper has written: “It's an album that sits on a pleasant fence between invention and homeliness. Armed with an ear for a skilful beat and an array of weird samples, it's a mixture the Peckham-born producer expertly facilitates.” Curious? Then come to Babylon on April 20th to see Gold Panda in the flesh.

When:April 20

Where:Babylon

How much:TBA

To see a Latin musical legend:

Susana Baca

The singer Susana Baca is the current Minister of Culture in her native Peru, a fitting honor for a musician whose long and productive career has been instrumental in bringing Afro-Peruvian music to the world’s attention. Baca has over a dozen albums to her name, including her 2002 Latin Grammy-winning Lamento Negro; she attaches particular importance to the lyrics of her songs and has put to music poems by eminent Latin American poets like her countryman Cesar Vallejo. Her upcoming concert in Istanbul – which will take place at the unique location of Hagia Irene – promises to be an enthralling experience.

When:April 27, 8:00 PM

Where:Hagia Irene

How much: From Biletix: 220 TL; 165 TL; 133 TL; 112 TL; 89.50 TL; 56.50 TL.

To hear some great psychedelic rock:

Death in Vegas

The two core members of the psychedelic/electronic UK band known as Death in Vegas are Richard Fearless and Tim Holmes. From their 1997 debut album Dead Elvis to last year’s Trans-Love Energies, Death in Vegas have consistently shown that they have their fingers on the musical pulse of contemporary audiences. Come give them a warm welcome as they perform in Turkey for the first time. P.S. Fans of Sophia Coppola’s Lost in Translation will recognize the track “Girls”...

When:April 28, 11:30 PM

Where:Babylon

How much:From the venue: 45 TL (standing); 30 TL (students). From Biletix: 50 TL.

To hear a classical concert pure and simple:

BBC Philharmonic

The BBC Philharmonic, regarded as one of the UK’s best symphony orchestras, was founded in Manchester in 1934 as the BBC Northern Orchestra, and performs regularly on BBC Radio 3. The orchestra has eagerly embraced 21st century technology, having made its performances of all of Beethoven’s nine symphonies available for download in 2005. Spanish conductor Juanjo Mena has taken up the Philharmonic’s baton for the 2011/12 season. Their concert program at İş Sanat will consist of Shostakovich’s Cello Concerto No. 1 in E Flat Major, and Mahler’s Symphony No. 5 in C Sharp Minor, with cello playing by accomplished cellist Sol Gabetta.

When:May 14, 8:00 PM

Where:İş Sanat

How much:From Biletix: 127 TL; 112 TL; 92 TL; 77 TL (discount); 22.50 TL (students).

A recent addition to the Taksim scene is Tektekçi. This tiny venue, always overflowing with fearless dancers who can see the bottom of several shot glasses in less than minutes, is Istanbul’s first shot bar to open in the lively Tomtom Mahallesi right across from Indigo.

Here, you’ll find a wide variety of interesting shot combinations, from the sweet to the sour, to the spicy to the sweet-and-sour. And then there is the straight up rakı, beer, whiskey shots. You won’t get anything in a bottle or a regular glass, but you’ll surely get them in regular-sized or humongous shot glasses - it all depends on where you want the night to go.

Some can’t make it to the next venue after Tektekçi, swearing to never to step foot inside again, only to go back there the next weekend for another night of shameless drinking.

Wobbling aside, Tektekçi is truly the place to be at the moment. Concert-goers as well as rakı-drinkers do their shots side by side with groups of soon-to-be-very-drunk people off to an endless night of barhopping in Taksim.

It has to be said, although the concept of Tektekçi is to warm up for a long night out, the music is so good that many end up spending the majority of their night at Tektekçi. If you like to dance to a mix of upbeat songs – anything from Adele and Lily Allen to the golden oldies pieces like “Let’s Twist Again” – you may have to cancel your post-Tektekçi plans.

Now - the logistics. There is no coat check but there are several overhead shelves and hooks under the bar where you can put your coats.The venue is very crowded and you may have to wait a while to get to your long-awaited shots, but the wait is definitely worth it. The sweet bartenders are more than helpful in helping you choose what to drink. The menu is quite comprehensive, which may make the decision process painful. But the menu is arranged for even the most wasted in the room: there are separate sections for sweet, sour, sweet-and-sour, spicy, and straight. The easiest option may be to order the tray where you get 10 or 20 shots at once to avoid waiting and to try as many delicious shots as possible. Beware that this technique requires much more caution - it is pretty much a one way street to hangover hell.

Tektekçi; Tomtom Mahallesi, Akarsu Sokak No. 2/1, Beyoğlu; P: 0533 774 74 60

You may be gobsmacked at the idea that science can enhance your buzz, but once you try the molecular cocktails at Vogue, you’ll see how things like liquid nitrogen coupled with lots of creativity can result in the most unexpected sights and tastes.

First, let’s get the facts right. What’s this molecular mixology all about? It’s quite simple actually—at least for those who didn’t flunk in chemistry and physics in high school. The concept is to alter the texture, flavor, density, viscosity, and presentation of cocktails using scientific methods. I won’t get into the specifics but let’s just say that molecular mixologists think of cocktails from the molecular level, and use fancy techniques, equipments, and ingredients that result in unique mixtures. Foams, alginates,gels. You get the idea.

So what does this mean for you? Getting a cocktail that may or may not be liquid. And that's just scratching the surface.

Although this trend is taking the world by storm, it’s quite new in Istanbul. If you want to experience this drinking adventure, Vogue has an impressive molecular cocktail menu for those who want to give the taste of science a chance. Take your pick from the Moleküler Applelini, which is made with apple, martini, and mint caviar; the Magic Martini with cotton candy, dry ice, and vodka; Ego with cookie-flavored champagne, raspberry, and caviar; or Cracking Cosmo, the combination of Cosmopolitan and popping candy.

Seemingly odd combinations can result in unexpectedly tasty cocktails. Go ahead and give it a try.

Vogue; Süleyman Seba Caddesi BJK Plaza A Blok, Akaretler; P: (0212) 227 44 04

Places to Eat in Taksim

ÇokÇokThai:ÇokÇok Thai has put together a four-course meal of Thai favorites and traditional dishes. The set menu will feature coconut milk chicken soup or tiger prawn soup, Thai fish cakes, tiger prawn satay, steamed sea bass and chicken in curry sauce or green curry chicken or beef or tiger prawns with garlic sauce, and chocolate cake. Although ÇokÇok Thai is a restaurant, there’ll be some NYE entertainment after dinner. A DJ will play a mix of popular dance songs with lots of Turkish pop songs after 11:00pm. The price is 99 Euros per person including unlimited local and standard international drinks. Meşrutiyet Caddesi No. 51, Tepebaşı; P: (0212) 292 64 96

Meze By Lemon Tree:The set menu at Meze by Lemon Treefeatures cold quail cutlets with sweet mustard foam, grouper ceviche marinated with grapefruit and lime juices, snail stew with plums and pine nuts, zucchini blossoms stuffed with seafood, trio of Aegean wild greens, stuffed chard leaves, lamb sirloin braised in milk with lemon-flavored rice, tropical fruits sautéed with cognac served with vanilla ice-cream. The price of the set menu is150 TLper person including unlimited local drinks (only select brands of wine,rakı, and beer).Asmalımescit Mahallesi Meşrutiyet Caddesi 83/B, Beyoğlu; P: (0212) 252 83 02

La BriseBrasserie:The set menu at La Brise Brasserie features pumpkin soup, turkey quiche, green salad with pomegranate, chicken liver pate with quince marmalade, charcuterie plate, honey and ginger glazed roast turkey with bread sauce and aromatic rice, grilled fillet steak with mushroom sauce and dauphinoise potatoes, smoked pork chops with apple sauce and almond croquette, white chocolate mousse with chestnut puree, crème brûlée with winter fruits and lemon ice-cream. The price of the set menu is 150 TL excluding drinks. Asmalımescit Sokak No. 28, Asmalımescit; P:(0212) 244 48 46

Places to Party in Taksim

11:11:11:11 will be filled with DJs (Junior, Tangun, Cure-Shot, Fuchs, Cervus, Gürhan) playing a mix of groovy, funky, sexy house and tech house. There will be confetti guns and confetti rain, so get ready for a hardcore party that will last until dawn. Entrance is 50 TL including one drink. If going with a group, it’s recommended that you book a stand. The prices for stands and VIP areas start at 500 TL for five people, including juices, energy drinks, snacks, and finger foods for those who get there early. Meşrutiyet Caddesi 69, Tepebaşı; P:(0212) 244 88 34

Babylon:Babylon is hosting an Oldies But Goldies “3D PARTY” spread over Babylon, Üst Kat, and Babylon Lounge. Murat Beşer and Mabbas will be at Babylon to play the ultimate classics from Depeche Mode, The Cure, Madonna, A-Ha, Chic, Duran Duran, Snap, Cyndi Lauper, ABBA, Donna Summer, James Brown, Nena, Culture Club, U2, Blondie, The Smiths, Wham!, Frankie Goes To Hollywood, Michael Jackson, and The Clash. Engin Eraydın will also be there with his nostalgic visual show. Those at Babylon Lounge will dance to the best of disco music while those at Üst Kat will dance to the 90s.The party starts at 10:00pm, and the price is 66.50 TL. Get your tickets from Biletix before they run out.

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

Üst Kat andBabylon Lounge; Jurnal Sokak No. 4, Asmalımescit; P:(0212) 245 38 00

Ghetto:DJs Dearhead, Mr. Sür, and dYG will be at Ghetto playing deep electro house, deep house, Tech-house, disco, and electronica from 10:00pm onwards. The price is 56 TL including a glass of prosecco. Get your tickets from Biletix before they run out. Kalyoncu Kulluk Sokak No. 10, Beyoğlu; P: (0212) 251 75 01

The Hall: The Hallis hosting Burn presents: ROUTE 2012 with a lineup of 15 House, Tech-house, Deep-house, Trance, Techno DJs: BeeGee, Murat Uncuoğlu, U.F.U.K, UHR, Ferhat Albayrak, Alican Yüksel, Mert Yücel, İlker Aksungar, Altan Balgır, Orkun Bozdemir, Ömür Sarı, Doğuş Çabakçor, Sinan Çatak, Nurettin Çolak, and Doruk Güralp. The night will kick off around 09:00pm and last until 05:00am. Regular entrance is56 TL, VIP entrance is112 TL(which will allow you to get a VIP bracelet that allows entrance to VIP areas with less crowd), and a Bistro entrance is575 TLfor four people, including a bottle of vodka, four energy drinks, and snacks. You can get your tickets through Biletix.

Tomtom Sokak:Barhopping at its best will take place at Tomtom Sokak. You’ll get one ticket that will allow entrance to five different venues with five different genres of music. There will be disco music at Indigo, worldwide chart toppers of the 80s and 90s at Indigo Pub, the best of 80s Turkish songs at Alt, classic rock pieces at We, and a mix of upbeat songs at Tektekçi. The night will kick off at 09:00pm and continue until 05:00am. Entrance to five separate venues is 40 TL, and tickets are sold through Biletix. All these venues are located next to each other in Tomtom Mahallesi, Akarsu/Acara Sokak, Galatasaray.

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Budget-friendly with a Bosphorus view:Indulge in a seven-course menu, a fantastic Bosphorus view, and serious NYE entertainment at El Beso Restaurant & Club. The set dinner menu includes sea bass wrapped in bacon, crab cake, turkey and seasoned rice, limoncello, lamb shank or turbot, and chocolate mousse or quince dessert. After-dinner entertainment features a live music performance by Mine (singing the best of Latin and Turkish pop), a percussion show, DJ Ufuk, and UHR. All this for 250 TL (including all local and standard international drinks). Muallim Naci Caddesi No.64/D, Kuruçeşme; P: (0212) 287 57 59

Turkish Tavern fun minus the Taksim crowd: Start the New Year with a classic Turkish experience at Kalamata Meyhanesi.Meze options are on offer, including cheese, pickles, salad, chargrilled pepper, salted bonito, stuffed vine leaves, shrimp-avocado rolls, Circassian chicken, Albanian fried liver, celery with orange,and pastırma (Turkish pastrami). The NYE-special course is the roasted turkey served with seasoned rice. Desserts include quince dessert and pumpkin dessert. Late-night snack is the classic tripe soup, a very good hangover prevention method. Dinner starts at 08:00pm, live Greek and Turkish music by Kota & Tuba duo starts at 09:00pm and continues until around 03:00pm. Expect a belly dancer to show up around midnight. For those who want to keep going, there’ll be music playing until the wee hours of the morning. All this for 220 TL including local drinks. Making a reservation before the 20th of December is recommended. Süleyman Seba Caddesi No. 45, Akaretler. P: (0212) 258 87 88

Barhop without getting in traffic:Nupera is a complex of three restaurants that turn into clubs around midnight. Which means—barhopping without getting in line, getting in traffic, or getting cold. This is crucial—especially on New Year’s Eve. So, with Nupera, you’ve got three options:

Auf:The set menu features pumpkin soup, salad with prosecco and caviar, smoked salmon, grapefruit sorbet, roasted turkey or steak, seasoned rice or risotto with pumpkin, apple-pomegranate tatin with vanilla ice-cream, coffee-and-champagne truffle, and macaroons. Dinner is served between 08:00pm and 11:30pm. The price is 150 TL per person including all wine ordered before 11:30pm. DJ Tolga Saka will take you through the rest of the night.

67:The set menu includes chestnut and cognac soup; foie gras; shrimp with risotto or mille-feuille with camembert, Roquefort, walnuts, and honey; green apple sorbet; lamb chops with mashed potatoes or salmon or grilled vegetable calzone; and baklava. Dinner is served between 08:00pm and 11:30pm. The price is 180 TL per person including a glass of prosecco and all wine ordered before 11:30pm. After 12:00am, DJ Ulaş Yağmur will make sure you don’t rest for a minute.

LilBitz:The set menu includes duck stock and octopus soup with shrimp bisque; Turkey burger and blackberry chutney with mini potato crisps; purslane salad with fresh herbs, goat cheese, and beetroot; hibiscus and passion fruit sherbet shots; crispy brain with turmeric, cucumber yogurt, and mint jellies; shrimp on sirloin powder with corn and truffle cream, and calamari ink crisps; and vodka-filled Turkish delights with elderflower and lavender. Unlimited beer, wine, and rakı as well as 15\\\\\\\\% off on LilBitz cocktails until 11:30pm. The price for this gourmet NYE dinner, followed by the classic LilBitz mix of upbeat dance songs, is a mere 200 TL.

Nupera; Meşrutiyet Caddesi No.67, Tepebaşı; P: (0212) 245 60 70

Feel the beat at the heart of the city:Enjoy the magnificent Istanbul views, have a delicious dinner, and have some serious fun at 360istanbul. After some champagne and tasty little bites, the set dinner menu will include salmon, lobster, chestnut sorbet, turbot with cauliflower puree and mastic sauce or veal ribs with eggplant risotto and red wine sauce, and Turkish dessert platter. The night will get going with the live performance of Desaparecidos. (You've definitely heard of them;this songwas quite popular a few years back.) Later in the night, a DJ will get behind the deck to continue the party with popular house music. The pricing hasn’t been finalized but expect something north of 300TL. İstiklal Caddesi No.311, Beyoğlu; P: (0212) 251 10 42

Bellydance your way into the New Year: Start the New Year with luscious dance shows and food atBeyrouth. Dinner menu features salmon roll with vine leaves, Lebanese meze platter, shepherd’s salad, grilled Haloumi cheese, crunchy shrimp, risotto with eggplant, lahmacun (Turksih-style pizza), beef and chicken on skewers, roasted lamb, grilled sea bass, lobster. Desserts include tiramisu, baklava, and revani (semolina pastry). Post-dinner entertainment includes intoxicating belly dancing shows by both male and female dancers, followed by an upbeat mix of popular Turkish and international songs. The night, which gets going at 08:00pm, will cost you 375 TL plus 10\\\\\\\\% service charge by credit card or 340 TL plus 10\\\\\\\\% service charge if you pay cash, including unlimited select local brands of wine, beer, rakı, and soft drinks. If you want, pay an extra 75 TL to get unlimited international drinks (select brands only). Act fast – reservations close on the 15th of December! Süleyman Seba Caddesi No:42-46, Akaretler; P:(0212) 236 50 17

Dress to impress:Expect an excellent Mediterranean set menu at Vogue for 350 TL including unlimited local and standard international drinks. Dinner starts at 08:00pm and the night gets going with a DJ performance. Good music, great food, fantastic Bosphorus view. What more would you want for New Year’s Eve? Süleyman Seba Caddesi BJK Plaza A Blok, Akaretler; P: (0212) 227 44 04

See and be seen on NYE: Anjelique is also hosting a New Year’s Eve party with a yet-to-be-disclosed set menu and partying until dawn. All for 300 TL, including all local and standard international drinks. Salhane Sokak No. 5, Ortaköy; P: (0212) 327 28 44

Tough Luck: Ulus 29has once again put together a fantastic menu for New Year’s Eve but we won’t brag about it too much because it’s already full. Better luck next year!

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DJ Banyosu:

Local and international DJs are heading to Arkaoda for two nights in a row on Friday the 9th and Saturday the 10th for those who are not scared to have a massive hangover on Sunday. Friday night will kick off with Turkish duo Hünkar Uğur and Emir Özer aka Çerikunda who’ll get the night going with live remixes. DJ Golem, also known as Kaan Akay, will get behind the deck afterwards with his drum’n’bass beats. The night will continue will DJ Fitz and Biriken DJ Set (Ünal & Okan), and end with the Dearhead DJ Set.

If you don’t have a chance to attend the Friday program, bear in mind that you can see a different roster of DJs the following night. For a full list of the times the DJs will be playing on both Friday and Saturday, click here.

When: December 9, 8:00 PM

Where: Arkaoda; Kadife Sokak No. 18/A; P: (0216) 418 02 77

How much: Free

Brazzaville:

The band known as Brazzaville, founded in LA in 1997 by David Brown, is currently located in Barcelona, Spain. The band has toured all over the world and is especially popular in Russia and the CIS countries, as well as here in Istanbul, where it has performed at the 2005 Istanbul Jazz Festival. Brazzaville returned to Istanbul four years later, resulting in the 2009 album Brazzaville in Istanbul. Mixing such diverse genres as bossa nova, rock, dub, and jazz, the eclectic sound of Brazzaville is instantly appealing. Come to Otto Santral to give this band the warm welcome it deserves.

When: December 9, 11:00 PM

Where: Otto Santral; Santralistanbul, Eski Silahtarağa Elektrik Santrali Kazım Karabekir Caddesi No. 1; P: (0212) 427 18 89

How much: 34 TL

Alice Gold:

Alice Gold is an up-and-coming English singer and songwriter, referred to by music authorities as a talent to keep an eye on. Gold entered the music scene in 2010 with her debut single “Orbiter” and received considerable attention after her second single “Runaway Love.” Even though she’s technically a pop artist, she says that she gets inspired from rock n roll and 60s psychedelic music, and you can definitely sense the influences of these genres in her not-so-mainstream pop songs.

When: December 9, 11:30 PM

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

How much: 28.50 TL; 23.50 TL (student)

De La Soul:

The Grammy-winning New York hip hop act known as De La Soul, founded in 1987, consists of Posdnuos (Kelvin Mercer), Dave (David Jude Jolicoeur), and Maseo (Vincent Mason). Ever since the release of their first album, 3 FeetHigh and Rising, De La Soul has been widely recognized as one of the most original names in hip-hop, with deft, virtuosic, and surprising lyrics. Eschewing the aggressive sounds and violent themes of colleagues like Public Enemy, De La Soul instead founded a genre of alternative hip hop mixing elements of jazz, reggae, and much more. Come to Ghetto on Friday night to welcome this legendary hip hop act to Istanbul.

When: December 9, 11:30 PM

Where: Ghetto; Kalyoncu Kulluk Sokak No. 10; P: (0212) 251 75 01

How much: 55 TL (at door); 50 TL; 40 TL (students)

The mellow sounds of Silberman’s voice and acoustic guitar-playing will easily win over those who prefer thoughtful, low-key indie acts to ear-splitting concerts by A-list performers in packed auditoriums. Don’t miss your chance to hear The Antlers perform live for one night only at Istanbul’s Salon İKSV.

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

When: December 6; 10:00pm

How much: 50.50 TL; 39.50 TL (students)

Where: Nardis Jazz Club; Kuledibi Sokak No. 14, Galata; P:(0212) 244 63 27

How much: 30 TL

The group’s music career kicked off in 2007 with their first album Colour It In, and continued to rise with the fame of their singles, “First Love” and “About Your Dress.” New Musical Express magazine (NME) and Steve Lamacq (one of BBC Radio 1’s foremost DJs) supported The Maccabees one hundred percent. Their second albumWall of Arms received a great deal of positive reviews and was chosen as the Best Album of the Year by Artrocker magazine.

With Orlando Weeks on vocals and guitar, Hugo White on guitar, Felix White on backing vocals and guitar, Rubert Jarvis on bass, and Sam Doyle on drums, it is going to be an unforgettable night for all those guitar lovers out there.

When: December 1, 09:30pm

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

How much: 45 TL; 35 TL (student)

Lead singer Hayden Thorpe gives the group a magnificent and provocative edge with his high-toned tenor voice, while the innovative guitar playing adds a unique element. Both in terms of their musical and lyrical perception, Wild Beasts definitely has a radical aura.

The band made a strong performance at the Efes Pilsen One Love Festival in 2010. Having continued to receive positive reviews after the release of their most recent album Smother, the band is now coming to Babylon for the Istanbul audience.

Where: Babylon; Şeyhbender Sokak No: 3 Tünel; P: (0212) 292 73 68

How much: 40 TL; 30 TL (student)

When: November 29, 2010

Employing a classically metered French style of jazz music, Kent’s work has been hailed for its soothing and expansive lyrical range. Her album The Boy Next Door went gold in the French record industry, and was quickly followed by further success when her 2007 album Breakfast On The Morning Tram was nominated for a Grammy in the United States – an important feat not just for Kent’s career, but for jazz music in general. A talented and appealing agent for the popularization of jazz music in the contemporary music market, Stacey Kent is an act you will not want to miss!

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

When: November 23 – 24

How Much: 90 TL (table); 45 TL (standing); 30 TL (student)

The origins of synth-pop group Soaked date back as far as 2003, though it came into being as an active band just two years ago in 2009. Consisting of singer/songwriter Balamir Nazlıca, keyboardist and back vocalist Hatice Arıcı, guitarist Emrah Akar, and drummer Emir Celt, this up-and-coming band has made an EP (2010’sInto the Light) and plans to release its first album in December of this year. The group has performed at many of Istanbul’s established live music venues (Ghetto, Indigo, Otto) as well as at the 2009 Efes Pilsen One Love Festival. Soaked is also an art collective in addition to a live band, and its videos (directed by Akar) are noted for their accomplished visual technique. (Soaked’s artwork can be seen on its website,www.soakedart.com). Come to 11:11 to hear why people are raving aboutInto the Light, and get a preview of the group’s upcoming albumAftermath.

The night will conclude with a performance by accomplished English DJ Lee Burridge, starting at 1:00 AM.

Where:11:11; Meşrutiyet Caddesi No. 69 Tepebaşı; P:(0212) 244 88 34

When:November 18, 10:30 PM (Soaked); 1:00 AM (Lee Burridge)

How much:25 TL (includes one drink)

Why throw a party? Because you landed your dream job, you dumped your annoying-ex, because it’s not Halloween and you want to dress up for fun, or for ordinary reasons like your birthday, graduation, bachelor or bachelorette party.

Why rent a place to throw a party? No waiting in line, no organizational hassles, lots of privacy, and only the music you want to dance to.Or simply because your place is too small and your housemate is slightly obsessive-compulsive.

Which venues to rent? Four Floors and In the Van are great options.

In the Vanoffers In the Van Small and In the Van Odakule. In the Van Small is—you guessed it—a smaller venue than In the Van Odakule. It’s more like a mini club that can take up to 50 people, whereas In the Van Odakule is decorated more like a house, and can take up to 100 people. Please note that the minimum number of guests for both locations is 30. The team behind In the Van takes care of everything for you: the drinks, the music (DJ), lights and sound system, decoration, invites. And the best part is you don’t have to worry about the morning-after clean-up session! The music is arranged by the in-house DJs according to your taste. If you want to nibble on some finger food, they can arrange that as well. Parties are held any day of the week, starting at 09:00pm and lasting until 02:00am. The venue rental is 250 TL for In the Van Small and 500 TL for In the Van Odakule. The pricing for alcohol is per person: 50 TL for 3 local or 2 international drinks, 75 TL for unlimited local drinks, 125 TL for unlimited international drinks. Call In the Van for more info on pricing.

In the Van;İstiklal Caddesi Küçükparkkapı Abdullah Sk. No. 15/A, Beyoğlu; P: (0212)293 55 71

Owned by nightlife guru Murat Topaloğlu, 4 Floors is a boutique hotel that features a fantastic penthouse, which you can rent out for a party. Topaloğlu doesn’t offer a set package; he first talks to the possible future host of the party, figures out what they are after, and uses his know-how to create an event catered to their needs. He only reserves the house parties at 4 Floors for people with similar understandings of entertainment as his, so it’s a bit exclusive. If you pass the test, you can throw a party with up to 25 people, starting as early as 07:00pm and continuing until around 03:00am. A few lucky ones can crash there too. After all, it is a hotel.

4 Floors;Tomtom mahellesi Kumbaracı Yokuşu Tercüman Çıkmazı No. 20, Beyoğlu; P: (0532) 497 79 21

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Where to Throw a Party in Istanbul; by Talya Arditi

Hells Bells Tribute to AC/DC

Hells Bells is known as England’s best AC/DC tribute band. Since forming in 1996, they have been touring England, Ireland, and many other European cities, gaining a serious fan base in the meantime. Much like the original AC/DC, Hells Bells is known for its screaming vocals, and powerful bass and drum shows.

Head to Babylon on November 1st to watch their high energy performance and dance to classic AC/DC songs.

Where:Babylon

When: November 1; 9:30 PM

How much:20 TL; 15 TL (student)

Plaid

An outstanding and emotionally-charged ambient, neo-electro, and electro-techno music…otherwise referred to as Plaid.

Having made its name in 1991 with their first albumMbuki Mvuki, this British electronic music duo is comprised of Andy Turner and Ed Handley.Having been on a world tour with the legendary Icelandic musician Björk in 1995, the duo has collaborated with musicians like Mara Carlyle and Nicolette in their projects. In addition to their own materials, they’ve done extensive remix works for many artists including Red Snapper, Björk, Goldfrapp, and The Irresistible Force.

Along with their impressing music, they carry the audience to other realms with their stunning performances on stage. Video artist Bob Jaroc has collaborated with the duo during their performances with his animation work. As a part of their tour around the world, Plaid is coming to Babylon for a single night so don’t miss out!

Where:Babylon

When:November 2, 11:30 PM (doors open at 10:00 PM)

How much:35 TL; 25 TL (student)

The experimental Icelandic band Múm was in Istanbul at Salon IKSV on the 18^th and 19^th of October for two nights of impressive music.

Hailing from Iceland, Múm is one of the country’s best indie bands, which has been active since 1997 with its original members Gunnar Örn Tynes and Örvar Þóreyjarson Smárason. This experimental group blends a variety of genres, especially playing with electronica and folktronica.

If you are familiar with Icelandic music and musicians, such as Björk and Sigur Rós, you probablyknow Múm and are already a fan. But if you have never come across Múm and stepped into their enchanted world of music before, here is the amazing concert experience that the Istanbul audience had on the first night of Múm’s performance at Salon IKSV.

In the past year, Salon IKSV has become a hot spot for concerts, with its ambiance and great choice of musicians. And the venue was home to yet another great night during the Múm concert. For the Icelandic band, the concert area was decorated like a jazz bar with round black tables and chairs directly facing the stage; the dark color of the walls was softened with red lights, creating an intimate atmosphere.

Anticipation was growing stronger right before the concert began as the concert area was so dark that nothing on the stage was visible to the audience. Finally the stage got lit with green, blue, and yellow lights, which resembled the northern lights, and along with the lights appeared seven talented musicians and their various instruments placed all around the stage.

Gunnar Örn Tynes was on guitar, piano, and vocals and Örvar Þóreyjarson Smárason was on electric guitar, electric keyboard, and vocals. Róbert Reynissonwas on guitar and vocals; Eiríkur Orri Olafsson was on trumpet, electric piano, and moog; Hildur Gudnadottir was on cello, ukulele, violin, harmonica, and vocals; Mr.Silla was on ukulele, harmonica, electronic guitar, and vocals; and Samuli Kosminen was on drums and percussion.

Even before they started playing, the stage and the band’s energy gave signals that the concert would feel like a jam session. And it truly did!

Thesongsperformed in the concert represented a great selection from Múm's last two albums Go Go Smear the Poison Ivy and Sing Along Songs You Don't Know!.The order of the songs was also arrangedperfectly; slow songs and vibrant songs were coming one after the other,including “Whistle for Rain,” “Marmalade Fires,” and “Hullaballabalu.”

The slower songs called the audience into naive fairy tales, whereas the upbeat songs kept them tapping their feet. The band's energy and interaction with the audience was also mesmerizing.I’m pretty sure thatat some point every woman in the audience was taken away by Örvar Þóreyjarson Smárason’s charm. He looked really cute playing a rectangular-shaped guitar!

Múm’s trademarks of soft, high-pitch vocals, electronic glitch beats, andflickering effects embedded into every song made for an inspiring night.Every sound and every movement seemed really theatrical under the lights falling on the stage. Every member of the band played at least two instruments, some traditional and some unconventional, and it was merely impossible not to be impressed by this talent and quality of music.

There is no denying that Múm is a group of amazing musicians who have a strikingpassion for making music in their unique and utopic way. If you’ve missed this impressive performance, be sure to buy a ticket if they are in town again! Just keep checking the Agenda section to stay up-to-date on what’ going on in Istanbul.

For those who weren’t there, here is what Múm is all about:

You enter the Ice Bar through two successive airtight doors, whose purpose is to maintain the -5 degree Celsius temperature in the room. (The temperature is cold enough to keep the ice from melting, without making patrons too uncomfortable.) Before entering the bar, all patrons are provided with thick thermal capes with attached woollen mittens. The inside of the Ice Bar, designed by Sofi Ruotsalainen and Mikael Nilsson, is one of the most original interior spaces in Istanbul. The bar itself, as well as the walls, the bench in the corner with its low circular drinks table, the thick decorative screens – all are made of semi-transparent blocks of Torne River ice, with designs specially carved by Ms. Ruotsalainen. You could be forgiven for thinking you’re at a bar on the planet Hoth in The Empire Strikes Back – but that’s the fun of visiting the Ice Bar.

The drinks are doled out in rectangular goblets of ice with cylindrical holes carved out in the middle. Try not to let your lips or tongue freeze as you sample any of 21 different alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks served “in the rocks.” Among the other choices on the drinks menu, the Ice Bar offers eight varieties of cocktail made with Absolut vodka, with inventive names like Northern Light, Midnight Sun, and Aurora Borealis.

Due to high customer demand (and a maximum capacity of 50 people) reservations are highly recommended, which you can do on the Ice Bar’s website. The duration of each visit is 45 minutes, and payment must be made in advance. While we can’t guarantee that you and your companions will – dare we say it – “break the ice” at the Ice Bar, you should still try to find time for a visit to this unique Istanbul venue.

**

What? Cactus Flower Bellini

Ingredients? Cactus flower purée, ginger, and champagne

Where to drink it? Minyon

With whom? Boyfriend/girlfriend

Why drink it?To feel the love

When to drink it?Before a romantic dinner

How much?40 TL

Hint: Cactus flower purée is a rare ingredient that gives a unique taste to the drink.

**

What?Grapefruit Passion

Ingredients? Slices of grapefruit, cranberry juice, and superfine sugar

Where to drink it? Babylon

With whom? All by yourself

Why drink it?To get the night going

When to drink it?During a concert, when the gig is on fire

How much? 25TL

Hint:The combination of grapefruit and cranberry is perfect. It will blow you away!

**

What? The Name of Rose

Ingredients? Vodka, rosé wine, cranberry juice, rose marmalade, grape, and dried rose

Where to drink it? Vogue

With whom? Parents

Why drink it?To cheer up the family dinner

When to drink it?If someone starts telling embarrassing stories from your childhood, order this drink to change the subject

How much?35 TL

Hint:Molecular mixology is the hottest thing at the bar.

**

What?Fruit Caipiroska

Ingredients? Absolut raspberry, Absolut pear, Sobieski Apples, lemon juice, and sour cherry juice

Where to drink it? Lucca

With whom?Posh colleagues

Why drink it?You’re at Lucca. You don’t need a reason to drink.

When to drink it?After work

How much?25 TL

Hint: Don’t even dare to tell bartender Cevat to add more alcohol. The fruit-alcohol ratio is equal. No worries.

**

What?White Chocolate Truffle

Ingredients? Chambord, Absolut raspberry, white chocolate, and milk

Where to drink it? Bloom

With whom?A date

Why drink it?You are both stressed out. Just take a sip and relax.

When to drink it?At the beginning of the date

How much?25 TL

Hint:One is never enough.

Winter is fast approaching and a lot of summer venues are closing down and the winter venues are coming back. Some have already opened up for the new season like Bird, Babylon, and Ghetto. Here is what’s going on with the rest of the nightlife venues in Istanbul.

Although Anjelique’s restaurant section is closed, the club will stay open until 29th of October. So if you’ve been spending your nights out at Anjelique, make sure you head there for a few more nights. After 29^th of October, Anjelique will go under renovation, which is meant to end by the beginning of December.

Reina and Sortie are still open, but they will both be closing down sometime in October depending on the weather. During the winter season, only Reina Restaurant in Reina will stay open.

Suada is closing down next week, but Suda Kebap and G Balık will stay open throughout the winter.

Pera was filled with the young and the cool heading to Nu Teras to dance the night away. Soon enough people will start lining up for the winter venue Nu Pera. There is no set date for Nu Pera’s comeback—it all depends on the weather.

Wan-na in Kanyon has been closed for quite some time now. There is still no clarity about when or if it will open again.

There is no set date for Al Jamal Badawi’s (now Beirut) opening but if you’re after some belly dancing fun, Arabesque is open year round.

The moral of the story is that the future of Istanbul’s nightlife depends on the weather. Just keep following us to learn the latest.

Old-school fun:Istanbul is filled with a variety of Turkish taverns or meyhanes. For a traditional venue with a bit of history, head to Refik or YA & RE. For a more upscale meyhane with a contemporary twist, go to Münferit, Kalamata Meyhanesi, or Meze by Lemon Tree.

All in one:If you want to have dinner and do some serious booty shaking afterwards without getting in traffic, do it all in one venue. If a Bosphorus view is a must, Ulus 29 is a great choice. Bird in Taksim gets going after dinner with a full crowd as well. Keep in mind that Bird is quite small and popular so consider this place for a small get-together and way in advance.

Exotic: If a party is not a party without some glitzy belly dancing show, head to Nomads or Arabesque.

Small and cozy:For a more personal get-together with your favorite people, head to Juno or Minyon. Remember that you have the option to close down the entire venue at Minyon. But even if you don’t, there is always a party going on there.

Enrico Maciasis the most senior of the four singers/groups, and one of the best-known on the international stage. The Algerian-French singer, born Gaston Ghrenassia, has been a professional musician since the 1960s, and is known for such famous songs as “Zingarella,” “Adieu mon Pays,” and “Solenzara.” Macias’s smooth, mellifluous tones, as well as the conciliatory subject matter of his songs, have earned him the sobriquet “the Voice of Peace.” Macias is very popular in Turkey, where many of his songs have been recorded in Turkish by various artists, including 70s legends Ajda Pekkan and Tanju Okan. Don’t miss out on your chance to see this singing legend come to Istanbul.

When: September 13

Where: Cemil Topuzlu Open-Air Theatre

Tarkanmost likely needs no introduction for anyone reading this article. The 38-year-old singer’s songs have been hits both locally and internationally, so if you live outside Turkey and know only one Turkish pop singer, that singer is most likely Tarkan. (If you live in Turkey, and have never heard of Tarkan, then you need to get out more.) Tarkan’s songs, like many pop songs, are often romantically themed, one of the most famous being the hit “Şımarık,” featuring the sound effect of a kiss at the end of each verse. (The song was covered in English by the singer Holly Valance under the title “Kiss Kiss.”) Known not only for his superb vocal ability, but also for his dancing and flamboyant stage personality, Tarkan is clearly still the King of Turkish Pop.

When: September 9 - 11

Where: Cemil Topuzlu Open-Air Theatre

Jamiroquai, founded in 1992, is one of the best-known names in acid jazz. Its frontman Jay Kay, who is virtually synonymous with the band as a whole, has led the group through many changes in lineup and has made seven albums in all, including 1994’s The Return of the Space Cowboy and 2001’s A Funk Odyssey, both of which went platinum in the UK. The band’s constantly-evolving sound has been heavily influenced by numerous genres, most especially funk. If you’re a Jamiroquai fan then you won’t want to miss this concert.

When: September 5

Where: Kuruçeşme Arena

Lamb, consisting of the duo Andy Barlow and Lou Rhodes, hails from Manchester, UK, and is notable for its highly original sound spanning various genres including electronica, drum and bass, and trip hop. Rhodes’s distinctive vocals are the mainstay of the group’s sound. The two released their first album in 1996 to great critical acclaim; after going their own ways for several years, during which both performers worked on various solo projects, the band reunited in 2009 and (we hope) will stay together for a while longer. So don’t pass up on the opportunity to see Lamb perform here in Istanbul.

When: September 30, October 1

Where:Salon IKSV

See our agenda section for information on times, venues, and ticket prices. Hurry up and book your tickets!

The first rule of night-clubbing is never spend the whole night in one location. Eat in one place, then go dancing in another, to create the best “Dinner & Dance” match. Here are some great combinations of Istanbul restaurants and bars.

9 Ece Aksoy + Off Pera

9 Ece Aksoy is located in the multicultural Asmalımescit area, which hosts a number of great little restaurants; you just need to know where to look. As we stepped across the threshold into Ece Aksoy, it felt like coming home.This dinner venue from legendary restaurateur Ece Aksoy is a paradise of traditional, home-cooked food; make sure you try one of their olive oil dishes. If you’re lucky you might bump into Sezen Aksu and her entourage.

A ten-minute walk then takes you to Off Pera on Gönül Sokak towards the Tünel end of Asmalımescit. If small talk with bohemians, followed by dance moves with intellectual strangers, is what you’re looking for at a bar, Off Pera is the perfect choice right after having a tasty dinner at Ece Aksoy.

Bebek Balıkçı + Lucca

What determines a “must-have” list for an Istanbul fish restaurant? The view? The meze? The coolness of the crowd? Bebek Balıkçı combines all these things together, resulting in a great atmosphere at the town’s most posh, popular fish restaurant. As long as you don’t mind paying a fortune for a well cooked, highly fresh fish dish, go ahead and reserve a table.

Your night out in Bebek continues at another posh neighborhood spot, Lucca. It has been nine years and Lucca still hasn’t gone out of fashion. It’s a cool place to be for almost 24 hours a day. This time, try something different at Lucca. Its bartender Cevat Yıldırım strongy recommends his new creation Pear & Ginger, which includes Absolut Pear, fresh ginger, syrup, apple juice and lemon juice.

Karaköy Lokantası + Kiki

Every now and then you come across somewhere so beautiful that you don’t want anyone else to know about it. It could be a unique vintage store or a great place to eat. Karaköy Lokantası was once one of those places. Now, it has become one of the most popular spots in town to drink rakı with freshly made meze and tasty seafood. The only question is, where to go after an unique dinner at Karaköy Lokantası?

My advice is: head for the new cult classic in night life, Kiki. Regulars of Karaköy Lokantası and Kiki have one thing in common: they never care about seeing and being seen. Established by the lovely Burcu Denizer, this club is a magnet for cool people. Located on Sıraselviler Caddesi, Kiki is just a few miles away from Karaköy Lokantası. It’ll take just a few minutes by cab.

Akın Balık + Bar-hopping in Asmalı

Akın Balık is all about wooden chairs, nylon tablecloths and cheap-but-delicious fish. Located at the end of fish bazaar in Karaköy, Akın Balık is the right place to feel and smell the old city.

In the wake of the new restrictions on tables in Asmalımescit, bar-hopping in the neighborhood may not be exciting anymore. Never mind: hit the Asmalı bars once more for old times' sake. Otto, Lokal and Novo are still waiting for you with good music and good shots of liquor.

Peyote, Beyoğlu

Peyote has built a reputation for its cheap beer and good music. This perfect match made Peyote one of the city’s most preferred cult spots. Located in the heart of Beyoğlu, Peyote is the ideal venue to discover fresh sounds and up-and-coming bands. We suggest you head to Peyote before the weather gets cold to enjoy their terrace.

Beer: 7 – 11 TL

Cocktails: 18 TL

Shots: 8 – 12 TL

Parantez, Asmalımescit

The problem about Asmalımescit is obvious: too many bars and not enough time (or money) to hop through them all. One of the best kept secrets of Asmalımescit is Parantez—a bar where you can drink for hours without paying a fortune. You’ll find delicious cocktails accompanied by good music—anything from Michael Jackson to Duman. We suggest you try Orman Cini as a shot or cocktail—depending on whether you want to get buzzed or hammered. Served with slices of green apple, this house specialty is made with Bacardi, lemon, and sugar, and the glass is rimmed with cinnamon.

Beer: 6 – 15 TL

Cocktails: 13 – 19 TL

Shots: 5 – 20 TL

Arkaoda, Kadıköy

Arkaoda is a unique club where you can mingle with the laid-back crowd of Kadıköy. It’s not just the indie and alternative music but also the vintage feel of the venue that makes it so attractive. Another plus: entrance is free.

Beer: 6.5 – 11 TL

Cocktails: 14 – 20 TL

Shots: 5 – 14 TL

Kafe Pi

Kafe Pi is best described as the Starbucks of nightlife (only cheaper). You go there to hang out with your friends and have something to drink. You’ll find branches of Kafe Pi all around Istanbul—in Suadiye, Beyoğlu, Beşiktaş... The range of cocktails at Kafe Pi is quite impressive, and they are all freshly-made and beautifully presented. Try their Sweet Dreams cocktail, made of Archers, Absinthe, Baileys, and Granedine. If you don’t like your cocktails sweet, try our other favorite Juju (green banana liqueur, Garrone Rosso, lemon juice, and Gin).Sofyalı Sokak No.11 Asmalımescit; P:(0212) 245 76 10

Beer: 4 – 10 TL

Cocktails: 12 – 20 TL

Shots: 5 – 12 TL

As much as we love the sea-sand-sun combo, we have to admit—the closer September is, the happier we are. And it’s not just because we’re tired of the sun or the sea but because we can no longer wait for the incredible concerts at Babylon...and it turns out that this year’s concerts will be well worth the wait!

The Midnight Express Series

Music is the ultimate equalizer. Regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or language, music brings up similar emotions in the audience. Madonna was completely on board when she said, “music makes the people come together.”

With this in mind, Babylon is setting in motion The Midnight Express Series. You might wonder what the title has to do with any of this? In an extraordinary fashion, the series takes inspiration from the infamous film Midnight Express that, according to Babylon, creates stereotypes about the “other” or the “unknown.” With the aim of breaking such stereotypes, Babylon is bringing spectacular musicians from mostly forgotten or disregarded corners of the world.

This multi-cultural program is intended to show the Istanbul audience what music sounds like on the “other” side of the world. Here are the highlights of what’s coming to Babylon in September-December 2011:

September 15 – Baba Zula: Originally a side project of the now broken-up Anatolian rock group Zen, Baba Zula brings traditional Turkish music to an electronic-acoustic platform, creating an original Istanbul sound. Featuring instruments like the ney, the clarinet, and electric saz, BaBa Zula offers a mesh of Sufi-Islamic tradition, Turkish gypsy music, and the musical spirit of Anatolia. For more information, click here.

September 16 – İlhan Erşahin’s Istanbul Sessions: Istanbul Sessions is made up of four talented musicians—İlhan Erşahin, Alp Ersönmez, Turgut Bekoğlu, and İzzet Kızıl who blend funk and jazz along with Middle Eastern influences to create a unique sound. The concept behind Istanbul Sessions is to blend the signature Nublu sound with the spirit of modern Istanbul, using Turkish scales, club beats, and improvised jazz riffs. For more information, click here.

September 21 & 22 – Mulatu Astatke: The legendary Ethiopian musician Mulatu Astatke became known for his unique blending of classic American jazz, Ethiopian folk music, Latin beats, and Afro-funk to create the one-of-a-kind sound that is Ethio-jazz. He is also famous for introducing and establishing the use of various percussion instruments, such as conga and bongo drums, in Ethiopian popular music. For more details, click here.

September 23 & 24 – Tinariwen: Coming all the way from the Sahara Desert in Northern Mali, Tinariwen is an African blues group that was founded in a refugee camp in Libya in the 1970s by a group of Tuareg tribesmen known as the blue men of the desert. Their music is influenced by traditional Tuareg melodies and rhythms, as well as Tuareg instruments, but is also deeply political. Unlike most bands, Tinariwen has always been a collective of singers, songwriters, and musicians, who perform and record in ever-shifting combinations, but always manage to blend their ancient musical traditions with radical contemporary politics. For more details,click here.

The Best of the Rest

Apart from the Midnight Express series, Babylon has other musicians and bands coming to entertain Istanbulites. Here is a sneak peek of the best of what’s on schedule:

September 14 – The Maccabees: British indie rock group The Maccabees is comprised of Orlando Weeks on vocals and guitar, Hugo White on guitar, Felix White on backing vocals and guitar, Rubert Jarvis on bass, and Sam Doyle on drums. For more information, click here.

November 2 – Plaid: The British electronic music duo, comprised of Andy Turner and Ed Handley, will take the stage with their outstanding and emotionally-charged ambient, neo-electro, and electro-techno music. For more information, click here.

December 8 – No Age: The American indie duo No Age was in Istanbul at Bronx Pi just a few months ago to entertain Istanbul’s indie fan base. Now the LA-based noise pop/punk band is back in Istanbul with Randy Randall on guitar and Dean Allen Spunt on drums and vocals. For more information, click here.

December 15 & 16 – Apparat: A German electronic musician from Berlin, Apparat (Sascha Ring) embarked on his musical journey with dance floor-oriented techno then went on to produce ambient music. In 2007, he formed a band with Raz Ohara on the piano and Jörg Waehner on drums. For more information, click here.

Note that Babylon hasn’t announced its entire fall/winter program and the prices/times for some of the performances have not been finalized. Keep following us to get the scoop on Babylon’s gigs.

It’s the company, the music, and the venue that makes a night out a great one. And with a great one, we mean one that you’ll barely remember. If you haven’t had one of those nights for a long time, here is where you need to go and what you need to drink:

Pear & Ginger Vodka at Lucca: Mingle with the sexy crowd at Lucca while sipping Chief bartender Cevat Yıldırım’s Pear & Ginger Vodka.

Rose Mojito at Nuteras: As you take in the fantastic Golden Horn view, try this refreshing Mojito made with white wine, red wine, Absolut vanilla, lime, and mint. It’s less sweet than a traditional mojito and can be enjoyed solo or with some nibbles.

Whiskey Sour at Sunset: Enjoy this classic cocktail at Sunset’s outdoor bar overlooking the spectacular Bosphorus views.

Lychee Martini at Zuma: After indulging in some serious Japanese food, get tropical with Lychee Martini’s sweet flavors.

Lynchburg Lemonade at Quick China: This classic cocktail’s mix of sweet and sour flavors pair very well with Asian food.

Passimoza at Müzedechanga: Made with passion fruit, orange juice, and champagne, Passimoza is a light, juicy, and sweet cocktail.

Rain Odaiba and Pam dor at Çok Çok Thai: With ginger and coriander flavors, Rain Odaiba is a slightly sour cocktail that matches well with Thai food. Pam dor is a bit on the spicy side and is best enjoyed before or after the meal.

Ras Passion at Ulus 29:Get ready to party till the wee hours of the night at Ulus 29 and let bartender Barış fix you up with Ras Passion, which is made with raspberry, passion fruit, vodka, champagne, and raspberry-flavored vodka.

Margarita at Picante: Have this classic cocktail at Picante. But remember what happens when you drink tequila!

Nu Teras: Nu Pera takes the party up to the roof each summer with Nu Teras, which affords a lovely view of the Golden Horn. Take your pick from their international menu or hit the bar for pre or post-dinner cocktails. To mingle with the toxicated crowd swaying the night away, go on the weekend.

360istanbul: The first and presumably the best of the 360 restaurant chain, 360istanbul is located on the top floor of the historic Mısır Apartment. Sip on a Satsuma Dream or two while enjoying the panoramic view of the city. If hunger strikes, a rich menu of Turkish cuisine with an international twist is available.

X Restaurant: Boasting magnificent views of the Golden Horn and the historical peninsula, X Restaurant’s eclectic décor coupled with a Turkish and Mediterranean fusion menu make for an ideal dinner spot. Make sure you catch a live performance at IKSV Salon while you’re there.

Vogue: Order a glass of bourbon and go with your instincts when it comes to selecting a cigar from the list. Add to that an excellent bar and stunning views of the Bosphorus. Need we say more?

Banyan:Look over the Bosphorus from the top floor of a historical building in Ortaköy. Enjoy some fantastic Asian fusion fare and move next door later in the night to join the party at Anjelique.

Ghetto Teras: Ghetto Teras has reinvented itself for the summer of 2011. Try their newly added frozen cocktails, chill out on their refurbished seats, and enjoy the fantastic view of Istanbul. You may want to lose yourself in the music but keep an ear out for the bell. When the bell rings, you’ll know that it’s time to get the reduced-priced drink for an hour.

Mikla: Mikla caused quite a splash when it opened in 2005 on the top floor of the Marmara Pera and is still making waves, due to its breathtaking views and unique niche in the fusion market—brilliant welding of Scandinavian and Turkish cuisine, thanks to the dual nationality of owner and head chef Mehmet Gürs. Grab your soon-to-be-girlfriend with you to Mikla, order their finest wine, and just look over at the incredible view. It will do the trick, trust us.

5. Kat: 5. Kat has managed to combine a delectable menu along with that sparkling view into a single Cihangir-sized package. Combining Italian dishes with Turkish undertones, the cuisine is relatively well mixed between the cultures, making your options much more expansive. No Istanbul spot is complete without a signature cocktail list—5. Kat boasts everything from Bailey’s coffee to the well-known Manhattan for those wishing to lengthen the evening.

Up Lounge: Just in case you haven’t been amazed by the nightlife in the fantastic Asmalımescit, Up Lounge should be the tip of the iceberg for anyone on the edge, focusing on Spanish cuisine with a gorgeous view of the Golden Horn that only Istanbulites can sample. Take a seat by the deck and try some of their signature Paella dishes. Even if you want to make this spot a stop on your nighttime trek instead of a destination, try the delectable Spanish collection of tapas and grilled dishes. For the more energetic groups, Friday nights take on a special atmosphere with live music courtesy of ethnic performer Brenda Berrin.

The legendary Woodstock concerts might be long gone as a memory of the 1960s, but wasn’t that just a group of music-loving kids on a wide-open field a few days in August? Rock’n Coke at the Hezarfen Airport could very well be the next best thing, promising perks that Woodstockers could have never dreamed of, while staying true to the pure purpose of good music. With an array of activities and giveaways by the sponsors of the festival, festival-goers won’t have a spare minute. A Converse half-pipe, Sony Gran Turismo car simulators, and a free BBM lounge? An unreal cross between an intense music festival and an amusement park, bring your caffeine and sneakers, as sleep is optional!

The festival promises opportunities as afforded by the sponsors and contributors to this massive two-day event. Mavi Jeans will be selling custom signed “Sesli T-Shirts” (Vocal T-Shirts) with lyrics from Turkish groups Duman, Gripin, and Athena. Converse has designed a half-pipe for festival-goers wishing to use their skates, or test out the Converse skate line in a colorful and urban setting designed by the masters at Milk Gallery. A sponsorship by Sony promises prizes for those showing off their skills in their Gran Turismo 5 video game, while Tune-L Music presents an array of activities like recording a professionally mastered demo, as well as partaking in a drum workshop.

In addition to fantastic catering, giveaways, and games, the obvious focal point of the festival is unchanging: the music.

The line-up according to the performance schedule is as follows:

Çilekeş: Turkish rock band Çilekeş has been extremely well liked among rock lovers across Europe since 2002, following their first-ever performance on a modest stage in Ankara. With the chilling vocals of Görkem Karabudak, Çilekeş has made its mark with their debut album titled Y.O.K.

Kurban: Wildly popular Turkish rock band Kurban joins the main stage after their decision to get back together in 2006.

The Kooks: Boasting catchy riffs and bold lyrics, the band has enjoyed immense success especially in the United States and Europe. Earning acclaim for chart-toppers like “She Moves In Her Own Way” and “Shine On,” The Kooks are among the decade’s most successful international recording artists. They are due to release a third much-awaited album titled Junk of the Heart in September.

Motörhead:Part of the New Wave of British Metal, Motörhead experiments with speed metal and heavy metal, never losing its passionate fan base.

Limp Bizkit: In the later hours of day one of Rock’n Coke, another well-loved foreign band graces the main stage for fans and festival-goers. American legend Limp Bizkit, responsible for serious musical influences of the 90s, is back together after a four-year break between 2005 and 2009. This nu-metal band has been nominated for three Grammy awards and has sold an estimated total of 35 million albums worldwide.

2manyDJ’S:Known as Soulwax, these Belgian brothers bring their disco/techno remixes to Istanbul’s eager fans.

Hemi Behmoras:Opening the Rock’n Coke 2011 festivities, Hemi Behmoras kicks off with his unique and interesting DJ set. Combining disco, electronic, and other catchy dance beats, this is sure to get the crowd excited for a long afternoon!

GrupSes Beats: Taking their underlying musical cues from 60s and 70s funk, GrupSes Beats has gained footing in Poland, Holland, and Belgium and now touches back at Istanbul.

DJ Sarıyılan (Sezyum): An unpredictable mix of artists like Zeki Müren and Aphex Twin? Who could pull this off? Don’t miss DJ Sarıyılan’s act.

Melis Danișmend: Songwriter and applauded musician Melis Danişmend comes to Hezarfen with her set of predominantly piano and acoustic pieces, all of which she writes herself.

Soaked: Electronica meets the traditions of synth-pop thanks to Soaked. With their lyrical pieces that seamlessly combine the 80s undertones of early electronica with the more advanced development of the genre in the 2000s, Soaked is here with an unforgettable performance!

Aloe Blacc: New to the realm of international music, Aloe Blacc brings his developing gifts in hip-hop and soul music to Rock’n Coke for the first time, promising Latin as well as rap influences in most of his pieces for this performance.

Curry & Coco:Edgy French pop-punk duo known as Curry & Coco have been extremely productive over the last few years, with hits like “Sex is Fashion”and “Who’s Next?” Now, they bring their electro-dance set to the Vodafone Freezone stage.

Acid Washed:Boasting the sufficient tones of classic disco and electronica, Acid Washed is a Parisian-borne product of the well-known French label Record Makers.

Golem:Turkish artist Kaan Akay has found himself a pair of drums and a bass guitar and goes by the name Golem. Performing on the radio station Dinamo for eight years, his fans know how his lack of adherence to traditions of music set him apart in the music world!

Fuchs &Cervus: These Istanbulites have a taste for well-produced dance tracks. With their friendship almost as strong as the music they produce together, they will take stage at Hezarfen in the early morning hours, keeping the festival’s energy high!

Hakan Tamar: Prolific and always on the move, Hakan Tamar is a front-runner in Turkey’s radio production. Having been on radio stations like Power, Number One, and Dinamo, Tamar has established himself as a DJ to be remembered.

She Past Away: Newly gaining their footing in the genres of darkwave and new wave music, this Turkish group promises a new take on the music of the 80s.

Dengesiz Herifler:Turkish punk-rock band Dengesiz Herifler is a relatively new addition to the growing family of Turkish-borne rock groups of the 2000s, and promise to play pieces off their album Sıfır.

Deja-Vu: Sampling a wide range of instruments from drums to bass and electro guitar, Deja-Vu is a Turkish group that likes to throw an ethnic twist into what would otherwise be a traditional punk-rock setup, incorporating instruments like the Greek bouzouki and other Turkish folk instruments!

Esben and the Witch:Hailing from the well-known musical area of Brighton in the United Kingdom, Esben and the Witch stay true to their eerie name. With their gothic and darkly influenced rock music, they will be chilling the audience at Rock’n Coke!

Electrelane:Bringing girl power to the Coca-Cola Zero stage, the ladies of Electrelane draw their influences from well-known bands like The Velvet Underground and Sonic Youth. A modern twist on classic rock, they will be a surefire hit on the alternative stage.

Dum Dum Girls:Sounding much like popular American indie-pop/noise-pop bands Best Coast and Wavves, Dum Dum Girls put on wild shows overseas. Don’t miss this crazy set—we’re sure you’ll hear them no matter how far away you are!

Gripin: Well-loved Turkish contemporary band Gripin will be performing as the opening act of the main stage on the second day of the festival. Gripin’s modest origins in bars around Istanbul have certainly catapulted them to a very different setting. With a significantly large following among the underground scene before releasing their debut album in 2004, Gripin had no issue rising to the frontline of Turkey’s rock scene. Front man Birol Namoğlu’s touching vocals as well as the band’s compilations with known artists like Pamela, Emra Aydın, and MaNga contributed to the group’s success and invitation to be a part of Rock’n Coke 2011.

Friendly Fires: American band Friendly Fires is fast gaining acclaim by indie reviewers and listeners alike, with their dance tracks that are reminiscent of both disco and indie rock.

Athena: Pioneering branches of music that had been relatively untouched by Turkish musicians, Athena is well-known for their performance in the 49^th Eurovision competition, as well as for their work in Turkish punk and ska with their songs both in English and Turkish.

Skunk Anansie: Bringing a lot of meaning to some heavy metal tracks, Skunk Anansie addresses the repression of black feminism with the anger and passion of true believers in this cause. With their latest album Wonderlustre, it is clear that these women are looking to make an impact while showing their audience a good time!

Paolo Nutini: Scottish superstar Paolo Nutini is a highlight of this year’s festival. Mastering folk, soul, and everything in between, Nutini is nowhere near stopping. Promising a third album to follow the wide success of his first two, he has songs like “Jenny Don’t Be Hasty” and “New Shoes” to follow up.

Travis: Indie/Britpop band Travis joins passionate Istanbulites on the same stage with their catchy and unique twists on the widely popular genre. With albums like Good Feeling (1997), The Man Who (1999), and Boy With No Name (2007), the group has experimented with acoustic tones into heavier rock influences and lighter pop undertones. As the boys deign to take on Hezarfen, Travis fans are in for an evening treat!

Moby: Notably, Moby released Hotel in 2005 with the wildly popular singles Lift Me Up and 18 in 2002, with the track “We Are All Made of Stars” commemorating 9/11. Moby is a pioneer in electronica and techno music and has brought popularity to the genres that had been on a fading track since the early 90s.

Dancing Birds Feel Beat: The masters of Turkish boogie nights, Dancing Birds Feel Beat dip into oldies residents like The Beach Boys to get some of their famous dance tracks to the top of the charts.

Club Bangkok: Hipsters and dance-lovers alike can enjoy Club Bangkok’s self-proclaimed genre of “snobby-techno.” Covering artists like Franz Ferdinand, Arctic Monkeys, and The Clash, it’s impossible to be a stranger to their sets. They just want you to jump up and have a good time with mixes of your favorite tracks!

Tunng: If you’ve spent any time watching American TV hits, you’ve heard Tunng and don’t even know it. Natives of the ever-popular show The O.C and Weeds, Tunng’s odd breed of folktronica is always memorable and catchy.

FM Belfast: Iceland might not be on the map for great accomplishments in international music, but FM Belfast is doing all it can to get their country noticed. With their familiar indietronica, these mixes make it quite difficult to stay put while listening!

İhan Erşahin’s Istanbul Sessions: Master Miles Davis should be proud of İlhan Erşahin’s work in modal funk and jazz. Looping in some Middle Eastern influences to stay true to the sound of Istanbul, this is an experimental set that should prove widely popular if you give it a listen.

Gaslamp Killer:Los Angeles native DJ Gaslamp Killer is no stranger to the international charts. Taking hardened masters like Jimi Hendrix and even Dr. Dre, Gaslamp Killer is a DJ to notice.

Beach House: Growing in popularity with a younger crowd in the United States, Beach House is popularizing a style of dream-pop that doesn’t quite have the edge and noise of Girls or Best Coast, but certainly has the catchy tunes of its genre. Grouped along with popular indie band The xx, Beach House is gaining a passionate sector of indie music fans and promises to prove its worth on the Vodafone stage!

Thievery Corporation: Dub-step meets acid jazz and mixes in with reggae? Thievery Corporation proves this can be done, and can be done more than well. This couple of DJs pioneer in the fields of both trip-hop and down-tempo music.

Mabbas& Style-Ist:Spinning the traditional and popular mix of dub-step, indie, and electronica, Mabba& Style-Ist comes with a simple promise: energy and excitement in the early morning hours!

Social Inclusion Band:An incredible collection of youth with social and developmental disorders, Social Inclusion Band surprises audience members with every show, performing a different genre or branch of popular and classic music.

Kül: Known for their high-voltage performances often charged with politically provocative lyrics, it seems that Kül is by no means a quiet group of young men. With their always aggressive approach towards contemporary music, this should be an electric show for an undoubtedly excited audience!

To Mexico With Love:If loosely defined could have some kind of finality, To Mexico With Love would be it. This Turkish group subscribes to no labels, no categorizations, and no limitations. With pop, punk, dance, and whatever strikes their fancy, there’s no describing their shows!

Post: Artfully blending house, dance, and trip-hop music, Post is a Turkish band that has a lot of potential and a lot of expectations from its small but developing fan group.

On Your Horizon:Another facet of Turkish experimentalist bands, On Your Horizon is responsible for helping regenerate post-rock in the Turkish music industry.

Chapel Club:Who can say no to these beautiful British boys from musical Manchester? This isn’t your typical boyband, however. Chapel Club is noted as a reincarnation of the great 80s band The Smiths, and for having only been in the industry for two years, it seems they’re in excellent company!

The Black Lips: Making their mark on the indie kids of the United States, The Black Lips are a frequent name on some favorite soundtracks like Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World and (500) Days Of Summer. Their brand of garage punk-rock is both soothing and exciting.

Mogwai: Mogwai draws its roots from The Pixies, The Cure, and the legendary Joy Division. Blending meth rock, art rock, and shoegaze, Mogwai is a very successful modern interpretation of 90s post-rock.

The Qemists:With their artfully added DJ performances in traditional bass and drum tracks, The Qemists are an oddball bunch from England hoping to gain some more support at Rock’n Coke’s Vodafone stage.

Where: Hezarfen Airport

When:July 16, 12:00 PM – 04:30 AM

July 17, 12:00 PM – 3:00 AM

How Much: 90 TL (pre-order, single day); 60 TL (pre-order, single day, student); 140 TL (pre-order, both days); 100 TL (pre-order, both days, student); 180 TL (pre-order, camping, both days) ; 120 TL (pre-order, camping, both days, student); 100 TL (at door, single day); 70 TL (at door, single day, student); 180 TL (at door, both days); 120 TL (at door, both days, student); 220 TL (at door, both days, camping); 150 TL (at door, both days, camping, student)

Rookis the last venue to open in the increasingly trendy Şişhane district. Billed as a café, bistro, and bar, Rook has a relaxed and laid-back vibe. With the front garden facing the always packed Meşrutiyet Caddesi, and the balcony at the back overlooking the Golden Horn, Rook has the best of both worlds.

The menu is designed by award-winning chef Eyüp Gül and includes small bites, pizzas, and salads for a healthy alternative. The bar turns out tasty and original cocktails. An interior designed by Emir Uras and performances from renowned DJ Alain Silifkeli make Rook a very cool addition to Şişhane’s ever-evolving nightlife scene.

A recent addition to Istanbul’s nightlife scene is Indigo Lounge in the lively Tomtom Street. Unlike the name suggests, the venue is not a typical lounge—it’s an experimental project that brings together DJ performances, live acts, visual shows, open-air film screenings, exhibitions, and talks under one roof. One day you might be at Indigo Lounge sipping fruity cocktails and dancing the night away with anything from indie, disco, and funk to post punk, new wave, and brit rock. The next day you may find yourself watching Turkish movies that you grew up with. An interesting concept, isn’t it?

In June, Indigo Lounge’s program included a night of disco and funk (a.k.a “Diskoloji Semineri”) by DJ Cihan Aksoy, who had dominated the DJ booth at various clubs around Istanbul, including Nu Pera, Lokal and Otto. Nostalgia was the theme of a party called “Copacabana - A Tribute to 70s Istanbul Nightlife & Discotheques” that witnessed party-goers dance the night away to 70s Far-East pop, Cumbia, Mambo, cheesy disco delights, and much more.

Indigo Pub has also updated its concept, taking on a more retro atmosphere. Friday and Saturday nights are now dedicated to 70s-80s tunes. With the recent addition of their lunch menu, you can practically spend the entire day at Tomtom hopping from Indigo Pub to Indigo Lounge, dancing the night away, indulging in some delicious cocktails, and simply letting your hair down.

Imagine swaying to the beat of your favorite band with a cold beer in one hand while the sun is shining. Sounds unreal, right? Maybe on a boring Monday morning, but not during the first weekend of July! During Efes Pilsen One Love Festival, dancing and drinking are exactly what hundreds of people will do!

One of the most established music festivals of the city, Efes Pilsen One Love Festival is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. Some of the international acts of the festival are Manic Street Preachers, Happy Mondays, Suede, Editors, Cake, and Nneka. The festival will also host the finest acts from Turkey in a true festival fashion on two stages and a party tent. There will be games, contests, and lots of surprises.

We don’t mean to spoil it for you but one of the surprises is the bracelet that each festival goer will receive at the entrance. This is not a regular bracelet though. It has a special chip that lets you instantly share your Efes One Love Festival experience with your friends though social media. And how will this work? Your Facebook and Twitter accounts will be synced with the bracelets. That’s how all the participants will be able to share their photos and favorite band’s songs with their friends. All you have to do is swipe your bracelets through the uber-technological devices. Can you imagine the kind of twit-mania for two days?

On July 2^nd, the festival’s first live performance will be by 123; vocalist Dilara’s smooth voice over trip-hop and downtempo rhythms will get the atmosphere ready for a two-day marathon of music and fun. Then comes Turkey’s urban legendBüyük Ev Ablukada who will no doubt have their loyal fans arriving early. Next up is Nigerian-born German musician Nneka whom critics associate with Erykah Badu and Lauryn Hill. The band most associated with trademark “Madchester” sound of the 80s in Britain, Happy Mondays is coming to Istanbul for the first time for the festival. The climax of the evening will be when one of the most popular British bands of all times Manic Street Preachers will take the One Love stage once again. The night does not end when the stages close, as DJs MabbasandMurat Beşer will host their legendary “Oldies But Goldies” party in the tent area.

The next day, after Radio Babylon’s DJs warm up Sunday’s main stage, Turkish rock band Sade (not to be confused with the romantic British sensation) will warm up the scene. If you want to hear what Turkish reggae sounds like, then do not miss Neşeli Milis. Santralistanbul will have some Californian breeze with Cake, and then the post-punk British indie band Editors will meet with the Istanbul audience for the second time. The headliner of the evening is veteran Brit-pop act Suede, with frontman Brett Anderson taking the crowds to a nostalgic and energy-loaded tour. The festival’s last event will take place in the party tent with DJ duo Novak’s 3D Disco Party.

Do not miss this if you are looking for quality festival time on a huge green lawn!

• Suede: When we think of Brit-Pop, the first name that pops up in our minds is Suede—a pioneer of the revolutionary musical developments in Britain. Their songs carry the effects of shoegaze grunge and Madchester, and they’re known with songs like “Animal Nitrate,” “The Drowners,” “Trash,” “Stay Together,” and “She’s In Fashion.” They’re touring around the world now to promote their Greatest Hits album, which was released in 2010.

• Manic Street Preachers: Manic Street Preachers (aka The Manics) gave punk rock and alternative rock a face lift. They rose to fame with their epic song “I Laughed When Lennon Got Shot” in 1990. After that they released the album Generation Terrorists, in which songs included quotations from famous authors like Albert Camus, Sylvia Plath, and George Orwell. In 2009, after their guitarist Richard Edwards’ mystery disappearance, they released an album called Journal for Plague Lovers, compiled by songs written by Edwards.

• Happy Mondays: Happy Mondays changed indie rock and electronic music from top to bottom in the early 80s. A catalyst of the Madchester trend, Happy Mondays will take the One Love stage with their crazy soloist. The pioneers of acid house and electronic music, Happy Mondays’ first album was Squirrel and G-Man Twenty Four Hour Party People Plastic Face Carnt Smile. Their second album was Bummed, which made them England’s stars, and their third album Pills ‘n’ Thrills and Bellyache is considered as the peak of their fame and creativity. In 2007, they released their latest album Uncle Dysfunktional known for the unforgettable songs, such as “24 Hour Party People,” “Step On,” “Loose Fit,” and “Kinky Afro.”

• Editors: Editors are considered by alternative rock societies as one of the bands that reformed post-punk music. They released their first single “Bullets” in 2005—it was sold out the day that it was released. Their album The Back Room was nominated for England’s most prestigious prize, the Mercury Prize. After countless concerts all over Europe, Editors will be in Turkey one more time, performing for all the indie rock and Brit rock fans.

• Cake: The Californian rock band Cake combines rock music with funk, ska, and country. Cake’s name was heard with their first single “Rock ‘n’ Roll Lifestyle” in 1993. Their second album Fashion Nugget and their cover of “I Will Survive” made them very popular. In 1998, they released their third album Prolonging Magic and the song “Never There,” which significantly increased their worldwide fame. Their latest album Showroom of Compassion came out in 2011. The group says that this album is very different than the others. Curious much?

• Nneka: Nneka is a young German talent who’s compared to divas like Lauren Hill and Erykah Badu. She sings hip-hop and soul in her own unique way in English and also in Igbo (the language of Igbo people living in southeastern Nigeria). After the release of her first studio album Victim of Truth in 2005, Nneka began performing at big festivals and shared the stage with great names, such as Femi Kuti, Bilal, and Gnarls Barkley.

• Büyük Ev Ablukada: Alternative Turkish music’s dynamic and rebellious group, Büyük Ev Ablukada hasn’t released an album yet but gained popularity through their online releases and has established a solid fan base. Büyük Ev Ablukada is a band that rejects many clichés—their postmodern lyrics, authentic jargon, and lively performances have made this band a favorite amongst alternative groups.

• Neşeli Milis: Neşeli Milis is a band that plays reggae’s most beautiful rhythms. They will offer a performance filled with positive energy at the Efes Pilsen One Love Festival.

• Sade: In 2010, Sade won the best band award at Rock n’ Dark music competition organized by Efes Pilsen. They are currently working on their first album.

• 123: Three friends, who performed with Turkish bands Tamburada and DanDadaDan, formed 123 to create trip hop and downtempo songs. They have released three albums so far: Aksel, Stereo Love, andArve.

• Sapan: Singing in Eglish, Turkish, and French,Sapan blends melancholy and hope in their songs. The indie band is preparing to release their EP of five songs.

• Kırık Çizgi: Kırık Çizgi is a band that has lots of improvising and post-punk elements in their music. In 2008, they released their demo “Sözümüz Yok” and their first album, which carries the name of the band. Following the first album, they released a single called “Mirimari” in 2010.

• Seni Görmem İmkansız: With their different stage setups, unusual instruments, and conspicuous lyrics, Seni Görmem İmkansız performs a very different kind of music. For an unusual sort of electronic music, don’t miss Seni Görmem İmkansız’s performance at Efes Pilsen One Love Festival.

• Yora: Yora is an indie-rock band with seven members. They released two EP’s so far and they are now working on their first studio album.

• Kitschcraft: Kitschcraft attracted attention with their synth-pop based Turkish and English songs. They had their first breakthrough in 2002 with the song “The Girls in Their Summer Dresses.”

• Model: We noticed Model when they shot their first music video of “Olmaz” in 2009. When you’re watching and listening to Model, you’ll witness that the darkest themes of music can be composed with a lot of fun.

• Social Inclusion Band: An international social responsibility project, Social Inclusion Band unites established musicians with teenagers who have disabilities and/or social disadvantages.

• Toz ve Toz: Toz ve Toz combines jazz, punk, and classical Turkish music. Their first album is still in the works.

• Eva: They started their career as a cover band in 2005. Since then, they have been playing songs from the 60s and 70s.

• Ece Dorsay: Ece Dorsay recorded her first demo with Yavuz Çetin and then released her first album Kum Saati in 2002. This unique musician calls her style Post-Folk and Lo-Fi Folk.

• Gözyaşı Çetesi: Gözyaşı Çetesi has elements of rock enriched with synth in their music. They play the covers of Chemical Brothers, Daft Punk, Digitalism, as well as their own mixes.

• Ricochet: In 2001, Ricochet released an EP called capt. ahab and then the band members split up to work on other projects. In 2009, after 8 years of silence, the members of Ricochet reunited. And now they will be at Efes Pilsen One Love Festival.

• Farfara: One of the pioneers of the new generation independent music in Turkey, Farfara makes a kind of music that is hard to describe as it blends different styles and genres. But if we were to push it, their music could be described as Krautrock and Wave.

• Onor BumBum: One of the most talented electronic musicians of Turkey, Onor BumBum’s first album Diyorum ki has downtempo songs that he produced with the software and instruments that he created.

Where: santralistanbul

When: July 2-3

How much: 55.50TL (1day only); 36 TL (1day only – student); 79.25TL (both days); 55.50 (both days – student)

FIVE TIPS -How to get drinks from the bar?

- If you really want to piss off your bartender, try clapping your hands or snapping your fingers to get attention. If you want him to be nice to you and hand over your drink quickly, eye contact or a slight gesture will suffice.

- Don’t be afraid to try a new drink that the bartender recommends. It often leads to a drink on the house.

- Know what you want and be specific when you order. Otherwise, you will have to do with a less-than-perfect cocktail.

- Have your money ready and order all drinks at once. A good bartender can remember 6-8 drinks.

- Don’t shout out the bartender’s name if s/he doesn’t know who you are. It does not matter whether you know the bartender or not. If s/he doesn’t know you at all, that shout makes you so uncool.

With the arrival of summer, most bartenders update their cocktail menus, bringing in some new additions and revamping some old ones. Do you know what you will be ordering at summer parties? Will you just say, “A Mojito, please”? A quick reminder: all the classic cocktails are so out of fashion and you need to up your cocktail knowledge if you want to stick with the in crowd. Selecting the right summer cocktail from the range of drinks being shaken and stirred can be overwhelming. Don’t worry, that’s why we’re here! We’ve tried cool and refreshing cocktails in town and here are the results:

Patrooke at Rook: Rook’s owner Çetin Jr. (or Rüzgar Çetin) has every right to be proud of his bartender Metin. The guy has a great taste in cocktails as well as the ability to make new combinations with fun and creativity. Would you ever imagine getting drunk by drinking a cocktail that’s made with eggplants? Right, eggplants! We’re not talking about a meal; we’re talking about Patrooke—Metin’s latest creation. It’s a perfect summer cocktail but for now they’re keeping the ingredients a secret. But all we have to say is that if you like vodka and eggplants, you’ll love this drink!

Watermelon Martini at Lucca: Martini is a celebrated cocktail and was the inspiration for 007 to save the world. This version of Martini cocktail may not be suitable for 007 movies. It is, however, a perfect cocktail to chill out at the glitterati central Lucca. It can be described as a fabulously fruity version of the sophisticated classic cocktail. Ladies will love it!

Grapes Passion at Chilai: Undoubtedly, Bebek’s newcomer Chilai will be the hotspot of the city with a great Bosphorus view and a relaxed terrace. And the bar team is so ready for the summer with exotic cocktails and unique tastes. The staff’s recommendation is the Grapes Passion cocktail, made with peach flavored vodka, freshly squeezed grapes and pineapple juice, with a mix of cinnamon and salt around the rim of the glass. Those who love all things spicy should try the Mexican Mojito, which brings a whole new twist to the classic Mojito with tequila, sweet & sour sauce, soda, and Mexican chili.

Very Jameson at Küçük Otto: Fill the glass with ice, and then add Jameson Irish Whiskey @ Küçük Otto. Top off with ginger ale. Garnish with lime slice. Repeat, repeat, repeat. Here’s your new refreshing summer cocktail. Better, faster, and stronger. Irish whiskey & Ginger with ice is the new Mojito.

Satsuma Dream at 360 in Beyoğlu: Absolutely the best choice on a hot summer’s evening! The perfect combination of vodka, orange liqueur, lime syrup, and satsuma. 360 Beyoğlu's Satsuma Dream takes you somewhere far away, making you feel like you’re chilling out on a hammock under satsuma trees.

Anything around Beyoğlu?

Although the majority of the parties move to the waterfront clubs during the summer months, Beyoğlu still has Nuteras for the loyal habitués of Nupera. Now that mini-skirt season is on, the party is moving to the rooftop where the young and beautiful can mingle under the stars looking over the Golden Horn with the best music to match.

As the weather gets warmer, Istanbul’s nightlife moves from the heart of Beyoğlu to the banks of the Bosphorus. The waterfront, open-air clubs unlock their doors to satisfy the Istanbulites’ hunger for entertainment. Our shortlist of summer classics (for those looking to mingle with the crème de la crème) is made up of Reina, Anjelique, and Sortie.

A celebrity hot spot, Reina has one of the best views of the Bosphorus, located right under the Boğaziçi Bridge. A complex that includes some of the best restaurants under its roof in addition to the flashy bar and dance floor, Reina is expected to attract the glitterati of Istanbul to dance the night away until the wee hours of the morning yet again.

Right next to Reina is Sortie, boasting a similarly fascinating view of the Bosphorus in an equally huge complex. At Sortie, the party gets going when the sizzling crowd makes their entrance late at night, letting their hair down and shaking their booty until they can no longer stand.

Offering a fantastic view of the Boğaziçi Bridge and the Bosphorus in Ortaköy is one of upper crust’s favorite spot Anjelique. Famous for its impressive location as well as its high-society atmosphere, Anjelique is considered one of the best waterfront clubs in Istanbul. If your ambition is to spot Istanbul’s in-crowd on a night out, this is certainly the place to do it.

If you haven’t had the chance to take advantage of the national holiday on May 19th to book a four-day getaway somewhere nice and warm, let loose in Istanbul and spend the next few nights dancing your heart out with the best that Istanbul has to offer.

Hooverphonic

The Belgian group Hooverphonic can hardly be confined to a single music genre as it effortlessly blends the different sounds of pop, rock, alternative, and trip-hop among many others. One of their most famous songs “2Wicky” was included in the soundtrack of Bernando Bertolucci’s “Stealing Beauty” in 1996—the first sign of the group’s impending global success. This was only the beginning for Hooverphonic who, later on in 2006, launched a “best of” album that exceeded sales of one million copies, followed by two Platinum awards in 2010 for their most recent album The Night Before.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to watch them live at Salon IKSV, grab a drink, and sway to their dreamy sounds!

Where: Salon IKSV

When: May 18, 10:00pm

How Much:45TL (Standing), 25TL (Student)

Walkmen & Twin Shadow

The Walkmen stand out among the crowd of indie rock bands. Formed in Washington D.C. by high school friends in 2000, the band has released 6 albums in 11 years, and they are already being compared to the early periods of the legendary bands U2 and The Cure. Don’t miss out their first concert ever in Istanbul.

Before The Walkmen takes the stage, George Lewis Jr.’s Twin Shadow will be performing the retro melodies of synth pop and dream pop.

Where: Babylon

When: May 18, 09:30pm

How much:50 TL; 40 TL

Caribou

Timeless and impossible to categorize… Caribou is a Canadian musician who had his album Andorra listed as one of the best in 2007. His unique style is a mesh of psychedelia, krautrock, and indie-rock. His latest album Swim, which was praised by many in 2010, has a minimalist electronic sound.

Where:Babylon

When:May 19, 10:00 pm

How much:40 TL; 30 TL

The Black Heart Procession

Phantasmal, gloomy, and dark feelings are materialized with the harmony of piano and guitar. Playing together under the name The Black Heart Procession, Pall Jenkins and Tobias Nathaniel are all about making songs far from the mainstream trends. Their melancholic lyrics and addictive music keep the audience asking for more.So here they are for their second concert in Turkey on Ghetto’s stage!

Where:Ghetto

When:May 22, 10:00pm

How much:35 TL (Presale), 40 TL

As June rolls over, dancing and drinking will move to Ghetto’s summer venue Ghetto Teras that offers fantastic views of Istanbul, a new décor, an updated menu, summer cocktails, and much much more.

The open-air restaurant that turns into a club in the evening features Feraye Restaurant’s special dishes for Ghetto, including goat cheese salad, cheese plate, Bailey’s pudding, and nugget combo dish. The new lounge area is definitely fit for after-work nibbles and drinks.

In addition to the classics, the drinks menu is filled with frozen cocktails made with martini and fresh fruits. But what’s better is the spontaneous discounts that will get you running to the bar for another drink. When the bell rings, you’ll know that it’s time to get the reduced-priced drink of the bartender’s pick for an hour.

During the hot summer nights from Wednesdays to Saturdays Ghetto Teras will be home to the best of disco, funk, indie, and house.

Keep following our Agenda to keep up with what Ghetto Teras has on offer for the summer.

The success of his albumAnimal Magicreleased in 2001 has swiftly transformed him into a respected and well-known artist in his field. His distinctive music, containing harmonious melodies and organically produced backgrounds, displays his exceptional talent for combining digital creations with acoustic instruments.

The artist has participated in prestigious music festivals around the world, such as the Glastonbury Festival, The Big Chill, and Jazz Cafe introducing his fans to unique examples of hip-hop, jazz, broken beats, Latin, funk, and soul, gaining a global reputation for his original sound and stage performances.

Be at Otto Santral on May 14 to enjoy good drinks, great ambiance, and sensational music!

The underground music scene is alive again as the legendary alternative music venue MiniMüzikhol returns.

Cihangir’s hotspot MiniMüzikhol became a legend in Istanbul’s nightlife scene in the blink of an eye, attracting the hippest, artiest, and coolest to its cave of fun. After a successful year of booty-shaking, MiniMüzikhol closed its doors in January due to an unfortunate and horrible event. After the venue’s official closing time, a woman was kept on the premises against her will, attacked, and brutally beaten by the landowner. The owners of MiniMüzikhol were shocked, repulsed, and immediately shut down the place, announcing that MiniMüzikhol would not re-open again.

For two months, the cool, the hip, and the arty were sad, deplored, and bored. Finally, the owners gave in to the persistence of MiniMüzikhol’s loyal fans and re-opened the venue in the same location (having taken all property rights and ending all relations with those involved in the above-mentioned incident).

After reincarnating a few weeks ago with a special weekend hosted by DJ Fuchs Efendi, Analog Astral Bülent Bey, Mr. Pink, and Mr. Fattish, the streets of Cihangir have been filling up with hipsters waddling to MiniMüzikhol. Long live alternative music! Long live MiniMüzikhol!

Istanbul—the city of beauty and grunge, grandeur and grime… and dirty techno beats.

Walking down İstiklal Street, the beating artery of Beyoğlu, various musical and non-musical strains will reach you over the heads of the heaving masses: a toothless old lady in a derelict apartment strumming a kemençe and singing lustily of snowdrops in springtime; the tinny beats of a ghetto blaster positioned by a teenage boy break-dancing in the middle of the crowd; live Latin music, funk, bossa, R&B, house, and jazz from the various clubs thronging the area... You will probably not hear any electro, but that is because the relevant clubs are both literally and metaphorically underground.

Once you seek out the electro scene, you will find a handful of venues. When I say ‘handful’, I mean about three, with a loyal following of discerning electro and techno lovers. Other venues, like the hugely popular Babylon and Ghetto, organize electro nights fairly frequently, but the specialist clubs are devoted to their art.

Otto is relatively well-known due to its central position in Asmalımescit and it is what might be called the layman’s electro venue, serving food and great cocktails pre-E hour, with a popular outdoor clutch of tables. Down some steps and past a formidable bouncer, you enter a dingy haze of red light, smoke (by the early hours), and excellent music. Surprisingly, Wednesdays are particularly good with a noticeable propensity towards tongue-in-cheek remixes of popular chart hits past and present, as well as obscure Eastern European folk music given a dirty edge and an aggressive base line. The place is small and gets packed, but the atmosphere is always upbeat and people laugh happily as drinks are spilt right, left, and center as revelry gets under way.

Just a few steps away from Otto is the upscale after-hours lounge/club 11:11, serving a mixed platter of music. The futuristic interior features colorful, custom-made lighting effects and design that is frequented by Pera-hopping Istanbulites. Local and international DJs reserve Thursday nights for deep house, classic house, and disco in the lounge area, while the weekenders party with house and tech-house in the main dance floor. The monthly 70s-80s parties add a bit of flavor to the mix. A possible celebrity-spotting venue, the unique blend of colors, lights, and house beats make for a unique night on the town, especially towards the wee hours of the night.

Machine is a rather different story. For a start, it is located on one of the most dangerous streets in Beyoğlu according to the bouncer (who looks like a character from The Matrix and allegedly has been stabbed three times on the job in the past eight months). His persistence is a tribute to the charm of the place, and I can confirm as a Western girl—and therefore a prime potential object of harassment—I have never felt in danger. The trouble spots are the side alleys of the street, and if you avoid these and come straight down into the welcoming cave of music, you will be fine. In fact, more than fine—the music is almost always brilliant, with the latest remixes from some of the biggest talents. The Twelves, Soulwax, and Alex Metric were played the last time I was there, and the DJs clearly know their stuff, coming from well-established circuits in Berlin and London to play epic sets until six in the morning.

The décor is part of the whole experience: the pitch black interior is illuminated by erratic, neon light-panels flashing on the ceiling and the DJs are imprisoned in a cage in the middle of the floor, with frenzied dancers clawing at the bars like electro-loving sharks intoxicated by the scent of remixed “Blood on the Dance Floor”. There is a considerable gay turn-out every night, of both sexes, and there is definitely a Berlin-esque vibe with a combination of genuine electro fanatics and generically ‘cool’ people with dubious haircuts and patterned waistcoats who are there to be seen.

This actually makes the Machine experience all the more entertaining, and you won’t encounter the same crowd anywhere else. Above all, if you’re craving really good electro in the hubbub of an Istanbul night out, Machine is your best bet, although keep in mind that the raucous scene might not be for everyone. Arrive around 3am for the choicer cuts, taking care of the side streets.

1- Chill-out Festival:The 6th Chill-Out Festival will take place on May 22nd from 12pm until midnight at Kemer Golf & Country Club. A chillaxing day under the sun with music...it doesn’t get any better than that! This non-stop, 12-hour music fest will host the legendary Kruder & Dorfmeister (who will play songs from itsThe K&D Sessionsalbum), the funky Kraak & Smaak, Waldeck (with its fusion of swing, trip-hop, acid jazz, and tango) accompanied by Zeebee, the world-famous downtempo and jazz group Belleruche, The Swing Ninjas, and Turkey’s own Ömer Faruk Tekbilek. (Note: Only those over 24 years of age can attend the festival.)

2- Freshtival:The innovative and unique music and arts festival Freshtival is on May 28th at Küçükçiftlik Park for a day of house, soul, and electro music with Leftfield, Noisettes, Crystal Fighters, and Turkey’s own Can Bonomo. Doors open at 2pm. (Note: Only those over 24 years of age can attend the festival.)

3- Sonisphere Festival:Sonisphere Festival is coming back for its 2nd year with an incredible line-up. The greatest rock bands and musicians Iron Maiden, Slipknot, Alice Cooper, In Flames, and Mastodon will be at Küçükçiftlik Park for an incredible rock event on June 19th. (Note: Only those over 18 years of age can attend the festival.)

4- One Love Festival:A mid-summer night’s dream, the two-day One Love Festival will be held on July 2nd and 3rd at Santral Istanbul. This year, the festival will host Suede, Editors, Cake, and Nneka. (Note: Only those over 24 years of age can attend the festival.)

5- Rock’n Coke:Rock’n Coke Festival is playing it cool this year. The two-day festival will be held on 16-17 July, yet there is an air of mystery around the event; the festival is withholding information regarding the bands and musicians who will be performing at the festival. If you’re curious, you’ll have to go to their website because they will announce the names of musicians on their website when 10,000 users log into their website with their facebook accounts. (Note: Only those over 18 years of age can attend the festival.)

Don’t postpone and get your tickets ASAP to secure a spot.

1. Deep purple: Quiet? No. Soft? Definitely not! The king of heavy metal and hard rock, Deep Purple is coming to Istanbul on May 18th for a loud and rowdy concert at Küçükçiftlik Park.
2. Roxette:Best known for hits like “Listen To Your Heart”, “Joy Ride”, and “It Must Have Been Love”, The Swedish pop music duo Roxette is coming to Küçükçiftlik Park on May 25th.
3. Amy Winehouse:Known for her amazing vocals (and also her substance abuse and mental issues), Amy Winehouse is coming to Istanbul for an open-air concert in Küçük Çiftlik Park on June 20th.
4. James Blunt:If you’re prepared to shed a few tears with “Goodbye My Lover”, then head to Küçükçiftlik Park on June 24th.
5. Bon Jovi:After 18 years, Bon Jovi is coming back to Istanbul on July 8th as part of their Greatest Hits Tour for what will certainly be a memorable concert at Türk Telekom Arena.
6. Interpol: Best known for hits like “Evil” and “Slow Hands”, The American alternative rock/post-punk band Interpol is coming to Istanbul for the first time on June 1st. The open-air concert will be held at Küçükçiftlik Park and the opening act for the night will be Turkey’s own Mor ve Ötesi.
7. Elton John: The legendary Sir Elton John is coming to Istanbul’s Küçükçiftlik Park for an open-air concert on July 5th.

Don’t postpone and get your tickets ASAP to secure a spot.

During winter, Nupera is a combination of three distinctively-conceptualized restaurants that transform into nightclubs after midnight. During summer, the entertainment moves up to the rooftop restaurant/club called Nuteras, which is famous for its exceptional views of the old city as well as its hip and young crowd.

Since 2001, the grand, black doorof this 200 year-old historical French building has been opening its doors for lively and energetic crowds that head to Nupera for a night of unforgettable music and fun.

As you enter, you will find Auf on your right. This dimly-lit, cozy little restaurant is always packed to its maximum capacity, its energetic DJ playing the songs of our youth from “I’ll Survive” to “Fame”. But it’s not just the music but also the DJ himself that jazzes up the place; overlooking from his hanging platform, this tall, blonde, and bouncy DJ dances the night away just as much as (if not more than) the tipsy crowd below.

The large room on the left side is the place to see and be seen: 67 is where the majority of the crowd meets and mingles, dances (if only subtly), and keeps checking out who’s there.

And LilBitz, another small but distinctive room, is where you’ll get a chance to dance to anything from pop to hip hop, from chart-topping international dance songs to everlasting Turkish dance pieces.

The magic of Nupera is that you can bar-hop without putting your jacket on. You will hear funky house, electro, 80s and 90s, and contemporary dance songs from all three places and you can sway your hips to whichever venue you prefer and keep hopping as the night goes on.

The drinks are a bit pricey and the dress code is strictly chic. So fill up your wallet, dress to impress, and be prepared to say hello to your new addiction.

The Grammy winner American rock band Maroon 5 is visiting Turkey for the first time. The band members Adam Levine, James Valentine, Jesse Carmichael, Mickey Madden, and Matt Flynn have a huge fan base in Turkey and the fans will definitely fill up Turkcell Kuruçeşme Arena. Along with their hit songs “This Love” and “She Will Be Loved”, Maroon 5 will be playing their latest song, which was composed in 24 hours in an isolated room.

When: April 15, 2011; 9:00pm

Where: Kuruçeşme Arena

How much:87 TL

Where: Refresh The Venue

When: 10:00 pm

How much: 69,50 TL

At Chilai bistro & lounge, decorated with a minimal touch and wooden details, you’ll hear DJ Doğuş Çabakçor’s jazzy and funky house music. And just steps away you’ll find an upscale dining hall with a menu selected by Chilai’s executive chef Hazer Amani.

In case you get a sudden urge to indulge in Asian food, that’s easy too, as Chilai offers a sushi bar as well. This multi-floor locale also contains a Godiva chocolate store for chocolate addicts and an art gallery for those who think that art is the true food for the soul. In this all-in-one venue you can pursue different pleasures while enjoying a beautiful view of the Bosphorus.

Lux

It’s time to greet the brand new club Lux and give a warm handshake to the city’s real clubbers. Knowing Istanbul, it’s a challenge to find a club where people actually dance. Believe it or not, at Lux people have fun and dance all night to soul funk, soulful house, and nu disco (and occasional live performances). Enjoy the crowd, feel the music, and do what David Bowie says: “Let’s dance”.

Spoil

Once upon a time there was a woman who called herself the ‘architect of new Şişhane’ when she opened a club there called Public. This club became Istanbul’s melting point following its grand opening night. This woman had brought her entire luxury-loving crowd from the posh neighborhood of Bebek to the more bohemian Şişhane. And Şişhane was the new Bebek…for about 15 minutes. Now the lady has gone back to her roots and gave birth to her fourth child; she lives ‘Happily Ever After’ in Bebek. Meanwhile, Spoil has recently opened in Şişhane where Public used to be. But Spoil does not share the same fate as Public, thank God! If sharing a restaurant with loved-up couples doesn’t make you feel uncomfortable, Spoil is a great spot for dinner offering Mediteranean cuisine (from Italian and Spanish to Moroccan and Turkish). The most ambitious part of their menu is the meze section with 35 different dishes. The bar’s warm, wooden interior gives the place a casual atmosphere. Don’t expect all-night parties here. Just enjoy your drink and relax.

Biber

One of the best bars in Nişantaşı where you can relax, hang out, and have a drink with friends. From tapas to sushi, the menu offers a wide range of options (I personally suggest the yummy tapas). The cozy venue features downtempo and chill-out music.

Minyon

Weekday parties? Check. Junior celeb boss? Check. Serena van der Woodsen-like gals? Check. And—it’s located at the hottest Akaretler neighborhood. Welcome to Minyon—generation hot’s restaurant/bar offering Turkish and world cuisine by the Junior Çapa (Emre Çapa). Well, needless to say, Minyon is the place for the fresh and beautiful to be seen.

Delicatessen

A great spot to be seen by the hot, the witty, and the urban, Delicatessen is oh-so New York. It’s been open for quite some time, but it’s always ‘in’ and never goes out of fashion. The crowd is something between cool and arrogant; the food is great yet expensive. The menu offers dozens of choices from steak burger to fresh fish, and most dishes come with delicious sides. Service is friendly and waiters are attentive. Food and drinks are, just like the service, more than satisfying. At Delicatessen, you could spend the whole day just checking out the cool Nişantaşı crowd while sipping your freshly-brewed coffee.