Bozcaada Jazz Festival Returns for Its 9th Edition with the Theme of “Embodiment”.
Bozcaada Jazz Festival, known for inspiring genuine connections with ourselves, each other, and the world, is preparing to welcome audiences for its 9th edition. Taking place on September 5–6–7, this year’s festival invites participants to explore the theme of “Embodiment”—an invitation to move beyond ideas and experience them through the body, emotions, and lived presence.
An Island-Wide Musical Journey from Day to Night
This year’s festival expands across three iconic locations—Ayazma Monastery, Habbele Beach, and Salhane—offering a rich musical experience from daytime to nightfall.
On September 5, the main stage at Ayazma Monastery will feature Kokoroko (UK), a collective blending jazz and afrobeat founded by trumpeter/composer Sheila Maurice-Grey, and the Kerem Görsev Quintet with Volkan Hürsever (double bass), Ferit Odman (drums), Barış Doğukan Yazıcı (trumpet), and Engin Recepoğulları (saxophone). The night will continue with DJ sets under the stars.
The second day, September 6, will bring to the island the internationally acclaimed bassist, arranger, and vocalist Mohini Dey (USA); a special project created for the festival, M Lisa ft. Tolga Bilgin; and Electro Deluxe (FR), known for blending funk, jazz, and electronic grooves into a powerful fusion sound.
New for 2025: The Electronic Stage at Habbele Beach
For the first time, an electronic music stage will be set up at Habbele Beach, starting in the morning and offering a seaside soundtrack for dancing and relaxation. Curated by Murat Uncuoğlu (Isolate) and Jamie S, the stage will host names including: Murat Uncuoğlu & Alican, KID SIMIUS #live (ES), Jamie S, Josephine de Retour (FR), Argia (ES), Klawin, Lâl, Ezgi, KC Happy, Ezgi Hocaoğlu, Fulix, and Derdo Disco.
Open Call Brings Fresh Talent to Salhane Stage
Dedicated to musical diversity and emerging voices, the Salhane Stage positions itself as a “radar stage” with free public concerts throughout the festival. In March, the festival launched its first-ever Open Call, inviting artists exploring new musical languages. Selected acts Tunç Çakır, Fungistanbul, Nehir Özzengin, and TekTonic will take the stage at Salhane.
In addition to these acts, Salhane will also host Aheste, aBBa’s (NL)—an international project by Sanem Kalfa, and Los Tre (GR), visiting Bozcaada for the first time via a partnership with the Athens Jazz Festival. This year, the festival also partners with Bova Sahne for a curated segment featuring Berke Köymen & The Timebenders, Fulkontak, and Ylang Trio.
