About this project

The Concert
Celebrating its third year, Istanbulive is an increasingly popular showcase of Turkish music held annually in Central Park as part of SummerStage. In the last two years it hosted major Turkish stars like MFÖ, Sertab Erener, Kenan Doğulu, Duman, Hüsnü Şenlendirici, Demir Demirkan and Ilhan Ersahin. This year’s concert on June 17, 2011 will feature Zülfü Livaneli, one of the most famous and influential Turkish artists of all time celebrating 40 years in music. Livaneli is a world renowned composer, writer, film director, musician, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador and will play with the migthy NY Gypsy All-Stars. maNga, a major Turkish alternative rock band with a loyal fan base already established throughout Europe and an MTV Europe Music Awards recipient will open for Livaneli.

The Facts
Highlighting the rich musical history of the Euro-Asian capital Istanbul, the concert presents the diversity and extraordinary virtuosity found in Turkish music today. As part of Central Park’s SummerStage concert series, Istanbulive has already entertained over 12,000 attendees, while over 40 musicians and 8 bands/artists flew in from Istanbul in the last two years for these shows alone. Istanbulive is a free event, sustained by the support of generous parties who are dedicated to the influx of global music in the United States. With all musicians flying in from Turkey, the event is authentic and substantial, both fiscally and organizationally.

The Funds
We are committed to raising $10,000 to help contribute to covering the extensive production and marketing expenses of this ambitious event and ensure that it continues in the future free of charge. Funds raised from this campaign will go towards promotional expenses, production costs, audio/video engineers, publicity and other expenses affiliated with the event. The Turkish Ministry of Culture & Tourism and a host of other organizations are supporting the event, and funds raised through this campaign would be in addition to what is already pledged.

Istanbulive has been one of SummerStage’s most attended events of the past two summers, and we are expecting another packed event this year. Please help us create a memorable evening by supporting and promoting Turkish culture and music. We thank you all in advance for your generous supports.

Serdar Ilhan & Mehmet Dede
Istanbulive III Producers
http://www.istanbulive.org


"Istanbulove" for Istanbulive:

"Central Park Summerstage To Host Unprecedented Gathering Of Turkish Musicians In New York" - National Geographic Music

"Istanbulive II will feature five hours of contemporary music, presenting New Yorkers with familiar genres influenced by the Turkish context in which they've developed." - Channel Thirteen

"The Turkish Woodstock" - Lucid Culture Blog

"The Thrall Of TURKEY: Istanbul's biggest performers rock out near the Great Lake" - Village Voice

"Turkey-U.S. relations have been in the news lately, with many commentators expressing concern that Turkey is tilting away from the West. This concert suggests otherwise." - The New Yorker

"The cosmopolitan city "where East meets West" heads decidedly west to Central Park for Istanbulive II, a day-long celebration of the music of Turkey." - Flavorpill

"Representatives from Turkey's flourishing cultural scene hold forth in this second-annual SummerStage showcase. [Critics Picks]" - Time Out NY