Ankara's Best Local Bands You Need To See Live

With a nightlife scene that mainly revolves around bars with a stage, where local bands get to show off their talent, it’s no surprise that Ankara has a big music scene. From Turkish folk music to rock and jazz, we choose some of our favorite acts you’ll love to see live.

Manuş Baba

An artist who has released several albums and gives concerts around the country, it’s always a treat to see Manuş Baba on a smaller stage in Ankara. Having performed with many cover bands, Manuş began experimenting with pop, rock, and experimental genres in order to come up with his unique sound, that has won him a loyal following.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ca4woP9cVOg

Bağzıları

A band that has a loyal following and their own unique sound (having resisted the temptation to sell out to the mainstream), Bağzıları is one of the best local rock bands from Ankara. With their guitar riffs and poignant lyrics, you’ll love seeing them live on stage, especially when the guitar solo takes off.

Mahalle Quartet

With a name that translates to ‘neighborhood quartet’, this unique band plays classic songs typical of the Aegean coast, including Greek songs from Istanbul’s old neighborhoods. The sound of the accordion and the vocalist’s beautiful voice really set a summer-by-the-seaside mood.

Servet Kocakaya

A Zaza-Kurdish singer and songwriter who performs mainly in Turkish, Servet Kocakaya’s sound is somber and full of emotion, with words inspired by the rise and fall of life’s events. With five studio albums to his name, Kocakaya has already made his mark in Turkey’s music industry and is a great live act to see in an intimate atmosphere.

Ahmet Elmas Quintet

A definite must see for all jazz lovers, Ahmet Elmas is one of Ankara’s most talented tenor saxophone players having performed at many jazz events around the country. Alongside his quintet, you’ll see some of the best jazz that Ankara has to offer, live on the stage.

Kolan Müzik Topluluğu

One of the more eclectic Ankara bands in terms of their sound, the Kolan Müzik Topluluğu can often be seen on the streets performing their folk music inspired ensemble. An amalgamation of the traditional kanun (a plucked zither), Turkish frame drum, and a very talented vocalist, you must see Kolan live either on stage or on the streets of Ankara.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_usAAbzIZRY

Boyalı Kuş

Another great Ankara band influenced by Turkish folk music and instruments, Boyalı Kuş (which means ‘painted bird’) are truly as free as a bird, changing their sound on a whim through the use of different instruments and vocals.

Mojo Town

One of Ankara’s best blues groups, Mojo Town has a rare sound inspired by America’s great blues legends. Definitely a different sound for the Ankara stage, you’ll hear a lot of blues classics, as well as tributes to the 60s era including homages to The Doors.

Culture Trips launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes places and communities so special.

Our immersive trips, led by Local Insiders, are once-in-a-lifetime experiences and an invitation to travel the world with like-minded explorers. Our Travel Experts are on hand to help you make perfect memories. All our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.?>

All our travel guides are curated by the Culture Trip team working in tandem with local experts. From unique experiences to essential tips on how to make the most of your future travels, we’ve got you covered.