Antalya Akra Jazz Festival is preparing to bring together leading names in jazz and world music with art lovers once again.

In its eighth year, the festival will host impressive performances blending contemporary jazz with funk, rock, Latin, soul, pop, and world music with the rich texture of jazz, as well as jam sessions, talks, and masterclass workshops. It will take place between May 14-31 at Akra Antalya's open-air stage, accompanied by the mesmerizing views of the Mediterranean and Bey Mountains.

Maalouf, who blends jazz, rock, and world music genres, and takes listeners to the Levantine sounds of jazz with his new project 'Ibrahim Maalouf & The Trumpets of Michel-Ange' after 17 albums and a prestigious Grammy nomination, will open the festival on May 14.

The festival will feature the 'Akra Genç Caz' concert with Alân, Blue Kiss Collecti and Emre Berk Trio on May 16; Grammy-winning vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Richard Bonave and his group on May 17; one of the most important names in jazz vocals, Kurt Elling, guitarist Charlie Hunter and Super Blue on May 21; Melody Gardot, who blends R&B, blues, pop and jazz with a poetic sensibility on May 23; vocalist and guitarist Fatoumata Diawara, who reflects the spirit of Africa in her music, on May 24; and world-renowned saxophone artist Igor Butman, the Moscow Jazz Orchestra and vocalist Fantine on May 28.

The festival will conclude with two special concerts by world-renowned pianist and composer Fazıl Say on May 30-31, themed '50 Years at the Piano'. Fazıl Say will be accompanied by Ferit Odman, one of the leading names in drums, in jazz arrangements.