LIVE AT
COTHAM CLUB
BRISTOL

THE
ÖZCAN ATEŞ
ENSEMBLE

Gorgeous Turkish/Kurdish songs and soundworlds.

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RICH, DISTINCTIVE, AND HEARTFELT MUSIC; PRECISION PLAYED ANATOLIAN FOLK AND FUSION, SWITCHING FROM DELICATE AND MOURNFUL TO POWERFUL AND INTENSE.

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A master musician in exile, Özcan Ateş is a rare exponent of the ear-catching bağlama, a long-necked lute central to Ottoman classical and Turkish and Kurdish folk music, as well as an accomplished singer. His playing is impassioned and beautiful; his vocals are lyrical, emotional, and versatile.

Raised amidst Istanbul's unique sonic diversity, he has now become part of a thriving, collaborative music scene in Bristol and is an active member of the Dovetail Orchestra, an inspirational and adventurous ensemble of refugees and asylum-seekers.

Joined by some of Bristol's finest instrumentalists, he slides virtuosically between traditional Anatolian folk and his own folk-inspired original compositions, effortlessly connecting with his forebears and further back into endless antiquity. Viscerally gorgeous and full of surprise and delight, this deeply personal performance is rich with feeling - meditations on memory, longing, and identity.

'Ates, a virtuoso of the bağlama, is also a poet at heart. His sensitive, controlled vocals complement the delicate plucking of the bağlama with great emotional depth.'
Bristol 24/7

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For further concerts in the 2026 Cotham Club season, visit: https://hdfst.uk/cotham-club

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Cotham Club: a brilliant, eclectic monthly live global music club with a passion for community at its core.

Music, with all its subtlety and spirit, has immense power to unite people. It is the universal language of mankind. The sounds of Africa, America, Eurasia, and Oceania have always found a home in Bristol, and there are few better examples of the city's cultural cross-pollination than Cotham Club, a celebration in sound of what unites rather than divides. Each month we showcase some of the most diverse and brilliant musicians from Bristol and beyond, linking audiences to great music and to each other.

'Community-focused gigs welcoming an array of global musicians and gig-goers
of all ages, genders, neurotypes, and ethnicities.'
Bristol 24/7

epic cross-generational gigs (+) grassroots vibes (+) warmest crowds (in) brilliant space (w/) unique atmosphere (+) intimate feel (=) great night out

Website: https://cothamparishchurch.org/cotham-club
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cotham.club
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cotham.club

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Book tickets:
standard ticket prices (unless otherwise indicated):
£14 in advance | £16 on the door | £5 concessions | £2 under-18s

in advance:
from Headfirst Bristol online ticket shop: https://hdfst.uk/cotham-club
all tickets bought online should be printed or presented on your mobile phone/device

on-the-door:
tickets available in person from 7pm (subject to availability)

discounts:
● £5 concession tickets are available for: recipients of Universal and Pension Credit or Jobseeker's Allowance; full-time students (NUS or valid student ID card); people with registered disabilities; and members of the Musicians' Union (The MU)
● £2 concession tickets are available for: accompanied under-18s
● free tickets are available for: asylum seekers/refugees, personal/care assistants or essential companions - please contact [email protected] to request these free tickets
● free tickets are available for: accompanied under-5s

pay-it-forward:
if you're feeling generous and you have the means, please consider choosing this rate | each Pay-It-Forward ticket helps to subsidise concession tickets and enables us to engage all communities of Bristol, helping more people experience the delight of watching live music

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Venue address:
Cotham Parish Church, Cotham Road (top of St Michael's Hill), Cotham, Bristol, BS6 6DR

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Drink & eat:
choose from a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (including wine, beer, and cider), hot drinks, soft drinks, and snacks

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Access:
level access from street to foyer, box office, auditorium, bar, and toilets

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Toilets:
accessible/wheelchair-accessible toilets available

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Travel:
bus: Firstbus service 72 (Bristol Temple Meads Station to UWE Frenchay Campus): https://www.firstbus.co.uk

train: 10-minute walk from Clifton Down Train Station: https://www.gwr.com | 15-minute walk from Redland Train Station: https://www.gwr.com

walking: 15-minute walk up St. Michael's Hill from Christmas Steps | 25-minute walk from Bristol Shopping Quarter, Broadmead | 20-minute walk from Bristol Bus & Coach Station | 10-minute walk from Everyman Cinema, Whiteladies Road | 15-minute walk from Clifton Down Shopping Centre, Whiteladies Road | 15-minute walk from The Arches, Cheltenham Road

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Car parking:
on-street parking available | limited on-site accessible parking available for Blue Badge holders

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