Santa Monica International Jazz Festival

Born from the mind of visionary jazz legend Stanley Clarke and inspired by the rich legacy of festivals from Montreux to Monterey, the Santa Monica International Jazz Festival emerges as a new force for the celebration and advancement of jazz. The inaugural festival promises world-renowned headlining performances, star-studded tributes to jazz legends, and multiple stages for emerging talent.

After double 2026 Grammy wins, Kamasi Washington will headline this new destination event at Tongva Park on May 9th, the first full-scale concert held at Santa Monica’s premier green space. Also appearing at the festival’s May 9th finale is artistic director and BroadStage Artist in Residence Stanley Clarke, who will lead Stanley Clarke and Friends. This all-star group now features iconic drummer, composer and co-founder of The Police, Stewart Copeland, who will perform with Clarke for the first time in several years. This one-time only set will pay tribute to Miles Davis and John Coltrane, since 2026 marks the centennial of their births, and will also include unique versions of classic Police songs.

LA’s KNOWER will play a full band live set at the May 9th finale as well, while the Miles Electric Band (M.E.B.), fronted by Davis' nephew Vince Wilburn, Jr, will take the Tonga Park stage to pay tribute to Davis’ towering legacy.

Acclaimed saxophonists Lakecia Benjamin and Isaiah Collier are also part of the wider festival lineup and will celebrate John Coltrane’s centennial at BroadStage on May 8th. Hiromi’s Sonicwonder, led by world-renowned pianist Hiromi Uehara, will perform in a pre-festival May 1st show just a few miles away at the Orpheum Theatre. The festival proper will kick off at Third Street Promenade on May 3rd with a free-to-the public, all-day event featuring high-quality young L.A.-based musicians and budding students on the cusp of professional careers.

A current festival calendar is below, with additional artists and special events still to come.

Hiromi’s Sonicwonder, The Orpheum Theatre, Friday - May 1

Sunday on the Promenade, Third Street Promenade , Sunday - May 3**
-Elijah Fox
-Genevieve Artadi
-Duffy x Uhlmann
- Meg Duffy (Hand Habits) and Greg Uhlmann
-Instant Alter
-Billy Mohler
- Quartet with Jonathan Pinson on drums
-Varad Sahasrabudhe
-Aidan Farrell
-Samohi Jazz Combo


John Coltrane Tribute, BroadStage, Friday - May 8
-LAKECIA BENJAMIN
-ISAIAH COLLIER
-TENOR MADNESS


A Day in the Park, Tongva Park, Saturday - May 9
-KAMASI WASHINGTON
-STANLEY CLARKE and FRIENDS, including:
- Stewart Copeland, Kiefer and Keyon Harrold
-MILES ELECTRIC BAND
-KNOWER - Full band music show

Get Tickets at Ticketmaster
Go to SMJazzfest.com for Complete Festival Information
** Free event


URLs:
Website: https://go.evvnt.com/3518820-2?pid=2874
Instagram: https://go.evvnt.com/3518820-3?pid=2874

Category: Classes / Courses | Lifestyle, Arts, Leisure

Prices:
A Day In The Park: USD 75.55,
A Tribute to John Coltraine: USD 143.60

Artists / Speakers: kamasi washington, stanley clarke, stewart copeland, lekecia benjamin, isiah collier, knower, tenor madness, Elijah fox, Genevieve Artadi, Duffy x Uhlmann, Meg Duffy , Greg Uhlmann, Instant Alter, Billy Mohler, Quartet with Jonathan Pinson on drums, Varad Sahasrabudhe, Aidan Farrell, Samohi Jazz Combo, kiefer and keyon harrold