Chicago Jazz Philharmonic to Honor Miles Davis with Weekend Tribute at Kehrein Center (Chicago, IL) – The Chicago Jazz Philharmonic will celebrate the 100th birthday of jazz legend Miles Davis with a weekend of film, music and conversation titled “Miles Davis @ 100: The Prelude” on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 at the Kehrein Center for the Arts in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood.
The two-day tribute, led by Chicago Jazz Philharmonic co-founder and Artistic Director Orbert Davis, is designed to honor the life, innovation and influence of Davis, who was born in Alton and raised in East St. Louis before becoming one of the most important figures in American music.
“This is a fitting tribute to Miles Davis’s legacy, inspiring new generations of jazz lovers,” Orbert Davis said. “Tickets are selling well and are expected to sell out. We’re grateful for the community’s response as we launch our 21st season.”
Education and Access in Focus
Festivities begin Friday, Oct. 31, with open rehearsals and talkback sessions for local students and senior citizens. Guests will observe rehearsals and interact with CJP musicians. Sessions are scheduled at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. and cost $1 per person. Participating schools will receive teaching materials to expand the educational experience.
Film Screening and Conversation
On Saturday, Nov. 1, the weekend continues with a 3 p.m. screening of “Miles Davis: Birth of the Cool,” the Grammy-nominated documentary by filmmaker Stanley Nelson. The film offers a rare look into Davis’s personal and artistic life through archival footage, studio outtakes and interviews with fellow musicians.
Following the film, Davis will host a discussion with Vince Wilburn Jr., Miles Davis’s nephew, drummer and co-manager of the Miles Davis Estate, along with Mark Ruffin, host and program director of SiriusXM’s Real Jazz channel. The group will explore Davis’s legacy and his deep musical ties to Chicago.
Live Tribute: “Davis Plays Davis”
The celebration culminates Saturday evening with “Davis Plays Davis,” a 7 p.m. concert featuring Orbert Davis and his sextet performing selections from Miles Davis’s iconic catalogue, reimagined through modern arrangements. Admission is $2 per person.
Supporting Music Education
Event proceeds will support the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic’s ongoing mission to expand access to high-quality music education. Founded in 2004 by Davis and Mark Ingram, CJP has grown into a cultural institution known for its “third stream” philosophy, blending jazz and classical traditions.
Chicago Jazz Philharmonic Executive Director Laura G. Rice said the Miles Davis tribute marks the beginning of an ambitious season that includes the upcoming (r)Evolution of Third Stream Symposium focused on pianist Hazel Scott and international residency programs that have reached Cuba, Italy, Bulgaria and Poland.
“Bringing our residency programs home will further enrich Chicago’s vibrant music education and cultural landscape,” Rice said. “We’re also excited to launch our 17th Summer Jazz Academy next June.”
Event Information
Location: Kehrein Center for the Arts, 5628 W. Washington Blvd., Chicago
Tickets and details: www.chijazzphil.org/performance
Dates: Friday, Oct. 31 – Saturday, Nov. 1
Admission: $1–$2 depending on event
Chicago Jazz Philharmonic to Honor Miles Davis with Weekend Tribute at Kehrein Center
