Miles Davis at 100: The Prelude

In advance of Miles Davis’s 100th Birthday in 2026, Chicago Jazz Philharmonic honors this son of Alton and East Saint Louis, IL with a weekend of music, memoir, and conversation. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience jazz at its finest, celebrating Miles Davis, one of the world’s greatest musicians and music innovators.

The festivities begin with Open Rehearsals and Talkbacks on Friday morning, providing Chicago school groups and senior citizens an exclusive opportunity to observe rehearsals and engage directly with Chicago Jazz Philharmonic musicians and Orbert Davis. Participating schools will receive teacher guides to enhance the educational experience.  

• Sessions: 10:30 a.m. & 1:00 p.m. | Admission: $1 per person

The next day audiences are invited to experience the acclaimed documentary Miles Davis: Birth of the Cool, directed by award-winning filmmaker and MacArthur Fellow Stanley Nelson. This Grammy-nominated film offers unprecedented access to Davis’s life, featuring rare footage, studio outtakes, and exclusive interviews, revealing the man behind the legend.  

• Screening: 3:00 p.m. | Runtime: 1 hour 55 minutes

Following the screening, renowned trumpeter, composer, and conductor Orbert Davis is joined in conversation by Vince Wilburn. Jr., Miles Davis’s nephew, drummer, co-manager of Davis’s estate, and leader of M.E.B., and Mark Ruffin, program director and host of Sirius XM Real Jazz. This trio will discuss Miles Davis’s music, life, legacy, and his Chicago connections. 

The evening culminates with the “Davis Plays Davis” concert—a dynamic performance where Orbert Davis and his sextet interpret the iconic works of Miles Davis. This energetic tribute highlights Davis’s innovation and enduring influence on jazz, blending tradition with fresh, vibrant interpretations.  

• Concert: 7:00 p.m. | Admission: $2 per person