ALTON - Community members have the opportunity to celebrate renowned jazz musician Miles Davis’s 100th birthday.
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On Friday, May 22, 2026, the community will gather for a free kickoff event at 6 p.m. at the Miles Davis statue on West 3rd Street. This will be followed by the main event, the Miles Davis Jazz Festival, on Saturday, May 23, at Post Commons. Both events aim to bring the community together to celebrate one of the greats.
“He’s probably the best jazz musician,” said Pat Ackman with Pride, Inc., one of the organizers for the Friday kickoff. “He was responsible for changing music, all different genres of music. But he was born here on Milnor Street in Alton and we’re proud. His name will go in history.”
Pride, Inc. partnered with the Miles Davis Jazz Festival Committee this year. The Miles Davis Jazz Festival Committee always holds their festival in May, near Davis’s birthday, to honor him.
The Friday kickoff on May 22 will feature remarks from local jazz historians and an official proclamation. Preston Jackson, who created the Miles Davis statue, will be onsite to answer questions, as will local artist Michael Snider who is working on a “Thousand Trumpets” tribute piece to honor Davis.
There will be food and drinks for sale; cash only. Jim Manley will provide music throughout the evening, and the party continues later that night at The Conservatory featuring the SIUE Jazz Band.
On Saturday, May 23, community members can enjoy the famous Miles Davis Jazz Festival at Post Commons. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the fun starts at 6 p.m. The Tim Jarden Band and The Anthony Wiggins Group will play.
The Miles Davis Jazz Festival Committee will also present four scholarships to graduating Alton High School and Marquette Catholic High School seniors. These students have demonstrated their commitment to music and the community.
Friday’s kickoff is free to attend, and Saturday’s festival costs $40 per ticket or $350 for a table of eight. The evening includes a buffet dinner, a cash bar with signature cocktails, live jazz and commemorative souvenirs. You can click here or call 618-467-2375 to purchase your ticket.
Ackman shared that Alton’s Miles Davis statue is the only one of its kind in the United States. She also noted that Davis was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006 and his 100th birthday is an opportunity to celebrate the iconic figure he still is in music today.
“He’s just a marvelous musician,” Ackman added. “We thought he deserved recognition. That’s why we have the statue and we continue to celebrate his legacy.”
For more information, visit the official website.
This Featured Article is sponsored by Pride, Inc. To get your business or organization featured on www.Riverbender.com, contact us at sales@riverbender.com.
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