The Chicago Jazz Philharmonic (CJP), led by artistic director Orbert Davis, is set to celebrate the legendary jazz innovator Miles Davis on the occasion of his 100th birthday with an exciting weekend of events titled “Miles Davis @ 100: The Prelude.” Taking place from Friday, October 31 through Saturday, November 1, at the Kehrein Center for the Arts, located at 5628 W. Washington Blvd., this immersive festival pays tribute to Davis’s profound influence on jazz and American music.
The festivities kick off with exclusive Open Rehearsals and Talkbacks on Friday morning, offering local school groups and seniors an intimate opportunity to observe rehearsals and engage directly with musicians from the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic and Orbert Davis himself. Participating schools will receive educational guides to deepen the learning experience. These sessions are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., with admission set at just $1 per person.
On Saturday afternoon, audiences can experience the acclaimed documentary Miles Davis: Birth of the Cool, directed by Stanley Nelson. This Grammy-nominated film offers a rare, in-depth look into Davis’s extraordinary life, featuring seldom-seen footage, studio outtakes, and exclusive interviews that reveal the man behind the iconic trumpet sound. The screening begins at 3:00 p.m. and lasts nearly two hours.
Following the film, a lively panel discussion will feature Orbert Davis, joined by Vince Wilburn Jr.—Miles Davis’s nephew, drummer, and estate co-manager—and Sirius XM’s Mark Ruffin, host of Real Jazz. The trio will explore Davis’s musical legacy, his Chicago roots, and his enduring impact on jazz and culture.
The weekend culminates in the “Davis Plays Davis” concert at 7:00 p.m., where Orbert Davis and his sextet will deliver a dynamic performance interpreting Davis’s most influential works. This energetic tribute showcases the innovator’s groundbreaking style and his lasting influence on jazz music.
Born in Alton and raised in East Saint Louis, Illinois, Miles Davis revolutionized jazz with his innovative compositions and virtuosic trumpet playing. This weekend-long celebration not only honors his legendary career but also emphasizes his cultural significance in Chicago and beyond.
Orbert Davis expressed excitement about the event, saying, “Tickets are selling well, and we expect a full house. This tribute is a fitting way to honor Miles Davis’s legacy and inspire future generations of jazz enthusiasts.”
Proceeds from the series support the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic’s mission to provide high-quality music education and foster artistic innovation in Chicago.
Looking ahead, the organization is also gearing up for additional exciting projects, including the (r)Evolution of Third Stream Symposium, which explores the fusion of jazz and classical music, and the upcoming Summer Jazz Academy.
For tickets and more information about Miles Davis @ 100: The Prelude, visit chijazzphil.org/performance.
