A unique concert celebrating the 100th birthdays of jazz legends Miles Davis and John Coltrane will take place on February 15, 2026, at the University of Michigan’s Hill Auditorium in Ann Arbor. Renowned trumpeter Terence Blanchard and saxophonist Ravi Coltrane will lead this performance, part of a limited national tour that seeks to reinterpret the music of these two iconic figures.
The concert is not merely a tribute; it represents a dynamic exploration of Davis and Coltrane’s enduring influence on modern jazz. Presented by the University Musical Society (UMS), this event promises to engage audiences by blending historical reverence with contemporary innovation.
Honoring Legacy Through Evolution
When Blanchard and Coltrane step onto the stage, they will create a dialogue that bridges the past and the present. Blanchard, who has a diverse career encompassing jazz, opera, and film scoring, has long regarded Miles Davis as a source of inspiration. His deep understanding of Davis’s music informs a forward-thinking approach that treats the jazz canon as a foundation for ongoing transformation rather than a fixed entity.
Ravi Coltrane, the son of John and Alice Coltrane, brings a personal legacy to the performance while forging his own identity in the music world. His style combines lyrical depth with a spirit of inquiry, reflecting his father’s improvisational philosophy as a means of exploration rather than mere technical display.
The choice of Hill Auditorium further enhances the concert’s significance. Known for its exceptional acoustics and storied history with jazz, the venue has welcomed legends such as Duke Ellington and Wynton Marsalis. This concert marks Blanchard’s UMS debut and Coltrane’s return after a performance in 2006 with his mother.
Innovative Interpretations of Iconic Works
The concert, scheduled for 16:00 (4 p.m.), will feature a streamlined 90-minute set devoid of intermission. Blanchard initiated the project, reaching out to Coltrane about a year prior to the event. “I love Terence. I love working with him,” Coltrane shared in an interview with the Free Press. “He’s been real supportive of me over the years.”
Together, they will reinterpret compositions from both musicians, drawing from well-known recordings as well as lesser-known pieces. This endeavor is characterized by a refusal to treat the centennial as a mere commemoration. Instead, it serves as a reminder of jazz’s continuous evolution.
Accompanying Blanchard and Coltrane will be a talented ensemble, including guitarist Charles Altura, pianist Julian Pollack, bassist David Ginyard Jr., and drummer Oscar Seaton. These musicians are celebrated for their adaptability and broad musical vocabulary, which will enrich the performance.
Coltrane expressed excitement about the project, noting, “You’ll see some exploration. This is the first of many concerts that we’re going to do this year. We’re not looking to recreate the past.” He emphasized the importance of maintaining unique personal expressions while honoring the original compositions.
The concert is not just a celebration of the past; it is an invitation to look forward, reflecting on what it means to honor artists who resisted nostalgia. Both Davis and Coltrane were known for their relentless experimentation, seeking truth through sound rather than adhering to specific styles.
As the concert approaches, anticipation builds. The collaboration between Blanchard and Coltrane embodies the essence of innovation and creativity that defined their predecessors. The centennial concert stands as a bridge between generations, acknowledging the rich legacy of jazz while inspiring future musicians.
When the first notes resonate in Hill Auditorium, attendees will experience more than familiar melodies; they will witness a living interpretation of jazz’s continuing journey. The concert is not merely a nostalgic reflection; it is a testament to the art form’s ongoing evolution, performed by artists who understand that true tribute lies in keeping the music vibrant and alive.
Tickets for this momentous event start at $20 and are available through the UMS website. The concert promises to be a significant occasion in the jazz calendar, celebrating the past while paving the way for future innovation.
