Stanley Clark is leading the inaugural Santa Monica Jazz Festival.
Tickets for the Santa Monica Inaugural Jazz Festival, curated by Topanga resident and legendary bassist Stanley Clarke, are now available.
The festival, which will be held May 1 – 9, is a Route 66 Edition celebrating 100 years of Miles Davis and John Coltrane (and Route 66).
The festival promises world-renowned headlining performances, star-studded tributes to jazz legends, and multiple stages that include Tonva Park, the Broadstage, Third Street Promenade and the Orpheum Theater.
Hiromi’s Sonicwonder – led by world-renowned pianist Hiromi Uehara, who blurs the lines between jazz improvisation and classical composition will open the festival on May 1 at the Orpheum Theatre in downtown L.A.
A full line-up is planned for the free concert on May 3 at the Third Street Promenade. Performing will be keyboardist Elijah Fox, a special solo set by KNOWER vocalist Genevieve Artadi, Duffy x Uhlmann – the guitar duo of Meg Duffy (Hand Habits) and Greg Uhlmann – bassist Billy Mohler, and psych jazz group Instant Alter.
The Promenade gig will also provide young artists and students with an opportunity to step into the spotlight. There will be performances by Aidan Farrell, Varad Sahasrabudhe and the Samohi Jazz Combo.
Also on the festival lineup are stellar saxophonists Lakecia Benjamin, a six-time Grammy nominee, and Isaiah Collier, a Chicago Tribune Jazz Artist of the Year, New York Times Top Ten honoree, and Downbeat Magazine cover star.
Benjamin and Collier will each give special tributes to John Coltrane at the BroadStage on May 8. Joining them on the program will be ad hoc saxophone ensemble Tenor Madness.
After double 2026 Grammy wins, sonic trailblazer Kamasi Washington will headline a May 9 set at Tongva Park in Santa Monica.
“I’m excited to join one of my musical heroes and an incredible artist Stanley Clarke for his Santa Monica International Jazz Festival,” Washington said. “Come listen to incredible music!”
A limited quantity of Early Bird discount tickets for the Tongva Park event will be available. VIP packages, including prime seating and viewing areas, comfortable bar/lounge access, artist meet and greets, priority entry, exclusive merch and other premium experiences, will also be available. For ticket information and the complete schedule click here.