Miles, Coltrane Centennial Celebrated in Ann Arbor Concert

Terence Blanchard and Ravi Coltrane to perform a tribute to jazz legends Miles Davis and John Coltrane

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Trumpeter Terence Blanchard and saxophonist Ravi Coltrane will perform a concert in Ann Arbor, Michigan on February 15, 2026 to celebrate the 100th birthdays of jazz icons Miles Davis and John Coltrane. The performance, presented by the University of Michigan's University Musical Society (UMS), will feature the artists reinterpreting canonical compositions by Davis and Coltrane with a band of world-class musicians.

Why it matters

The concert is a unique celebration of the legacies of two of jazz's most influential figures, recognizing their profound impact on the evolution of the genre. By approaching the centennial milestone not as a static tribute, but as an opportunity for exploration and transformation, Blanchard and Coltrane aim to honor the spirit of innovation that defined Davis and Coltrane's own careers.

The details

The performance at the University of Michigan's Hill Auditorium will feature Blanchard and Coltrane leading a band that includes guitarist Charles Altura, pianist Julian Pollack, bassist David Ginyard Jr., and drummer Oscar Seaton. The 90-minute set will reinterpret both iconic recordings and lesser-known compositions by the two jazz legends, with the artists aiming to reimagine the music rather than simply recreate the past.

  • The concert is scheduled for Sunday, February 15, 2026 at 4 p.m.

The players

Terence Blanchard

A trumpeter and composer known for his work in jazz, opera, and film scoring, who has long been influenced by the music and ethos of Miles Davis.

Ravi Coltrane

A saxophonist and the son of jazz icons John and Alice Coltrane, who has spent his career crafting an identity that honors his lineage while also exploring new musical territory.

Charles Altura

A guitarist known for his adaptability and expansive musical vocabulary, who will be part of the ensemble performing at the concert.

Julian Pollack

A pianist who will be part of the ensemble performing at the concert.

David Ginyard Jr.

A bassist who will be part of the ensemble performing at the concert.

Oscar Seaton

A drummer who will be part of the ensemble performing at the concert.

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What they’re saying

“You'll see some exploration. This is the first of many concerts that we're going to do this year, and I know it's a project that's going to evolve over time. We're not looking to recreate the past. It's not supposed to be about emulating what they did. That would be the wrong approach, because Miles and John Coltrane were such originals, you know? Such unique and personal voices that they brought to the music.”

— Ravi Coltrane, Saxophonist (Free Press)

“Whether we're upholding (a legacy) or not, we're a part of it. I think we're all in this lineage, and we're all kind of the children of Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Bud Powell, Thelonious Monk, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Sonny Rollins, Ornette Coleman. We're a part of a continuum, so we honor their legacy every day, but we're using this year, 2026, to specifically show our gratitude and thanks to these masters.”

— Ravi Coltrane, Saxophonist (Free Press)

What’s next

The concert is the first of many performances that Blanchard and Coltrane will do in 2026 to celebrate the centennial of Miles Davis and John Coltrane. The artists plan to continue evolving and reimagining the music throughout the year.

The takeaway

This concert celebrates the legacies of two jazz giants, Miles Davis and John Coltrane, by approaching their music not as a static tribute, but as a living, evolving art form. Blanchard and Coltrane's innovative reinterpretations honor the spirit of innovation that defined Davis and Coltrane's own careers, demonstrating how the past can continue to shape the future of jazz.