The inaugural Santa Monica International Jazz Festival will bring a major celebration of jazz to the California coast from May 1 through May 9, 2026. Hosted across multiple venues in Santa Monica, the festival is designed to become one of the West Coast’s premier music events. Under the artistic direction of legendary bassist Stanley Clarke, the festival will feature internationally known performers, tribute concerts, and outdoor community events that honor the legacy of jazz while showcasing modern talent.
The festival opens on May 1, 2026, with an exciting performance by Hiromi’s Sonicwonder at the Orpheum Theatre. Known for her dynamic piano style and high-energy stage presence, Hiromi’s opening night performance is expected to set the tone for the week-long celebration.
One of the most anticipated evenings takes place on May 8, 2026, with a special Tribute to John Coltrane at the BroadStage in Santa Monica. This concert will feature acclaimed saxophonists Lakecia Benjamin and Isaiah Collier, both recognized for their bold contemporary interpretations of jazz tradition. The event begins at 7:00 PM and honors the centennial of one of jazz’s greatest icons.
The festival concludes on May 9, 2026, with A Day in the Park at Tongva Park beginning at 1:00 PM. This outdoor finale brings together a diverse lineup including Kamasi Washington, Stanley Clarke & Friends, and electronic-jazz fusion group KNOWER. The event is expected to combine live music, community celebration, and the scenic atmosphere of Santa Monica’s coastal park setting.
Throughout the week, the Santa Monica International Jazz Festival celebrates both the past and future of jazz, including tributes to legends such as John Coltrane and Miles Davis while presenting some of today’s most innovative artists. With indoor concerts and open-air performances, the festival promises to be a landmark cultural event for Southern California music lovers.
Website: https://www.smjazzfest.com/
🎷 Festival Overview
- Name: Santa Monica International Jazz Festival
- Dates: May 1–9, 2026
- Location: Multiple venues across Santa Monica
- Artistic Director: Stanley Clarke
- Produced with BroadStage and the City of Santa Monica.
🎶 Featured Artists
Some announced performers include:
- Kamasi Washington
- Hiromi (Hiromi’s Sonicwonder)
- Lakecia Benjamin
- Isaiah Collier
- KNOWER
- Miles Electric Band
📍 Main Events
🎹 May 1 – Opening Night
- Hiromi’s Sonicwonder
- Venue: Orpheum Theatre
🎷 May 8 – Tribute to John Coltrane
- Lakecia Benjamin
- Isaiah Collier
- Venue: BroadStage
- Time: 7:00 PM
🌴 May 9 – A Day in the Park
- Kamasi Washington
- Stanley Clarke & Friends
- KNOWER
- Venue: Tongva Park
- Time: 1:00 PM
🎟️ Tickets
Tickets are on sale through festival partners like Ticketmaster and Live Nation for the paid shows. Some promenade/community performances appear free with RSVP.
🌟 Why It Matters
This is the first large-scale international jazz festival in Santa Monica, designed to become a West Coast destination event similar to Monterey or Montreux Jazz Festivals. It also celebrates the 100th anniversaries of John Coltrane and Miles Davis.
