By Lookout Staff

February 20, 2026 -- Inspired by world-renowned festivals in Monterey and Montreux, Santa Monica will launch it own International Jazz Festival in May.

Billed as "a new force for the celebration and advancement of jazz," the festival -- which runs from May 1 to 9 -- is the brainchild of "visionary jazz legend" Stanley Clarke, organizers said.

The inaugural festival celebrates the Centennials of jazz giants Miles Davis and John Coltrane and the opening of Route 66, the storied road that connects Chicago and Santa Monica.

The festival "promises world-renowned headlining performances, star-studded tributes to jazz legends, and multiple stages for emerging talent," organizers said.

Performances will take place in Tongva Park, Broadstage Santa Monica, the Third Street Promenade and the Orpheum Theatre, among other locations.

The festival will feature a performance by Clarke, the bassist and founding member of the iconic fusion band Return to Forever with Chick Corea, one of Miles Davis' legendary keyboardists. Clarke will perform with Stanley Clarke & Friends, featuring Keifer and Kenyon Harrold.

The festival also includes a performance by the Miles Electric Band, a progressive All-Star ensemble featuring Miles Davis alumni, and a Tribute to John Coltrane, featuring saxophonists Isaiah Collier and Lakecia Benjamin.

Also performing is saxophonist and bandleader Kamasi Washington, who has played with Miles Davis alumni Wayne Shorter and Herbie Hancock and was the winner of the 1999 John Coltrane Music Competition.

Hiromi's Sonicwonder, a jazz piano virtuoso, and the full band of Knower, the electronic jazz-funk duo composed of Louis Cole and Genevieve Artadi will also perform.

Clarke -- who has been the artist in residence at Broadstage since 2023 -- has played with such jazz greats as Pharoah Sanders, Tony Williams, Stan Getz, Dexter Gordon, Art Blakey and Gil Evens, who arranged three of Miles Davis' iconic orchestral recordings.

Clarke has also ventured into rock music, forming a group with Rolling Stones guitarists Ronnie Wood and Keith Richards and has played on two of former Beatles Paul McCartney's albums.

Clarke's residency includes performances, curation, and mentorship for Santa Monica College and Santa Monica High School (Samohi) students, including the Samohi Jazz Combo that will perform at the festival.

To get early Bird tickets or for more information visit www.smjazzfest.com