100 Years of Music, Wisdom, and Community Centennial Celebration of Miles Davis and John Coltrane

February is the African American heritage month and the perfect time to honor Black artists’ contribution to American culture. 2026 is also a significant year for music—the centennial of Miles Davis (1926-1991) and John Coltrane (1926-1967), the two American modern jazz giants who have changed the world of jazz forever.

This celebration features a jazz concert by some of the most renowned jazz musicians and educators of our time: Professors Kei Akagi (piano), Darek Oles (bass) and Jason Harnell (drums), and Dr. Teodross Avery (saxophone). Their performance will bring new meanings to the familiar Davis-Coltrane repertoire for jazz lovers. A panel discussion with all musicians, moderated by Professor Mark Fisher, will follow the concert.

Biographies:

Kei Akagi is Professor Emeritus of Music at UCI and internationally renowned jazz pianist and composer. He worked with Miles Davis extensively for a few years as a member of the Miles Davis Band.

Darek Oles is Lecturer of Music at UCI and specializes in jazz bass and jazz combo. He has played with Kei Akagi for many years.

Jason Harnell is Lecturer of Music at UCI and specializes in jazz drums. He has worked with Kei Akagi for many years.

Teodross Avery is Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Jazz Band, at California State University, Dominguez Hills. He specializes in jazz saxophone. He received his DMA in Jazz Studies from USC.

Mark Fisher (moderator) is Professor of Neurology at UCI and jazz advocate.




Co-sponsored by Department of Music & Clare Trevor School of the Arts.

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