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.


Winifred Smith Hall is located in the Arts Plaza of  School of the Arts. Please park at the Mesa Parking Structure (4004 Mesa Rd, Irvine) and cross the street to the School of Arts.

Driving Directions :

*For guests traveling from the north on the 73, exiting at Bison Avenue is recommended as it is the last exit before the toll and provides a more direct and predictable route onto campus before connecting to Mesa Road  From North (via 73 South): Take the 405 South to the 73 South Exit at Bison Avenue (last exit before the toll) Turn left onto Bison Avenue Proceed straight and follow signs for UC Irvine Turn left onto West Peltason Drive Turn left onto Mesa Road—The Mesa Parking Structure is on your left  Parking  Mesa Parking Structure (please set your GPS this way) 4004 Mesa Road, Irvine, CA 92617 (Google It!)  Parking is permitted on any level. 

If no attendant is present at the front entrance, please proceed to the side entrance where an attendant should be available, or purchase a day pass for $20 per day via the Park-by-Plate system at the link below:  
https://apps.parking.uci.edu/parkbyplate/s/purchase.cfm 

Level 3 is recommended for convenient access to the pedestrian bridge located just to the right of the Level 3 elevator and staircase. Cross the Arts Bridge and arrive at the Contemporary Arts Center. This is on your right after you cross the bridge. 

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