JazzFest Budapest Fall 2025 – Miles Davis 100: A Legendary Jazz Celebration
Get ready for an extraordinary musical journey as JazzFest Budapest presents its fall 2025 season celebrating the centennial of jazz legend Miles Davis. This isn’t just another concert series – it’s a tribute to one of the most revolutionary musicians who ever lived, featuring his closest collaborators and contemporary jazz masters who carry his innovative spirit forward.
Why This Festival is Unmissable
In 2026, the world will celebrate what would have been Miles Davis’s 100th birthday. But JazzFest Budapest is starting the party early with an incredible lineup of artists who didn’t just know Miles personally – they helped shape his legendary sound and continue to push jazz boundaries today.
Miles Davis wasn’t just a trumpet player; he was a musical revolutionary who constantly redefined what jazz could be. His name became synonymous with innovation, freedom, and breaking musical boundaries. From bebop to cool jazz, from electric fusion to funk-influenced sounds, Davis never stopped evolving – and neither do the artists celebrating his legacy.
Star-Studded Lineup: Miles Davis’s Musical Family
Marcus Miller – October 26 at Erkel Theatre
Marcus Miller takes the stage first, bringing his incredible bass guitar mastery to Budapest. This isn’t just any bassist – Miller was one of Miles Davis’s most important collaborators in the 1980s. Despite his young age at the time, he played a crucial role in shaping Davis’s later sound, writing and arranging tracks for the legendary “Tutu” album, which became one of the era’s most influential jazz records.
Miller’s innovative bass playing opened new dimensions in the jazz-funk world, and his live performances are known for their incredible energy and technical brilliance.
Keyon Harrold – October 28 at Eiffel Workshop House
Meet Keyon Harrold, one of today’s most charismatic and versatile brass players. You might recognize his sound from the Grammy-winning film “Miles Ahead”, where he provided the trumpet voice for Miles Davis himself. His critically acclaimed album “The Mugician” put him on the international jazz map.
But Harrold’s versatility extends far beyond jazz – he’s collaborated with hip-hop and pop superstars including Snoop Dogg, Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Eminem, as well as rock legends Keith Richards and Jeff Beck. He represents the perfect bridge between jazz tradition and contemporary music.
Bill Evans (Saxophone) – October 30 at Eiffel Workshop House
Here’s where things get interesting – saxophonist Bill Evans was a key figure in Miles Davis’s 1980s comeback. He’ll perform alongside Dave Weckl, Steve Weingart, and Jimmy Earl, creating what promises to be an unforgettable evening.
Fun fact: This Bill Evans shares his name with the famous pianist Bill Evans who played on Davis’s masterpiece “Kind of Blue.” The name similarity once led to a memorable moment – when the pianist died in 1981, a journalist called Miles for a comment. Davis simply said, “He’s right here next to me” and handed the phone to the saxophonist Bill Evans!
Best deals of Budapest
Kenny Garrett – November 17 at Eiffel Workshop House
The series concludes with Kenny Garrett, widely considered one of the world’s finest saxophonists. His distinctive sound and style were forged in Miles Davis’s band, where he became a true international star alongside “The Master” himself.
Garrett’s powerful, mesmerizing solos are already considered lasting moments in jazz history. He’s often said that Miles Davis was his greatest influence – teaching him not just about music, but about stage presence, creative courage, and the importance of experimentation.
More Than Just Nostalgia: Jazz’s Living Legacy
This JazzFest Budapest series isn’t simply a tribute to Miles Davis – it’s living proof that his legacy continues to evolve. Each of these artists carries Davis’s innovative spirit into the modern era, inspiring new generations and showing fresh paths for jazz’s future.
The concerts demonstrate how Miles Davis’s influence extends far beyond traditional jazz, reaching into funk, rock, hip-hop, and pop music. His revolutionary approach to music-making continues to inspire artists across all genres.
Festival Details You Need to Know
When: October 26 – November 17, 2025
Where:
- Erkel Theatre (Marcus Miller)
- Eiffel Workshop House (Keyon Harrold, Bill Evans, Kenny Garrett)
What: Four unique concerts celebrating Miles Davis’s centennial
Perfect for Jazz Lovers and Music Enthusiasts
Whether you’re a longtime jazz aficionado or someone curious about this incredible music genre, these concerts offer something special. The participating artists are all world-class performers who can captivate audiences regardless of their jazz knowledge level.
JazzFest Budapest has established itself as Hungary’s premier jazz festival, playing an increasingly important role in international music circles. The festival doesn’t just showcase international trends to Hungarian audiences – it also introduces Hungarian jazz excellence to foreign professionals and jazz enthusiasts worldwide.
A Musical Time Machine
Imagine experiencing the same revolutionary energy that Miles Davis brought to jazz six decades ago, but filtered through today’s most talented musicians. These concerts offer exactly that – a direct connection to jazz history through artists who lived it, shaped it, and continue to evolve it.
The series captures the essence of what made Miles Davis special: his constant innovation, fearless experimentation, and ability to bring together diverse musical influences. Each concert promises to be a unique experience, as these master musicians bring their own interpretations to the Davis legacy.
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to witness jazz history in the making. JazzFest Budapest Fall 2025 offers an intimate setting to experience world-class musicians who carry the flame of one of music’s greatest innovators. It’s where the past, present, and future of jazz converge on stage – just as Miles Davis would have wanted it.