Alton Jazz & Wine Fest to Honor Miles Davis With Expanded Aug. 29, 2026, Celebration

The Aug. 29 event at the Alton Amphitheater will feature Kasimu Taylor's 100 Miles Tribute, Playadors and headliner Butcher Brown.

Stephanie Tate for Great Rivers & Routes

Aug 1, 2026 8:15 AM

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ALTON — The Alton Amphitheater will celebrate the 100th anniversary of Alton native Miles Davis with an expanded Alton Jazz & Wine Festival on Saturday, Aug. 29, from 6–10 p.m. Experience nationally acclaimed jazz in an intimate riverfront venue, with tickets starting at just $10. The evening will feature outstanding jazz music, wine, food vendors and premium VIP experiences—all celebrating the living legacy of one of music's greatest innovators.

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As the world marks the 100th anniversary of Miles Davis’ birth, there’s no better place to celebrate his enduring influence than Alton, Illinois, where he was born.

"This year's festival celebrates what made Miles Davis extraordinary—his willingness to push boundaries, embrace change and inspire what's next," said Abby Haynes, Chair of the Alton Amphitheater Commission. "There is no better place to experience that legacy than his birthplace. We're excited to bring together incredible artists whose music reflects the same creativity and innovation that Miles championed throughout his career."

The evening begins with Kasimu Taylor's 100 Miles Tribute, celebrating the musical communities of St. Louis and East St. Louis that helped shape the world Miles Davis grew up in.

Next, Playadors take the stage with their signature blend of jazz, funk, soul and R&B, showcasing jazz as a living, evolving art form.

Headlining the festival is acclaimed Virginia collective Butcher Brown, one of today's most exciting voices in contemporary jazz. Their latest release, A Supreme Blue, recorded in collaboration with Grammy Award-winning musician Nicholas Payton and released on July 24, was created in honor of the centennial year of both Miles Davis and John Coltrane. The album reimagines two of the most influential jazz albums ever recorded—Miles Davis' Kind of Blue and John Coltrane's A Love Supreme. The project showcases how contemporary artists continue to reinterpret and expand upon the groundbreaking work of jazz's greatest innovators, reflecting the creativity, innovation, and evolution that defined Miles Davis' legacy.

Guests looking to elevate their experience can purchase front-row reserved tables, premium lawn seating, VIP parking, and preordered charcuterie boxes and bottles of wine, creating a relaxed evening of music, food and riverfront views.

The festival will also feature onsite food vendors, wine available for purchase by the glass or bottle, and charcuterie boxes from Alton's own Brown Bag Bistro. Visitors are also encouraged to explore Alton's Miles Davis Memorial Statue and downtown mural before heading to the amphitheater, connecting the place where Miles Davis' story began with the music that continues to evolve because of it.

Event Schedule

• 5:00 p.m. – Gates & Box Office Open

• 6:00 p.m. – Kasimu Taylor's 100 Miles Tribute

• 7:15 p.m. – Playadors

• 8:30 p.m. – Butcher Brown

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• 10:00 p.m. – Event Concludes

Ticket Options

• General Admission – $10

• Reserved Front Row Lawn Seating – $20

• Front Row Table for Two – $80

• Front Row Table for Four – $160

• Reserved Table for Two – $60

• Reserved Table for Four – $120

• VIP Parking – $20

• Charcuterie Box – $25

• Bottle of Wine – $25 * featured pricing does not include standard fees.

Born in Alton in 1926, Miles Davis changed the course of jazz by continually reinventing it. This August, Alton invites audiences to celebrate not only one of music's greatest innovators, but the living legacy that continues to inspire artists around the globe.

Tickets are available through Metrotix: https://www.metrotix.com/.../alton-jazz-wine-fest-2026. For additional event information, visit the Alton Amphitheater website: https://altonriverfrontamphitheater.com/event/jazz-and-wine-festival/ and follow the Alton Amphitheater on Facebook for the latest event updates and announcements.

About the Alton Amphitheater

Located along the Mississippi River at the gateway to the Great River Road, the Alton Amphitheater is a scenic outdoor venue featuring open lawn space, river views and walkable access to downtown Alton. With a free public splash pad next door and a calendar of concerts, festivals and community events, the amphitheater serves as a gathering place for residents and visitors throughout the year.

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