Miles 100 Marathon: Five concerts and a pop-up bar in the Elbphilharmonie from 1 to 6 May

In 2026, the music world celebrates the 100th birthday of Miles Davis. He is regarded as the most influential jazz musician of all time and one of the most important artists of the 20th century. Hamburg’s Elbphilharmonie is set to become an international meeting point for jazz fans in May, with five concerts in the Grand Hall and a special attraction taking place. Alongside the spotlight on Miles Davis in the concert hall, there will be a pop-up bar from 1 to 6 May for all visitors to the popular Plaza. A potential record is being broken too: The jazz bar is due to be open for six days only and during that time nearly all of Miles Davis’ albums will be played. From »Kind of Blue«, among the best jazz albums of all time, to the incessant grooves of »Bitches Brew«, from »Birth of the Cool« to the hip-hop experiments of »Doo-Bop«: a real marathon with more than 50 hours of extraordinary music – and over 50 hours to enjoy what is arguably the most spectacular panoramic view of the city and the Port of Hamburg through the Plaza’s large windows. The Pacific Bar, based in Hamburg’s Schanze district and known throughout this trendy neighbourhood and beyond for its carefully curated cocktails, will serve up delicious drinks and a relaxed ambience. Admission is free.

Miles Davis was arguably the most versatile, influential and fascinating musician of the 20th century. To mark his 100th birthday in 2026, the Elbphilharmonie is putting on five concerts looking back over the different stages of his career. International jazz stars will be reinterpreting his work in their own distinctive ways, forming a highlight of the Hamburg International Music Festival starting on 1 May 2026. Star trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire and the Brussels Jazz Orchestra revisit the music of the legendary second Miles quintet of the 1960s. Drummer Bobby Previte commemorates the birth of jazz-rock fusion with his »Bitches Brew« project, while the NDR Big Band brings the orchestral album »Sketches of Spain« to life. In a special highlight, saxophonist Ravi Coltrane – the son of John Coltrane – celebrates his father’s birthday together on stage with Terence Blanchard. Bass icon Marcus Miller, Miles Davis’ closest musical partner in his later years, celebrates albums from »We Want Miles« to »Tutu« and »Amandla«, joined by colleagues including Mike Stern, Bill Evans and Mino Cinelu.

Since five concerts can only begin to capture the full scope of the Miles Davis phenomenon, the Miles 100 Marathon offers long-time admirers and new listeners alike the chance to listen to his records on vinyl in a relaxed setting. A total of 64 records by Miles Davis spanning more than 40 years of his career can be heard on a high-quality vintage sound system (original Siemens Klangfilm system, in collaboration with RIAA). Complementing its famed house specials like the Yuzu Sour, the Pacific Bar has created some creative cocktail surprises inspired by the great innovator Miles Davis. Nowhere else in this anniversary year can audiences find such a comprehensive insight into the Miles Davis universe.

Opening times: 1 to 3 May: 14.00 – 01:00; 4 to 6 May: 17:00 – 00:00

In partnership with Pacific Bar & RIAA.

Supported by JEF – Not a Foundation.