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

February is African American Heritage Month, a fitting time to honor Black artists whose creativity and innovation have shaped American culture. The year 2026 also marks a milestone in music history: the centennial birthdays of Miles Davis (1926–1991) and John Coltrane (1926–1967), two modern jazz giants whose work transformed the art form and continues to influence musicians worldwide.

This special celebration features a jazz concert by some of today’s most respected jazz musicians and educators: Professor Kei Akagi (piano), Darek Oles (bass), Jason Harnell (drums), and Dr. Teodross Avery (saxophone). Together, they bring fresh insight and new perspective to the iconic Davis–Coltrane repertoire, offering jazz lovers both reverence and reinvention.

The concert will be followed by a panel discussion with all of the musicians, moderated by Professor Mark Fisher.

About the Artistic Team

Kei Akagi is Professor Emeritus of Music at UC Irvine and an internationally renowned jazz pianist and composer. He worked extensively with Miles Davis as a member of the Miles Davis Band.

Darek Oles is a Lecturer of Music at UC Irvine, specializing in jazz bass and jazz combo. He has performed and collaborated with Kei Akagi for many years.

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

Teodross Avery is Assistant Professor of Music and Director of the Jazz Band at California State University, Dominguez Hills. A specialist in jazz saxophone, he earned his DMA in Jazz Studies from the University of Southern California.

Mark Fisher (moderator) is Professor of Neurology at UC Irvine and a longtime jazz advocate.