Fillmore Jazz Festival 2026
Saturday, July 4 · California Stage · 2:30 PM
The Contemporary Jazz Orchestra brings the powerful sound of big band jazz to the Fillmore Jazz Festival with a special program honoring Miles Davis and John Coltrane. Featuring a dynamic 16-piece ensemble of leading Bay Area musicians, the orchestra delivers rich arrangements and bold improvisation rooted in the bebop and post-bop traditions.
Founded in 1995 by saxophonist Christopher Pitts, the Contemporary Jazz Orchestra was created as a vibrant large-ensemble experience dedicated to the music of jazz masters such as Thad Jones, Oliver Nelson, Duke Ellington, Charles Mingus, and Frank Foster. Under Pitts’ direction, the orchestra quickly established itself as a compelling force in the San Francisco jazz scene.
Since 2000, the ensemble has been led by saxophonist and arranger Alex Budman, continuing its commitment to expressive performance and inventive arrangements. Their Fillmore Jazz Festival appearance highlights the enduring legacy of Miles Davis and John Coltrane, presented with the full sonic depth and energy of a live jazz orchestra.
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