Black Sea Jazz Festival
From July 10-12, the 19th edition of the Black Sea Jazz Festival will open in Batumi. This year marks the centennial celebration of jazz legend Miles Davis, and the 2026 edition of the festival is dedicated to the 100th anniversary of his birth. The festival will open with Vince Wilburn Jr. producer, drummer, and member of Miles Davis’ family, together with his band M.E.B. (Miles Electric Band). This year, the band is one of the most in-demand acts on the international festival circuit. As tradition continues, the festival will host artists and audiences at the Batumi Tennis Courts. Festival organizers promise another series of unforgettable evenings for visitors of the Adjara region. July 10 ( Batumi Tennis Courts ) “THE MILES DAVIS CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION WITH THE MILES ELECTRIC BAND” M.E.B. (Miles Electric Band) is a project dedicated to the electric era and musical legacy of legendary jazz musician Miles Davis. Founded in 2010 by Emmy and Grammy Award-winning producer and drummer Vince Wilburn Jr. Miles Davis’ nephew, the group was created to revive the revolutionary sound Davis developed during the 1960s and 1970s, especially on albums such as Bitches Brew and On the Corner. This electric period became renowned for blending jazz, funk, and rock music. The band’s lineup features musicians who either performed with Miles Davis himself or were deeply influenced by his music, including internationally acclaimed artists such as Darryl Jones, bassist of The Rolling Stones. Their latest album, That You Not Dare To Forget, produced by Lenny White and Vince Wilburn Jr., includes entirely new and previously unreleased studio recordings featuring Miles Davis’ own voice and never-before-heard trumpet performances. The album also features legendary musicians such as Ron Carter, Marcus Miller, Stanley Clarke, Donald Harrison, Darryl Jones, Vernon Reid, and John Scofield. July 11 ERIC BENET ( Batumi Tennis Courts ) Eric Benét is an American R&B superstar known for his soulful, emotional vocals and his modern interpretation of classic soul music. His music blends elements of R&B, neo-soul, jazz, and gospel, and he is often compared to classic soul legends such as Stevie Wonder. July 12 GHOST-NOTE ( Batumi Tennis Courts ) Ghost-Note is especially known for its explosive live performances, with concerts often turning into true funk jam sessions. The band combines funk, jazz-funk, afrobeat, and hip-hop, creating what can only be described as a “Mind-blowing, Healing Sensation” driven entirely by pure, unapologetic funk. Their sound reflects the influence of legendary artists such as James Brown and Prince. July 10–12 PHILIP LASSITER At the festival club “Take5”, the official after-parties each evening will be led by 11-time Grammy Award winner Philip Lassiter and his band. Rooted in Texas funk, Alabama gospel, New Orleans jazz, and Nashville soul, Philip Lassiter is a renowned horn and string arranger, as well as the former section leader and arranger for Prince and the New Power Generation. Festival gates at the Batumi Tennis Courts will open at 19:00.Club “Take5” Doors Open at 23:00 A DJ will entertain guests before the concerts begin. Festival Partners - Presented by TBC Concept - General Sponsor: Mastercard - Official Soft Drink: Coca-Cola Traditional Supporters: - Ministry of Culture of Georgia - Creative Georgia - Ministry of Culture of Adjara - Batumi City Hall Sponsor: ICI PARIS Host Venue: Privet Iz Batuma Organizer: Eastern Promotions Media Partners: Alma, Marketer.ge, Radio Fortuna, Palitra News During the presale period, only holders of TBC Concept Mastercard cards will have the opportunity to purchase tickets with a 25% discount. After the three-day presale period May 25 from 11:00 AM, customers will continue to enjoy a 20% discount on ticket purchases.*Children under 6 years old are admitted to the festival for free.