The year 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of Miles Davis. While many festivals are overflowing with various tribute attempts, “hommage” and “tribute” concerts dedicated to one of the most influential figures in the history of jazz, at Jazz Lent we have decided to take a different approach: we bring you a fresh and original work by a contemporary trumpeter who continues Miles’ legacy in the best possible way—just as he himself might have done if he were still alive.

Theo Croker is a Grammy-nominated artist who redefines contemporary jazz through an innovative fusion of musical styles. His new album Dream Manifest, which he will premiere in Slovenia, blends jazz, dance, neo-soul, R&B, and experimental hip-hop fusion. It is a complex sonic journey on the edge between respect for tradition and bold innovation.

He was inspired to play the trumpet by his grandfather, the legendary trumpeter Doc Cheatham, and further refined his craft at the Oberlin Conservatory under the mentorship of Donald Byrd and Gary Bartz. In 2014, Croker released his debut album AfroPhysicist, produced by singer Dee Dee Bridgewater, and in 2019 he earned a Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album with Star People Nation.

His style is distinctly modern, with a strong connection to the world of hip-hop, having collaborated with artists such as J. Cole, Jill Scott, Wyclef Jean, Ari Lennox, and Common. While his studio albums sound highly ambitious in production, his live performances are a wellspring of contemporary afrofuturism performed in an acoustic ensemble. “From post-bop to hip-hop,” as he puts it himself. Music for a new generation of jazz listeners, the sound of the third millennium—at least as revolutionary as the work of his role model, Miles Davis.

Tickets: €20 seated (until June 24) / €25 seated (from June 25);
for students and pupils: €5 discount per ticket.

Three Plus Package
When purchasing tickets for at least three different events from the JazzLent program, you receive a 20% discount on the total purchase value.

Holders of Visa OTP cards can purchase tickets for Festival Lent 2026 at a 10% discount. The discount applies to purchases up to and including April 30.

Discounts and other benefits cannot be combined.

More about benefits and ticket purchase.

The event will take place in all weather conditions. To ensure a pleasant experience and clear visibility of the stage for all visitors, umbrellas are not allowed at the venue. We recommend weather-appropriate footwear and clothing.