Santa Monica International Jazz Festival Debuts to Thousands at Tongva Park

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Kamasi Washington, Stanley Clarke, and Stewart Copeland headlined the BroadStage-presented event at Tongva Park.

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Thousands of jazz lovers gathered at Tongva Park Saturday, May 9 for the finale of the inaugural Santa Monica International Jazz Festival, a weeklong celebration of music, culture, and community presented by BroadStage, SM Festivals, and the City of Santa Monica. Check out photos below!

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The festival launched with a sold-out crowd for jazz piano sensation Hiromi at the Orpheum theater. Then Angelenos were treated to a full day of free music performed on the Third Street Promenade. Then the festival continued with performances at BroadStage, and concluded with a large-scale outdoor concert experience at Tongva Park unlike anything previously staged at the six-acre green space where Route 66 meets the Santa Monica Pier.

The festival paid tribute to the enduring legacy of jazz icons John Coltrane and Miles Davis while bringing together legendary artists and new voices from across the genre.

The weeklong festival culminated with the City of Santa Monica officially proclaiming this week as “Santa Monica International Jazz Festival Week.”

Saturday’s headlining performances featured acclaimed saxophonist Kamasi Washington alongside jazz legend Stanley Clarke and former drummer of the Police, Stewart Copeland. Crowds of all ages filled the park throughout the day, and audiences responded with standing ovations and enthusiasm.

Festival organizers say the inaugural event marks the beginning of a major new cultural tradition for jazz fans everywhere.

Photo Credit: Kelvin Blasko for BroadStage Santa Monica.

Santa Monica International Jazz Festival Executive Producers (L to R) Matthew Rimmer, BroadStage Managing Director and Rob Bailis, BroadStage Artistic and Executive Director, with Santa Monica Mayor C

Keyon Harrold

Stanley Clarke

Hiromi's Sonic Wonder

Hiromi's Sonic Wonder

Jazz legend Stanley Clarke with former Police drummer Stewart Copeland

Headliner Kamasi Washington

Kamasi Washington and his band

Stanley Clarke & Friends featuring Stewart Copeland , Kiefer and Keyon Harrold

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Lakecia Benjamin

Genevieve Artadi with KNOWER

Music legends Stewart Copeland and Stanley Clarke

Message in a Bottle

The Santa Monica International Jazz Festival

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_Originally reported by [BroadwayWorld](https://www.broadwayworld.com/los-angeles/article/Photos-Santa-Monica-International-Jazz-Festival-Draws-Thousands-in-Inaugural-Year-20260513)._