As part of it’s ongoing mission to showcase the finest in cultural and community programming in Chicago, the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University will partner with 16 jazz clubs and institutions to host the Miles Davis Festival (or Chicago) running January through April 2011. This ambitious celebration of Miles Davis will bring the sounds of “The Prince of Darkness” to venues throughout the city of Chicago, and even the streets of the city. Several events are free: ticket prices for other events range from $5-$69.

Presented in celebration of the 85th Anniversary of the legendary Illinois-born jazz trumpeter’s birth, the Miles Davis Festival (of Chicago) will feature 19 concerts and tribute events. Festival Highlights include:

Thursday, March 31 @ Martyrs

Bitches Brew 40th Anniversary Band celebrates Davis’ legendary Bitches Brew recording session. Participating musicians includes Miles Davis’ alumni, Darryl Jones, Blackbyrd McKnight, Badal Roy, Vince Wilburn Jr., DJ Logic, and others.

Tuesday, April 12 @ Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University

“Vivid”, Roosevelt University’s Chicago College of Performing Arts free annual student concert will include a performance of selections from Davis’ masterpiece Kind of Blue.

Thursday, April 14 @ Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University

“Sketches of Blue: An Orbert Davis Tribute to Miles” will feature, in its first half, the Orbert Davis Sextet, playing selections from Kind of Blue, and in the second half, Chicago Jazz Philharmonic Chamber Ensemble performing passages from Sketches of Spain.

Saturday, April 16 @ Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University

North Chicago Dance Company along with Wharton Center for Performing Arts have created a collection of dances to demonstrate the fluidity, technical brilliance, and storytelling narrative ability of Davis body of work. This is a World Premiere event.