Makaya McCraven

The Montreux Jazz Festival Miami continues its expanded opening run with a forward-looking night of contemporary jazz at the Miami Beach Bandshell.

Taking place Thursday, February 26, this second performance in the festival’s 2026 lineup features internationally acclaimed drummer, producer and sonic collagist Makaya McCraven, presented by Rhythm Foundation in association with Montreux Jazz Festival Miami and Brainville. The evening builds on the momentum of the festival’s opening night in Miami Beach before the celebration shifts to Regatta Harbour in Coconut Grove for the weekend performances.

McCraven arrives in Miami as part of his Off The Record tour, named after his newly compiled release bringing together four interconnected EPs: Techno Logic, The People’s Mixtape, Hidden Out! and PopUp Shop. Released as his first recorded output since 2022’s In These Times, the project returns to McCraven’s signature “organic beat music” approach, blending jazz improvisation with hip-hop, electronic textures and live sampling. Known for reshaping recorded and improvised material into immersive, rhythm-driven performances, McCraven’s live shows are dynamic, unpredictable and deeply rooted in collaboration.

Set against the open-air backdrop of the Miami Beach Bandshell, this performance underscores Montreux Jazz Festival Miami’s commitment to honoring jazz traditions while spotlighting artists who are actively redefining the genre.