Marcus Miller – We Want Miles! @ Lucca Summer Festival 2026

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On 21 July 2026 at 21:30 (9:30 PM), acclaimed American jazz bassist and composer Marcus Miller will perform at the Lucca Summer Festival 2026 in Piazza Napoleone, in Lucca.

The concert – titled We Want Miles! – celebrates the 100th anniversary of Miles Davis’s birth with an electrifying tribute performance featuring Miller and a lineup of jazz greats interpreting Davis’s influential music.

The event promises an unforgettable evening blending jazz legacy and live innovation in one of Tuscany’s most iconic spaces.

Marcus Miller

Marcus Miller (born William Henry Marcus Miller Jr. on 14 June 1959 in New York City) is an American musician, composer, and record producer widely regarded as one of the most influential bassists and musical voices in contemporary jazz and fusion.

Growing up in a musical family, Miller learned multiple instruments – including bass, clarinet, keyboards, and guitar – before rising through New York’s vibrant music scene.

Early in his career, he became a sought-after session player and later worked closely with icons such as Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Luther Vandross, David Sanborn, Wayne Shorter, and many others, shaping the sound of modern jazz, R&B, and fusion.

Marcus Miller’s solo career spans decades with a diverse discography that showcases his evolution as a jazz innovator and composer. Some of his most notable albums include:

• Suddenly (1983) – his debut studio album, blending jazz fusion and funk, revealing his signature sound early in his career.
• Marcus Miller (1984) – a self-titled exploration of jazz-funk with powerful bass lines and compositional prowess.
• The Sun Don’t Lie (1993) — a critically acclaimed jazz fusion album with deep emotional and stylistic range.
• M² (2001) – a defining work that won the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Jazz Album, showcasing his mastery of groove and arrangement.
• Laid Black (2018) – a genre-defying blend of jazz, funk, hip-hop, soul, and modern instrumental elements.

 
Across his career, Miller has also produced, arranged, and performed on countless recordings for other artists, leaving an indelible mark on jazz and popular music.

Marcus Miller has been honored with numerous accolades throughout his career. He is a two-time Grammy Award winner, including recognition for his solo work as well as his collaborations.

Beyond Grammys, Miller’s achievements include prestigious international honors such as Holland’s Edison Award for Lifetime Achievement in Jazz and France’s Victoire du Jazz – affirming his global impact on jazz and contemporary music.

He was also appointed a UNESCO Artist For Peace, further highlighting his contributions to culture and artistic diplomacy.
 

Lucca Summer Festival 2026

The Lucca Summer Festival is an iconic open-air music event held annually in Lucca, Tuscany, Italy.

Since its inception in 1998, the festival has become a celebrated destination for music lovers, attracting international stars and diverse audiences to its historic stage in the heart of Lucca.

Set in the atmospheric surroundings of historic squares and city walls, the festival blends world-class music performances with the cultural richness of one of Italy’s most beautiful cities.

Over the years, it has hosted legendary artists spanning genres from rock and pop to jazz, blues, and beyond – making it a key moment in the European summer music calendar.

The 2026 edition of Lucca Summer Festival continues this tradition of excellence by presenting a richly varied lineup. In addition to Marcus Miller’s We Want Miles! tribute on 21 July, the series includes other noted performances:

• David Byrne – 25 June 2026.
• Jamiroquai – 4 July 2026.
• Alabama Shakes (with special guest Matt Berninger) – 7 July 2026.
• Neil Young and the Chrome Hearts – 14 July 2026.
• Katy Perry – 19 July 2026.

Venue – Piazza Napoleone

Piazza Napoleone, often called Piazza Grande, is the central square of Lucca and the primary stage location for many of the festival’s major performances.

Surrounded by elegant palaces and historic architecture, this expansive open space provides an unforgettable backdrop for live music, combining cultural heritage with the excitement of contemporary concerts.

The square’s broad, open layout accommodates large audiences while preserving an intimate connection between performers and listeners, making it ideal for jazz and large ensemble shows like Marcus Miller’s tribute.

Lucca railway station, located just outside the city’s ancient walls, makes Piazza Napoleone easily accessible to visitors arriving by rail.

The journey from the station to the square typically takes about 10-15 minutes on foot – a pleasant walk through Lucca’s winding medieval streets filled with cafes, shops, and historic sights.
 
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