Lent Festival: Theo Croker: Dream Manifest

The year 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of Miles Davis. While many festivals are overflowing with various attempts at homage, "hommage" and "tribute" concerts dedicated to one of the most influential figures in the history of jazz, we at Jazz Lent have decided differently: we are bringing you a fresh and original product from a contemporary trumpeter who continues Miles' legacy in the best possible way, as he would probably do himself if he were still alive!

Grammy-nominated Theo Croker redefines contemporary jazz with his innovative blend of musical styles. His new album Dream Manifesto, which will be premiered in Slovenia, combines jazz, dance, neo-soul, R&B and experimental hip-hop fusion. It is a complex sonic journey on the border between respect for tradition and bold innovation.

He was introduced to the trumpet by his grandfather, legendary trumpeter Doc Cheatham, and studied at the Oberlin Conservatory under Donald Byrd and Gary Bartz. In 2014, Croker released his debut album AfroPhysicist, produced by singer Dee Dee Bridgewater, and in 2019 she released the album Star People Nation earned a Grammy Award nomination for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album.

His style is decidedly modern, with a hip-hop bent, having collaborated with the likes of J. Cole, Jill Scott, Wyclef Jean, Ari Lennox, and Common. And while his studio albums sound hyper-ambitiously produced, his live shows are a wellspring of contemporary Afrofuturism played in an acoustic band. "From post-bop to hip-hop," as he says 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 per seat (until 24 June) / €25 per seat (from 25 June);
for students and pupils: €5 discount on each ticket.

Three plus package
When you purchase tickets for at least three different events from the JazzLent series, we give you a 20% discount on the total purchase value.

Visa OTP personal cardholders can purchase tickets for the Lent Festival 2026 at a 10% discount. The discount is valid for purchases made up to and including April 30th.

Individual discounts are not available in conjuction with other discounts or special offers.

More about discounts, special offers and purchasing tickets.

*The event will be held in any weather. As we want to enable all visitors to enjoy the event and have a good view of the stage, opening umbrellas on the venue is not allowed. We recommend appropriate footwear and clothing for the weather.

Performed by: 
Theo Croker, trumpet, electronics
Idris Frederick, piano, keyboards
Eric Wheeler, double bass
Miguel Marcel Russell, drums

Organizer: Narodni dom Maribor.