Free concert marking 20 years of independence

Porto Montenegro will once again become a stage for top jazz this summer, hosting the grand opening of the "Made in New York Jazz Festival Montenegro 2026", marking the 11th edition of the festival and its continuity as one of the most recognizable international music events in the region.

As announced yesterday by the management of the Tivat luxury nautical and tourist center, the event will be held on Friday, June 26, 2026, at 21 p.m., on the Park Garden stage in Porto Montenegro.

"The audience can expect the authentic energy of New York jazz in the heart of Porto Montenegro, through an evening filled with live music, cultural exchange and top international artistic performances," they said.

The concert in Porto Montenegro will be free and open to the public. This year's open access format has a special significance as part of a joint cultural contribution to the celebration of 20 years of Montenegro's independence, confirming Porto Montenegro's commitment to making high-quality cultural content accessible to all.

Since 2019, Porto Montenegro has hosted the “Made in New York Jazz Festival”, further solidifying its position as a cultural destination on the Adriatic. Set in a unique setting of a marina and seaside resort, the festival creates a special atmosphere where international artists and audiences connect in an intimate yet vibrant setting.

Following the opening ceremony of this year's festival, the Frank McComb Band will perform. Frank McComb, an acclaimed vocalist, pianist and songwriter, is known for his distinctive combination of jazz, soul and R&B, and throughout his career has collaborated with artists such as Princess, Chaka Khana i Branforda Marsalisa.

The second headline act of the evening will be the John Scofield Trio, led by one of the most influential jazz guitarists of our time. John Scofield has collaborated with legends such as Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock i Pat Metheny, and continues to shape contemporary jazz across generations. Special guest Yaacov Mayman will also perform during the evening.

Made in New York Jazz Festival Montenegro was launched in 2016 as the European edition of the renowned New York jazz platform. Over the past decade, the festival has brought together Grammy Award winners, leading regional musicians and emerging talents, creating a cultural bridge between the USA, Europe, the Balkans and Montenegro.

Although the 2026 festival program will take place in Tivat, Cetinje, and Podgorica, the opening in Porto Montenegro will set the tone for the entire program, positioning Tivat and Porto Montenegro at the center of an international celebration of music, creativity, and cultural openness.

“Porto Montenegro is proud to host the inaugural Made in New York Jazz Festival 2026 and invites the public to a free cultural event of this magnitude. As Montenegro marks 20 years of independence, this is an opportunity to celebrate openness, togetherness, and international connectivity through music. Events like this are an essential part of Porto Montenegro’s identity as a year-round destination for culture, lifestyle, and exceptional experiences,” he said. Alexander Avram, Senior Head of Destination and Events u kompaniji Adriatic Marinas - Porto Montenegro.

Vladimir Marash, founder and artistic director of the Made in New York Jazz Festival, added:

“Made in New York Jazz Festival is much more than a concert program - it is a platform for connecting cultures, artists, audiences and ideas. We are proud that the festival continues to grow internationally, while remaining deeply connected to Montenegro and its communities.”

The event is organized in partnership with Rabbit Records, with the support of international and regional partners, institutions, sponsors and friends of the arts.