From day one, our mission has been to build a cultural bridge between the raw, electric energy of the New York jazz scene and the heritage of the Adriatic coast. Thanks to our partners at Porto Montenegro, we can remove all barriers this year and gift this incredible music back to the community completely free. Seeing legendary masters like John Scofield share the stage with brilliant regional performers like Rambo Amadeus is exactly what this festival is about. Creative collision, mutual respect, and pure artistic freedom.
—Michael Brovkine, Made in New York Jazz Festival
Powered by Porto Montenegro, the 2026 festival brings an ambitious three-city program featuring jazz legend John Scofield, offering all performances completely free of charge to celebrate a historic milestone. The lineup also features premier American and regional guests.
The Made in New York Jazz Festival, in partnership with its premier sponsor Porto Montenegro, has officially announced the lineup and schedule for its highly anticipated 11th annual edition. Running from June 26th to June 28th, 2026, this year's festival stands as its most ambitious program concept to date, expanding across three iconic Montenegrin cities: Tivat, Cetinje, and Podgorica. In a monumental gesture to celebrate Montenegro’s 20th year of independence, organizers have revealed that admission to all main concert programs, street jam sessions, and after-parties will be entirely free of charge for the public.
The festival will also highlight boundary-pushing regional collaborations, featuring a special “Crossover" program by the iconic Rambo Amadeus alongside Alba Nacinovič, as well as Slaven Ljujić’s highly anticipated “Super Group Project."
“Reaching our eleventh year is a profound milestone, but doing so alongside Montenegro’s 20th anniversary of independence makes this edition uniquely historic," says Michael Brovkine, Co-Founder of the Made in New York Jazz Festival. “From day one, our mission has been to build a cultural bridge between the raw, electric energy of the New York jazz scene and the stunning heritage of the Adriatic coast. Thanks to our partners at Porto Montenegro, we are able to remove all barriers this year and gift this incredible music back to the community completely free. Seeing legendary masters like John Scofield share the stage with brilliant regional visionaries like Rambo Amadeus is exactly what this festival is about—creative collision, mutual respect, and pure artistic freedom."
“This year, all the shows are completely free because we truly want for people to have this amazing experience without any limitations," added Vladimir Maraš, Festival Co-Founder and Director. “Jazz is a universal language of freedom and connection, and we want every citizen and visitor in Montenegro to be a part of this celebration. By taking the festival across Tivat, Cetinje, and Podgorica, we are creating an open cultural space where world-class artistry is accessible to everyone. This is our gift to the audience that has supported us for over a decade, and we cannot wait to share these unforgettable nights together."
For more information regarding schedules, venues, and accommodation partners, please visit the official event page at portomontenegro.com or contact the festival press office.
About Made in New York Jazz Festival The Made in New York Jazz Festival is an international cultural initiative designed to bring top-tier global jazz talent to international audiences, fostering cross-cultural collaboration, supporting regional musicians, and creating world-class festival experiences.
About Porto Montenegro Porto Montenegro is the Mediterranean’s leading luxury yacht marina and waterfront lifestyle village, located in the UNESCO-protected Boka Bay. It serves as a premier destination for international events, culture, and luxury living.
The Made in New York Jazz Festival, in partnership with its premier sponsor Porto Montenegro, has officially announced the lineup and schedule for its highly anticipated 11th annual edition. Running from June 26th to June 28th, 2026, this year's festival stands as its most ambitious program concept to date, expanding across three iconic Montenegrin cities: Tivat, Cetinje, and Podgorica. In a monumental gesture to celebrate Montenegro’s 20th year of independence, organizers have revealed that admission to all main concert programs, street jam sessions, and after-parties will be entirely free of charge for the public.
A Stellar Lineup Bridging Global and Regional Mastery
The 2026 festival features a powerhouse roster of international jazz icons and premiere regional talent. Headlining the 11th edition is the legendary John Scofield Trio, widely regarded as one of the most influential guitarists and composers in jazz history. Joining him are American soul-jazz virtuoso Frank McComb, Grammy-winning keyboardist Bobby Sparks II, Grammy nominated saxophonist and artist director of the festival Yaacov Mayman.The festival will also highlight boundary-pushing regional collaborations, featuring a special “Crossover" program by the iconic Rambo Amadeus alongside Alba Nacinovič, as well as Slaven Ljujić’s highly anticipated “Super Group Project."
2026 Festival Itinerary
- Friday, June 26 – Tivat (Porto Montenegro): The festival kicks off at 21:00 at the breathtaking Park Garden Stage with an opening ceremony and a performance by the Frank McComb Band, followed by the John Scofield Trio at 22:30.
- Saturday, June 27 – Cetinje: The music moves to the historic Summer Stage below Orlov Krs, featuring Slaven Ljujić’s “Super Group Project" and Rambo Amadeus’s “Crossover" set.
- Sunday, June 28 – Podgorica: The grand closing ceremony will take place on the plateau of the Music Center of Montenegro, featuring a final headlining set by the John Scofield Trio and a performance by Bobby Sparks II and the Band.
Perspectives from the Co-Founders
Reflecting on the scale and significance of this year’s landmark event, festival co-founders Michael Brovkine and Vladimir Maraš shared their excitement regarding the festival's evolution, its deep connection to the region, and the decision to open the gates to all music lovers.“Reaching our eleventh year is a profound milestone, but doing so alongside Montenegro’s 20th anniversary of independence makes this edition uniquely historic," says Michael Brovkine, Co-Founder of the Made in New York Jazz Festival. “From day one, our mission has been to build a cultural bridge between the raw, electric energy of the New York jazz scene and the stunning heritage of the Adriatic coast. Thanks to our partners at Porto Montenegro, we are able to remove all barriers this year and gift this incredible music back to the community completely free. Seeing legendary masters like John Scofield share the stage with brilliant regional visionaries like Rambo Amadeus is exactly what this festival is about—creative collision, mutual respect, and pure artistic freedom."
“This year, all the shows are completely free because we truly want for people to have this amazing experience without any limitations," added Vladimir Maraš, Festival Co-Founder and Director. “Jazz is a universal language of freedom and connection, and we want every citizen and visitor in Montenegro to be a part of this celebration. By taking the festival across Tivat, Cetinje, and Podgorica, we are creating an open cultural space where world-class artistry is accessible to everyone. This is our gift to the audience that has supported us for over a decade, and we cannot wait to share these unforgettable nights together."
For more information regarding schedules, venues, and accommodation partners, please visit the official event page at portomontenegro.com or contact the festival press office.
Media & Event Contact
Email: [email protected]About Made in New York Jazz Festival The Made in New York Jazz Festival is an international cultural initiative designed to bring top-tier global jazz talent to international audiences, fostering cross-cultural collaboration, supporting regional musicians, and creating world-class festival experiences.
About Porto Montenegro Porto Montenegro is the Mediterranean’s leading luxury yacht marina and waterfront lifestyle village, located in the UNESCO-protected Boka Bay. It serves as a premier destination for international events, culture, and luxury living.
