The Alton Jazz and Wine Festival will feature a unique tribute to local music legend Miles Davis this year. Artist Michael Snider, known as Kooliverse, is debuting a massive sculpture titled A Thousand Echoes of Kool. The project consists of 1,000 individual trumpets constructed into a single, cohesive piece to honor the musician and his history in Alton.
Snider spent an entire year gathering and assembling the instruments for this installation. The work reflects both the musical influence of Davis and his deep connection to the city. Organizers scheduled the public unveiling during the festival to provide a central stage for the community to view the tribute.
This sculpture marks a significant milestone for Snider, who worked through technical challenges to secure and connect the volume of instruments required for the piece. The scale of the installation highlights the dedication required to translate a vision into a physical structure of this size. Visitors at the upcoming festival will have the opportunity to see the result of this year-long effort firsthand.
The inclusion of this tribute in the Jazz and Wine Festival underscores the ongoing effort in Alton to celebrate its cultural history. Attendees can expect to find the sculpture on display for the duration of the event. It remains a focal point for those interested in the intersection of local history and modern art installations.