Mike Stern

Mike Stern plays the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix on Thursday, December 17, 2026. He's one of the most respected electric guitarists of his generation, and he's a player who's just as comfortable in jazz and fusion as he is in hard rock and blues. The way he puts it together is a bit of a map of the guitar's history: you'll hear the finesse of Jim Hall, the driving swing of Wes Montgomery, and the turbulent attack of Jimi Hendrix all in the same set.

Stern first made his mark in Miles Davis's comeback band in the early 1980s, and he's spent the years since recording and performing with a long list of jazz greats, including Stan Getz and Jaco Pastorius. The industry has taken notice, too—he picked up the Miles Davis Award at the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal in 2007 and Guitar Player's Certified Legend Award in 2012. If you're not already familiar with him, his own site at mikestern.org is a good place to start before the show.

This date is part of the museum's 2026 Concert Series, sponsored by Sanderson Lincoln and produced with Producer's Circle member Tom. There are two showtimes that night—6:30 PM and 8:30 PM—so you can pick the one that fits your evening. Tickets run from $38.50 to $49.50, and if you're a member who gives $500 or more annually, you get 10% off concert tickets.