How to celebrate John Coltrane’s 100th birthday in Philly
With John Coltrane’s 100th birthday nearly here, you’ll want to check out these events that focus on his legacy and life in Philadelphia.
In celebration of the 100th anniversary of his birth, the John Coltrane Estate has launched Coltrane 100, an ambitious global celebration of Coltrane’s life and work. As one of the most gifted musicians in jazz history, the saxophonist’s influence can be felt in every corner of the music world. Coltrane’s technical prowess, relentless experimentation, and profoundly spiritual approach to his instrument have left an indelible mark on musicians and music appreciators everywhere. Nowhere has Coltrane’s spirit been felt more deeply than right here in his adopted hometown, Philadelphia. Coltrane 100 Philadelphia is producing a number of concerts, educational programs, art exhibitions, film screenings, and community events throughout the city!
Here are some of our top picks from this expansive program.
John Coltrane’s Birthday Celebration! presented by Lancaster Ave Jazz & Arts Festival
Sept. 18, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
As part of the Lancaster Ave Jazz & Arts Festival and Coltrane 100, a special John Coltrane Birthday celebration is being hosted in the yard at the John Coltrane House in North Philly. In addition to a summer book club discussion, the event will feature a performance from The Hines Creative Arts Initiative, an ensemble led by Clef Club director and Philly jazz legend Lovett Hines.
24 Hours of Coltrane presented by WRTI 90.1 FM
Sept. 21 to 22 and Sept. 24 to 25
Starting at midnight on Sept. 23, WRTI will be broadcasting a 24-hour marathon program of John Coltrane’s music. From 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., WRTI will also broadcast A Love Park Supreme, a two-hour listening party focused on music that Coltrane recorded while living in Philly. The program concludes at 6 p.m. with a live concert of Coltrane’s music played by a trio of renowned musicians: Jaleel Shaw on saxophone, Alex Claffy on bass, and Jeff “Tain” Watts on drums.
Between Sept. 25 and Sept. 27, West Philly’s Scribe Video Center will be collaborating with the North Philadelphia History Festival to celebrate the multifaceted genius of John Coltrane. Working under the theme of “Jazz. Spirit. Stories. History,” the three-day festival includes video installations by Steven Berry, Ephraim Asili, and more, as well as visual exhibitions covering Coltrane’s discography and a Coltrane-themed bus tour led by jazz historian Faye Anderson.
Ars Nova — Coltrane 100
Sept. 23 to 27
As Philadelphia’s premier presenter of jazz and the avant-garde, it’s only natural for Ars Nova to get in on the Coltrane 100 festivities. From Sept. 23 to Sept. 27, Ars Nova will host a who’s who of jazz’s contemporary vanguard at the Mandell Theater at Drexel University. The series will open with The Sun Ra Arkestra performing new arrangements of Coltrane’s music and feature concerts from Terri Lyne Carrington, Irreversible Entanglements / Pope-Workman-Cyrille, saxophonist Immanuel Wilkins, and the duo of Marilyn Crispell and Tyshawn Sorey.
