John Coltrane 96th Birthday Celebration – SOLD OUT

THIS EVENT IS SOLDOUT

Annual Jazz Celebration to Celebrate 96th Birthday of John Coltrane

The Burchfield Penney Art Center and Pappy Martin Legacy Jazz Collective co-present their COLTRANE Celebration 

COLTRANE Celebration artistic directors George Caldwell and Curtis Lundy will unite with a star-studded national and regional lineup including New Orleans harpist Cassie Watson Francillon and Buffalo-based vocalist Alex McArthur, to honor the colossus of jazz, John Coltrane. The two-day jazz celebration, co-presented by the Pappy Martin Legacy Jazz Collective, will groove, swing, and scat throughout the Burchfield Penney Art Center on Friday, September 23rd, and Saturday, September 24th.

Born on September 23, 1926, legendary saxophonist and jazz composer John Coltrane would illuminate and transform the music world until his untimely passing in 1967. His innovative and spiritual approach to music earned him accolades not only as one of the greatest saxophonists of all time but as one of the most acclaimed musical figures of the 20th Century.

In the liner notes of his seminal album A Love Supreme, Coltrane reveals that he had undergone “by the grace of God, a spiritual awakening which was to lead me to a richer, fuller, more productive life. At that time, in gratitude, I humbly asked to be given the means and privilege to make others happy through music.”

On Friday, September 23, the celebration will kick off with an opening reception at 7:00 p.m., with live music from the Pappy Martin Legacy Jazz Collective!s Love Supreme School of Music. The evening will rise to a crescendo at 8 pm in the auditorium with a performance by the highly-acclaimed George Caldwell Quartet, featuring Alex McArthur, a rising star in the Buffalo music scene as well as a two-time winner in the annual JazzBuffalo Poll for Female Jazz Vocalist of the Year.

(Burchfield Penney and Pappy Martin Legacy Jazz Society members are invited to commence the reception festivities with early entry at 6:30 pm.)

Saturday, September 24, 2022, COLTRANE continues at 2:00 p.m. with a Q&A followed by a screening of Le Chat dans le Sac (The Cat in the Bag) at 3:00 p.m. Directed by filmmaker Gilles Groulx, The Cat in the Bag (French with English subtitles), is a black-and-white film about two young lovers in Montreal, featuring a soundtrack by John Coltrane.

The Love Supreme School of Music will perform 7:00 p.m. – 7:45 p.m. The celebration will culminate at 8:00 p.m. in the auditorium with live music by headliners Curtis Lundy & UMOJA featuring Cassie Watson Francillon, with George Caldwell (Piano), Wayne Escoffery (Sax), Giveton Gelin (Trumpet), and Victor Jones (Drums).

This year’s COLTRANE commemorative poster was illustrated by the dynamic Buffalo-based artist, Monet Alyssa (monetalyssa.com). Signed limited edition prints will be available for purchase in the Museum Store during the festival. Previous posters were created by artists Phillip Burke, Stacey Robinson, Edreys Wajed, and Julia Bottoms.

Tickets are on sale to the general public at www.burchfieldpenney.org, or in person at the Art Center.

One Day Passes: General Admission – $30.00 Burchfield Penney and Pappy Martin Legacy Jazz Society Members – $20.00 Student – $10.00 (In person with student ID)

2 Day Passes (Limited) General Admission – $55 Burchfield Penney and Pappy Martin Legacy Jazz Society Members – $35

2 Day Passes with Poster (Limited) General Admission – $80 Burchfield Penney and Pappy Martin Legacy Jazz Society Members – $60