Philadelphia Jazz Project Celebrates John Coltrane with Free Concerts
Photo by Shipa/Wikimedia Commons
Jazz legend and, for a time, Philadelphian John Coltrane would have turned 90 on September 23rd. To mark his milestone birthday, the Philadelphia Jazz Project is hosting nine days of totally free events for jazz lovers, history buffs, and those of us who just want to chill in a beer garden while listening to some good music. Temple University Libraries, Ars Nova Workshop, WRTI, PhillyCAM, Jazz Near You and The Free Library are partnering with PJP for the Coltrane at 90 series.
Coltrane moved to Philly from North Carolina in 1943 and stayed for 15 years. His home next to Fairmount Park is a National Historic Landmark.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9p-X7tKMURo
Here’s the full schedule of Coltrane at 90 events, running September 17th to 25th. All of the events are free, but you have to register through the Eventbrite links.
September 17:
Jazz Walk – Giant Steps
East Park Reservoir/Fairmount Park, 33rd and Diamond streets
Kicking off the series is this outdoor celebration with live music from Space Whale Ensemble, Eye2Eye Trio & Larry Price, Terry Lawson & Alan Nelson, Chris Stevens, Korey Riker and many more.
Jazz Walk After Party
Hatfield House, 3300 Girard Ave.
The Fairmount Park Conservancy hosts a pop-up beer garden after the Jazz Walk.
September 18:
Coltrane: Cookin’ & Sweatin’
New Barber’s Hall, 1402 W. Oxford St.
Drummer Lucky Thompson and percussionist Karen Smith explore the vibes of the early 1950s.
September 19:
Mysterious Traveler 3 Concert Series
Free Library Parkway Central Branch, 1901 Vine St.
Saxophonist Chris Oatts creates new works inspired by the library’s collection.
September 20:
Kulu Se Mama Tribute
Conwell Dance Theater, 1801 N. Broad Street
Sonic Liberation 8 plays the music of Coltrane’s 1965 album, Kulu Se Mama.
September 21:
Coltrane Festival at the Temple Bell Tower
Polett Walk between 12th and 13th streets/Rain location: Paley Library, 1210 Polett Walk
Students and faculty from Temple’s Boyer College of Music and Dance, along with local musicians, are putting on this free pop-up concert.
Video Screening
Ritz At The Bourse, 400 Ranstead St.
Scribe Video Center is showing three Coltrane-related works, including two of their own projects and a film by the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadephia.
September 22:
Equinox Concert
Conwell Dance Theater, 1801 N. Broad St.
This concert on the fall equinox celebrates Coltrane’s Equinox.
September 23:
Lunchtime Jam: Tribute to John Coltrane & Exhibit Opening
Church of the Advocate, 1801 Diamond St.
An exhibit of John W. Mosley’s photographs of the African-American community in Philadelphia in the 1930s to 1960s opens with this lunchtime concert.
Solo Saxophone Tribute & Marathon
Church of the Advocate, 1801 Diamond St.
WRTI’s J. Michael Harrison and the PJP present a sax-centered tribute with several musicians.
September 24:
A Jam Supreme at Piazza
The Piazza At Schmidt’s Commons, 1001 N. 2nd St.
Tri-State Indie and Boom Room Studios bring us a concert of Coltrane’s music as interpreted by hip-hop, house and techno musicians and DJs, featuring WorldTown Sound System and The Living Sample.
September 25:
Listening Party & Jam Session
The Fire, 412 W. Girard Ave.
The Coltrane at 90 series closes out with a jam session, beat battle and listening party.
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