Alice and John Coltrane are jazz royalty. Our Coltrane Festival explores the immense impact this duo had on American music, with an exciting emphasis on Alice’s significant and often underrepresented contributions. With rising star saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin serving as Artistic Advisor, we showcase John’s bebop, free jazz and spiritual enlightenments alongside the more abstract sounds and Eastern influences of Alice’s compositions. World premieres, Penn Live Arts commissions and an impressive line-up of artists bring the timeless music of the Coltranes into the present day.
A prolific star of the dance world, choreographer Pam Tanowitz’ company performs our world premiere commissioned work set to Alice’s music and played live by Lakecia Benjamin and her band, Pursuance. Benjamin remains in the spotlight in an all-Coltrane inspired program featuring a Penn Live Arts commissioned piece and some very special guests. Ravi Coltrane brings a personal connection in a grand exploration of his parents’ musical legacy, and jazz harpist Brandee Younger continues her years-long dedication to Alice’s music, highlighting her earlier works. Films and discussions with Coltrane scholars round out our thematic journey with these jazz icons.
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Chasing Trane: The John Coltrane Documentary |
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Blue Note Records: Beyond the Notes |
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Pam Tanowitz Dance |
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Lakecia Benjamin & Pursuance |
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Ravi Coltrane Quintet |
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Brandee Younger |
"I wanted to honor both Alice and John Coltrane in my album, Pursuance: The Coltranes. Even though I am a saxophonist, I was familiar with Alice Coltrane's music before I became familiar with John Coltrane and his music. I was drawn to Alice Coltrane's spirituality and how she reflected that in her music. After I became familiar with John Coltrane, I devoured his music, both as a musician and composer but also because of the obvious spirituality in his music. I think of them as a real power couple and I could not imagine honoring one without the other.
