Jazz Extravaganza Commemorates Birthday of Jazz Icon John Coltrane

The Burchfield Penney Art Center and Pappy Martin Legacy Jazz Collective Co-present COLTRANE Birthday Celebration

Buffalo, NY, September 1, 2023 — The three-day jazz extravaganza honoring the birthday of jazz icon John Coltrane will reverberate through the Buffalo State University Campus from September 28th – 30th, 2023. Co-presented by the Pappy Martin Legacy Jazz Collective, this year’s COLTRANE Celebration will grow beyond the Burchfield Penney’s Tower Auditorium in order to accommodate the anticipated audience for an extra special headlining act: Grammy-nominated saxophonist and band leader Ravi Coltrane (the second son of John and Alice Coltrane). He will be joined by COLTRANE Celebration artistic directors George Caldwell (Grammy-winning pianist) and Curtis Lundy (world-renowned bassist) on Saturday, September 30, 2023, in the Buffalo State Performing Arts Center in Rockwell Hall.

Through the COLTRANE Celebration and her work as the Chief Executive of the Pappy Martin Legacy Jazz Collective, Dawn Martin Berry-Walker spreads the joy of music and nurtures the next generation of jazz lovers and musicians in Buffalo. Daughter of legendary jazz musician, bandleader, and community activist James "Pappy” Martin, her musical roots run deep. "As did my father, we continue to proudly honor Coltrane's unique contribution to the creativity, integrity, and beauty of the world's artistic atmosphere. His music remains relevant, uplifting, and transformational,” she shares.

On Thursday, September 28, the celebration will kick off at the Burchfield Penney with an opening reception at 7:00 p.m. All ticketholders will be invited to enjoy light refreshments and live music from the Pappy Martin Legacy Jazz Collective’s Love Supreme School of Music in the Second Floor Reception Space from 7:00 p.m. to 7:40 p.m. (Burchfield Penney and Pappy Martin Legacy Jazz Society members are invited to commence the reception festivities with early entry at 6:00 p.m.) The evening will rise to a crescendo at 8:00 p.m. in the Burchfield Penney’s Tower Auditorium with a performance by the highly acclaimed George Caldwell Quartet, featuring Lawrence Clark (saxophone), Sean Jefferson (drums), and Joe Goehle(bass).

On Friday, September 29, the festivities will continue with a screening of the documentary Ron Carter: Finding the Right Notes at 2:00 p.m. in the Burchfield Penney’s Tower Auditorium. All Coltrane Celebration ticketholders are invited to this screening.

Saturday, September 30, the evening will commence with a brief performance by the Love Supreme School of Music in the Performing Arts Center in Buffalo State University’s Rockwell Hall at 8:00 p.m. The festival will culminate in a performance by Ravi Coltrane (saxophone), joined by COLTRANE Celebration artistic directors Curtis Lundy (upright bass) and George Caldwell (piano), along with Johnathan Blake (drums). 

This year’s COLTRANE Celebration commemorative poster was illustrated by the dynamic Buffalo-based artist, XIII. Limited edition prints will be available for purchase during the festival. Previous posters were created by artists including Phillip Burke, Stacey Robinson, Edreys Wajed, Julia Bottoms, and Monet Alyssa.

Tickets go on sale on Friday, September 1, 2023, online or in person at the Buffalo State Performing Arts Center box office (716-878-3005) in Rockwell Hall. Learn more at https://bpac.co/e:4633.

The annual John Coltrane Birthday Celebration is presented with the generous support of the Cullen Foundation.

ABOUT THE PAPPY MARTIN LEGACY JAZZ COLLECTIVE 

The Pappy Martin Legacy Jazz Collective was formed in Buffalo, NY to recognize and address the multi-pronged aspects of continuing the important music legacy of James "Pappy” Martin. Its mission is to create opportunities for diverse community engagement to educate, honor, and celebrate the historical, cultural, and artistic significance of jazz. To make a cohesive and comprehensive impact, the organization is comprised of the following entities: Pappy Martin Legacy - Masten Jazz Festival, Love Supreme School of Music, Celestial Jazz Series, John Coltrane Birthday Celebration, Betty Carter Birthday Celebration and the Pappy Martin Legacy Jazz Society. The Pappy Martin Legacy Jazz Collective is a 501(c)(3), non-profit organization. Learn more at pmljazz.com.

ABOUT THE CULLEN FOUNDATION
Cullen Foundation serves the residents of Erie County by providing funding and support that significantly enhances the education of students in grades pre-K through 12 and advances theatre and the performing arts. Learn more at www.thecullenfoundation.org.

ABOUT THE BURCHFIELD PENNEY ART CENTER 

Established in 1966 on the campus of SUNY Buffalo State University, the Burchfield Penney Art Center is dedicated to the art and vision of renowned American artist Charles E. Burchfield (1893–1967) and the art and artists of Buffalo, NY, and the region.