11th John Coltrane International Jazz & Blues Festival In High Point Sept. 3-4
HIGH POINT, NC – On Labor Day weekend (Sept. 3 – 4), the 11th John Coltrane International Jazz & Blues Festival (JCIJBF) happens by the pristine lake in Oak Hollow Festival Park in High Point. The Friends of John Coltrane, Inc. is the non-profit organization that oversees the festival. Its members have been busy reviewing every aspect of last year’s event while also ramping up activities to create a future experience that is even better for festival goers.
On Saturday, September 3, the one and only Patti LaBelle, a two-time Grammy Award winner who has been nominated 13 times, will headline the 11th John Coltrane International Jazz and Blues Festival. Jazz bassist Christian McBride, who took home his eighth Grammy Award at the 2022 ceremony, will co-headline with his band Inside Straight including pianist Peter Martin, vibraphonist Warren Wolf, saxophonist Steve Wilson, and drummer Carl Allen. The Festival lineup on Saturday will also feature renowned pianist, composer, and bandleader Alex Bugnon as a part of the Masters of Smooth. Performing with him will be Marion Meadows, Karyn White, Jessy J., Gerald Veasley, and Poogie Bell. Rounding out the lineup is Latin jazz pianist, composer, and arranger Marlow Rosado, who will be joined by vocalist and songwriter Aymée Nuviola.
After circumstances forced the last-minute cancellation of his previous engagement, the Grammy Award-winning and multi-platinum selling artist Chris Botti has arranged his schedule so that he can headline the 11th John Coltrane International Jazz and Blues Festival on Sunday, Sept. 4. Grammy Award Winner and global recording artist Kirk Whalum returns for the 11th JCIJBF on Sunday, being joined by pianist Keiko Matsui. Whalum performed at the first John Coltrane Jazz festival and served as performer and host for the second year. The legendary Rust Belt bluesman, Larry McCray has joined the Sunday lineup, as well as, Cindy Blackman Santana, a virtuoso drummer whose artistry spans the realms of Jazz and Rock.
Gates open both days at 3 pm. For more information and/or tickets, click here.
The 11th John Coltrane International Jazz and Blues Festival weekend will also include a Golf Tournament at Oak Hollow Golf Course (3400 Centennial Dr.) with check-in starting at 8 am and tee times beginning at 9 am. The format is a 2—Man Captain’s Choice. The first place winner receives a trophy, with plaques going to the second and third place winners. There is a $10,000 prize for a hole-in-one. For more information, click here.