What, did you think that Philadelphia was all done celebrating the John Coltrane centennial? We have good news for you on that front, and it’s happening in the coming week. Read on, or read our accompanying feature, for more detail. And take note: there’s also plenty of non-Coltrane enticement ahead, including a John Scofield throw-down and a farewell concert from The Bad Plus.
Spotlight: John Coltrane’s Offering Revisited — Tuesday through Thursday, various locations
John Coltrane gave what would be his last Philadelphia concert 60 years ago this week — on Nov. 11, 1966, at Mitten Hall on the campus of Temple University. A legendary concert, marked by spiritual ardor and a divisive plunge into avant-garde expression, it saw official release in 2014, drawing renewed attention to a momentous final phase in Coltrane’s life and career.
The coming week will bring several opportunities to commemorate the occasion, and the saxophonist’s legacy more broadly. First up, on Tuesday, is “Living Space: A Discussion and Performance and Tribute to John Coltrane,” organized by bassist Alexander Claffy, one of the musicians featured in our centennial celebration A Love Park Supreme. This free event at the Brandywine Workshop will feature a panel discussion at 12:30 p.m., followed by a performance at 3 p.m., with Claffy joined by musicians including pianist Alfie Pollitt and percussionist Robert Kenyatta.
Living Space: Nov. 10, 12:30 p.m. discussion, 3 p.m. concert, Brandywine Workshop, 730 South Broad Street, free; venue website.
Then, on Wednesday afternoon, The 2026 Jazz Philadelphia Summit will focus its energies on the 60th anniversary of the Temple University concert, in the very room where it took place. A culminating event of the Coltrane 100 Philly celebration, this ticketed event will include a panel discussion moderated by yours truly, with Robert Kenyatta and another musician who played on the original concert, saxophonist Steven Knoblauch. The Summit will also include a John Coltrane exhibition featuring archival materials from the Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection at Temple.
Jazz Philadelphia Summit: Offering Edition: Nov. 11, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., Mitten Hall, Temple University, 1913 North Broad Street, $20; tickets and information.
Finally, the main event: on Thursday evening, Ars Nova Workshop will present Offering Revisited, a special concert featuring saxophonist Ravi Coltrane, who has made a deep study of his father’s language, especially in the so-called “late period” of his ever-evolving expression. Joining him are saxophonist Tomoki Sanders (whose father, Pharoah Sanders, performed on the original concert); pianist Kris Davis; bassist Robert Hurst; drummer Terri Lyne Carrington; Batá drummer Melvis Santa; and other special guests. This concert is co-sponsored by WRTI, the Coltrane estate and the William Penn Foundation, and it’s sure to be an epic journey. We hope to see you there.
John Coltrane's Offering Revisited: Nov. 12, 8 p.m., Temple Performing Arts Center, 1837 North Broad Street, $43.26, $17 students and seniors; purchase tickets.
Cascadence featuring Sara Caswell — Wednesday, Chris’ Jazz Cafe
Sara Caswell is a violinist who balances pristine classical technique with a fearless instinct as an improviser, which has made her a vital collaborator for everyone from esperanza spalding to Henry Threadgill. In the trio Cascadence, she operates as the first among equals, alongside Matt Davis on guitar and Chris Coyle on bass.
Nov. 11 at 7:30 and 9 p.m., Chris’ Jazz Cafe, 1421 Sansom Street, $20, with dinner packages; tickets and information.
Chris Lewis Quartet — Wednesday, Cellar Dog
Local jazzfolk may remember saxophonist Chris Lewis as a Philly-made talent, a product of the jazz program at Temple’s Boyer College of Music and Dance. He now travels the world with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, whose pianist, Dan Nimmer, joins him here alongside Philip Norris on bass and Nazir Ebo on drums.
Nov. 11 at 8 p.m., Cellar Dog, 258 South 15th Street, $20; tickets and information.
Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble Tribute to Gil Scott-Heron — Friday through Nov. 15, South Jazz Kitchen
Gil Scott-Heron’s gimlet-eyed provocations as a poet, especially in collaboration with keyboardist Brian Jackson, have inspired generations of listeners — among them the members of Philly’s own Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble, who pay tribute here. Along with bassist Warren Oree, the core lineup includes drummer Tracy Smith, saxophonist Michael Clay, guitarist Frank Butrey, and percussionist Doug “Pablow” Edwards.
Nov. 13 and 14 at 7 and 9:30 p.m., Nov. 15 at 6 and 8:30 p.m., South Jazz Kitchen, 600 North Broad Street, $31; tickets and information.
John Scofield's Electrospective — Friday and Nov. 15, Ardmore Music Hall
John Scofield is one of our great jazz guitarists, but he’s also a god-tier figure within the jam-band scene — a stature he solidified in the years after his collaboration with Medeski Martin & Wood. Some of that music will turn up during this “Electrospective,” which will also draw from cult-fave Sco albums like Überjam, and feature fellow travelers like keyboardist Larry Goldings, bass guitarist Oteil Burbridge, and drummer Adam Deitch.
Nov. 13 and 15 at 8 p.m., Ardmore Music Hall, 23 East Lancaster Ave, Ardmore, PA; Nov. 13 show sold out, waitlist available, Nov. 15 show starting at $72; tickets and information.
The Bad Plus Farewell Tour — Saturday, Perelman Theater
After more than 25 years and a couple of overhauls, The Bad Plus is taking one last spin around the world before ending their ride. Founding members Reid Anderson (bass) and Dave King (drums) are joined by Chris Speed (saxophone) and Ben Monder (guitar), exploring a sound that balances lyrical grandeur, earthy pull and explosive dynamism. Their stand at the Newport Jazz Festival this summer was a triumph, and the same should be true at this Philly farewell.
Nov. 14 at 7 p.m., Perelman Theater, Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, 300 South Broad Street, $53-$95; tickets and information.
