Stepping Out

Honoring John Coltrane

Music festival celebrates the jazz great's legacy

Posted

Summer Sounds

Coltrane Day
The jazz world gathers for a musical event that’s part jam session, part concert, part cultural festival to honor the late jazz icon John Coltrane. The festival, now in its fourth year, includes workshops, community jams and family activities in celebration ofthe legacies of John and Alice Coltrane, who lived in Dix Hills. The lineup brings together a unique blend of artists and bands, highlighted by sax legend Joe Lovano (pictured) and the Michelle Coltrane Band. Other performers include Dave Diamond, the prolific singer-songwriter and session musician; guitarist Jeff Mattson plus Zen Tricksters members; Funk Filharmonik, the region’s premier funk band; and the musical force Fantuzzi, who infuses their sound with the energies and rhythms of Afro-Caribbean Nyabinghi, Latin Salsa, Merengue, African drums, and devotional Kirtan. For the first time, fhe event also features two of Long Island’s rising stars — jazz trumpeter Jonathan Dely and multi-talented jazz/hip-hop artist Dudley Music. Jazz music masters Premik Russell Tubbs, Dave Frank, and James Cammack will also appear.
Saturday, July 21, 12-10:30 p.m. Admission is free but donations are encouraged to support the Coltrane Home. Heckscher Park, Route 25A, Huntington. (631) 223-1361 or www.thecoltranehome.org.

On Stage

Blackmore’s Night
Blackmore’s Night, spearheaded by Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Deep Purple’s Ritchie Blackmore and singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Candice Night, continue to gain accolades with their unique brand of “Renaissance Rock.” Their blend of acoustic/electric Renaissance-styled music has earned them considerable acclaim throughout their 20 years together, along with several gold records along the way. With bandmates Bard David (keyboards/back-up vocals, violinist Scarlett Fiddler, Lady Lynn (back-up vocals/shawm player), Earl Grey (bass/rhythmic guitar), and percussionist Troubadour of Aberdeen in tow, Blackmore’s Night delivers a concert experience unlike any other. Adding to the ambience, the band and fans alike are adorned in classic Renaissance garb.Sunday, July 22, 7 p.m. $54.50, $44.50, $39.50 and $24.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. (800)745-3000 or www.ticketmaster.com or www.pararmountny.com.