Carnegie Hall, a venue synonymous with musical greatness, will once again serve as the celestial stage for a transcendent evening of music. On May 16, Absolutely Live Entertainment presents COSMIC MUSIC: The Celestial Songs of Alice Coltrane, an extraordinary, one-night-only tribute to one of the most profound and pioneering figures in jazz and spiritual music, Alice Coltrane Turiyasangitananda.
This historic performance will unite generations of the Coltrane family for the first time on stage together. Ravi Coltrane, Alice’s son and a renowned saxophonist, will be joined by his cousin, the visionary producer and musician Flying Lotus (Steven Ellison), and his sister, the gifted vocalist Michelle Coltrane, who will lead the Sai Anantam Devotional Ensemble in celebrating Alice’s deep spiritual and musical legacy.
Accompanied by an outstanding ensemble, this event will feature some of the most esteemed musicians in contemporary jazz and beyond. Harpist Brandee Younger, known for her pioneering work in modernizing the harp’s place in music, will perform on Alice’s very own recently restored harp—an instrument gifted to her by John Coltrane in 1967. The evening will also feature pianist David Virelles, drummer Jeff “Tain” Watts, and bassist Robert Hurst, along with a chamber orchestra premiering never-before-heard orchestral arrangements of Alice Coltrane’s compositions.
A Legacy of Spiritual and Musical Exploration
Alice Coltrane’s music was a vessel for spiritual awakening, a fusion of jazz, classical Indian music, and celestial devotion that continues to inspire generations. The title of this concert pays homage to Alice’s 1968 “Cosmic Music” performance at Carnegie Hall, one of the many times she graced this iconic venue. More than just a tribute, this performance marks a new chapter in honoring her influence, capping the landmark “Year of Alice” initiative, which has included newly released recordings, museum exhibits, and the publication of her memoir, Monument Eternal.
Alice Coltrane’s work has left an indelible mark on music history, with landmark albums like Journey In Satchidananda, A Monastic Trio, Universal Consciousness, and Ptah, the El Daoud standing as testaments to her artistry. Beyond her music, she was a spiritual leader who founded the Vedantic Center and later established an ashram, fostering a community devoted to enlightenment and artistic expression.
The Stars Align for an Unforgettable Evening
The fusion of familial lineage, spiritual depth, and groundbreaking musicianship makes this event an unmissable occasion. Flying Lotus, an artist whose work bridges hip-hop, electronic music, and jazz, brings his boundary-pushing sound into the fold, ensuring this night transcends traditional tribute performances. Michelle Coltrane, deeply immersed in the spiritual and musical teachings of her mother, will guide the voices of the Sai Anantam Devotional Ensemble, channeling the powerful vibrations of Alice’s devotional compositions.
Meanwhile, Brandee Younger’s presence underscores the lasting impact Alice Coltrane had on the harp’s evolution in jazz. Younger, a Grammy-nominated artist, has carried Alice’s influence forward in collaborations with legends like Pharoah Sanders and contemporary icons like Common and Lauryn Hill. The presence of esteemed jazz veterans such as Jeff “Tain” Watts, Robert Hurst, and David Virelles guarantees a performance of the highest caliber.
Honoring a Higher Purpose
More than just a concert, this event is a fundraiser for The John & Alice Coltrane Home, an organization dedicated to preserving the Coltrane family’s legacy. A portion of the proceeds will support its mission to educate and inspire future generations through music, spirituality, and the principles that guided Alice and John Coltrane’s lives.
Tickets for this unparalleled event are available now at CarnegieHall.org, by calling CarnegieCharge at (212) 247-7800, or in person at the Carnegie Hall Box Office (57th St. and Seventh Ave.). Prices start at $30, making this celestial experience accessible to all who seek to be transported by Alice Coltrane’s cosmic vision.
In a world that often feels chaotic and disconnected, COSMIC MUSIC: The Celestial Songs of Alice Coltrane promises to be an evening of transcendence, unity, and profound musical beauty. Whether you are a longtime admirer of Alice’s work or discovering her music for the first time, this night at Carnegie Hall will be an unforgettable journey into the spiritual and sonic universe she created.
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