Celebrate 100 Years of John Coltrane at NJPAC

New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) has planned its preliminary spring season of jazz celebrating John William Coltrane. An American saxophonist, composer, and bandleader, Coltrane transformed jazz with a personal style that continues to resonate today.

A series of “jazz jams” will take place on select Thursdays through February and April leading up to the marquee event: “Coltrane 100: Both Directions at Once” on April 18 at 7:30 p.m. The event is part of the TD Bank sponsored Jazz Series , which highlights the diversity of American music. Eligible TD Bank cardholders will receive special perks at TD Jazz performances.

Other  events also include the James Carter Quartet Bethany Baptist Church Jazz Vespers on March 7 and the Winard Harper and Jeli Posse Bethany Baptist Church Jazz Vespers April 4.

In 2026, 100 years after his birth, Coltrane’s influence on jazz remains profound. He once described his creative process to saxophonist Wayne Shorter as beginning “in the middle” of a musical idea while going to the beginning and the end of it at the same time.

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NJPAC’s main tribute to Coltrane on April 18 will include saxophonists Joe Lovano and Melissa Aldana, pianist Nduduzo Makhathini, bassist John Patitucci, and drummer Jeff “Tain” Watts. The band will explore Coltrane’s lasting influence through modern interpretations of his iconic compositions, as well as original works inspired by his legacy. This will take place at NJPAC’s Victoria Theater.

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The ensemble will dive into“ both directions at once” with some work of Coltrane’s repertoire and originals inspired by his legacy.

“He is and was someone that has inspired generations upon generations of musicians to find themselves in the depths of improvisation,” said Joe Lovano, the bandleader and director. “His compositions have set the pace for generations, also of musicians on the scene since his emergence, which was really in the 40s.” 

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According to Lovano, Coltrane incorporated many aspects of improvisation that included freer forms and spiritual themes, such as those found in his masterpiece “A Love Supreme.”.

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In addition to playing Coltrane’s music, the ensemble will also draw from the broader Coltrane lineage. This includes peers like Eric Dolphy and Pharoah Sanders, as well as those who carried his torch, such as Alice Coltrane and his son, Ravi Coltrane—the latter of whom remains a significant voice in the modern New York jazz scene.

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“I feel like, as an ensemble, we represent ourselves as players, but we also represent the history in the music. So that’s something that also listeners are going to be able to feel. It is our way of trying to represent the history in the music.” Lovano said.

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Melissa Aldana, a tenor saxophonist in the celebration, has emphasized the importance of reimagining Coltrane’s music by capturing its spirit and message rather than simply duplicating his versions. She highlighted the significance of “both directions at once” as a masterpiece and described the experience of working with her mentor, Lovano, as “beautiful.”

She invites the audience to open their heart and be present to receive the experience of hearing the music live. She aims to show a sense of togetherness and having all the energy intertwined when they listen to the music.

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“I think that for everyone it is different, but for me, one of the most beautiful experiences I have when I see music is just being able to get out of my head and enjoy,” she said.