More than 30 performances, community initiatives and artist grants celebrate John Coltrane’s legacy while investing in Philadelphia’s next generation of musicians.
PHILADELPHIA, July 23, 2026 — Today, Sen. Vincent Hughes, in partnership with Jazz Philadelphia, Creative Philadelphia, Ars Nova Workshop, and WRTI at Temple University, today announced the lineup for Coltrane 100 Philly, a citywide centennial celebration honoring jazz legend John Coltrane through more than 30 free and ticketed performances, community initiatives and artist grants taking place throughout the fall.
“Coltrane 100 Philly is an invitation to experience our city through the music that helped define it. Coltrane chose Philadelphia as his home during a pivotal period of growth; he saw the possibility, grit and creative spirit that still hums through the city today. Citywide programs like this pay tribute to our musical legacy while ensuring Philadelphia remains a thriving destination for music lovers and artists.”— Valerie V. Gay, Chief Cultural Officer for the City of Philadelphia.
Councilmember Isaiah Thomas will introduce legislation to officially designate September 23 as John Coltrane Day in the City of Philadelphia. The legislation was developed by Dr. Anyabwile Love, founder of the John Coltrane Symposium.
Highlights of the Coltrane 100 Philly celebration include:
- A LOVE Park Supreme: A free outdoor jazz listening experience. Sept. 21-25, from noon to 2 p.m. daily at LOVE Park.
- Collier Plays Coltrane: Isaiah Collier and the Chosen Few perform innovative interpretations and original compositions inspired by Coltrane. Sept. 25, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s Great Stair Hall.
- Jazz Under the Stars: Grammy-winning saxophonist Kirk Whalum joins brother Kevin Whalum to celebrate the 15th anniversary of his album Romance Language, a modern reimagining of Coltrane’s beloved recording. Sept. 30 at 8 p.m. at the Highmark Mann Center.
- 60th Anniversary Concert of Coltrane’s Offering: A summit and tribute concert honoring Coltrane’s Offering: Live at Temple University album, where it was first recorded. Nov. 11, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Mitten Hall on Temple University’s campus and Nov. 12 at 8 p.m. at Temple Performing Arts Center.
“Temple University and WRTI are honored to share a direct connection to John Coltrane that goes back sixty years, when the magic of Offering: Live at Temple University was recorded in Mitten Hall. Coltrane
100 Philly gives us the opportunity to honor that history and to do what public radio does best: share the music, tell the story, and bring Philadelphia’s extraordinary jazz legacy to as many listeners as possible.”— Bill Johnson, General Manager, WRTI
In addition to the public performances, the $27,000 Community Performance Grant includes a Community Voice Grant, supporting artists producing independent community performances and the Curated Series Grant, pairing artists with advisors to develop short performance series.
“John Coltrane chose Philadelphia as his home, and Philadelphia has never forgotten him,” said Senator Vincent Hughes. “This centennial celebration is an opportunity for our city to honor one of the greatest artists America has ever produced, not just with words, but with action. Coltrane 100 Philly puts resources in the hands of artists, opens stages in neighborhoods across the city, and brings our whole community together around a legacy that belongs to all of us. I am proud to have supported this effort, and I am proud of what Philadelphia is doing to honor one of our own.”
Residents and local organizations are encouraged to get involved. Coltrane Community Circle engages interested volunteers to join the organizational team in meaningful ways that align with their interests and talents. As Philadelphia continues to evolve as a global music city, celebrations like Coltrane 100 Philly carry forward the city’s tradition of nurturing influential artists while creating opportunities for communities and musicians to connect through the power of music.
For a full schedule of events, grant information and volunteer opportunities, visit coltrane100philly.org.
ABOUT COLTRANE 100 PHILLY
Coltrane 100 Philly is a citywide centennial celebration honoring the 100th birthday year of jazz legend John Coltrane. While born in North Carolina, Coltrane came of age in Philadelphia, where he developed his musical voice and built the community that helped shape one of jazz’s most enduring legacies. Led by a coalition of civic and cultural partners, Coltrane 100 celebrates his lasting impact through performances, community programming, artist grants and educational initiatives across Philadelphia.
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