This giveaway is sure to be a treat for the Jazz lovers in the Philly area! The Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia is pleased to announce two screenings of the new short documentary Coltrane’s Philadelphia on Wednesday, August 7, at 7pm, at International House Philadelphia and Thursday, September 19, at 6pm, at WHYY Studios. Both events are free and open to the public. The August 7 screening will include an additional film, and appearances by local filmmakers.
Coltrane’s Philadelphia explores John Coltrane’s remarkable Philadelphia years and features captivating interviews; including those with renowned saxophonist and Coltrane peer Odean Pope, The Roots’ Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, jazz historian Dr. Diane Turner (author and editor of “Feeding the Soul: Black Music Black Thought”), jazz singer and Strawberry Mansion resident Dorothy “Dottie” Smith, and Rev. Mark Kelly Tyler of Philadelphia’s Historic Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church. The documentary also displays historic footage of Philadelphia while illustrating the urban context in which Coltrane moved his music forward. Coltrane’s Philadelphia is part of the Preservation Alliance’s Coltrane Planning Project, which aims to devise a revitalization strategy for Coltrane’s Philadelphia home.
You can check out the film synopsis and details for each event below, and RSVP for tickets at each event’s respective link. Tickets are free and first come, first served.
Until next thought family, Thomasena
Coltrane’s Philadelphia synopsis:
After migrating from his childhood home in North Carolina in 1943, jazz giant John Coltrane spent years honing his craft in the City of Brotherly Love. In 1952 at the age of twenty-six, with the benefit of a G.I. Bill loan, he purchased a modest rowhome on North 33rd Street in the Strawberry Mansion section of North Philadelphia. Coltrane owned and lived in this home longer than any other during his legendary career. It was here that he honed his craft becoming identifiably the legendary ‘Trane.
EVENT DETAILS
Contextualizing Jazz in Philadelphia: An Evening of Documentaries featuring Coltrane’s Philadelphia and Sun Ra: A Joyful Noise
International House Philadelphia, Ibrahim Theater, 3701 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Free Admission
Musician and former Inquirer columnist Tom Moon and other members of the Coltrane’s Philadelphia production team will be available for question and answers after the screening.
This 1980 film documents performances by the Sun Ra Arkestra, and features performances on the roof of the International House as well as interviews with Sun Ra and the band.
Plus a performance by Warren Oree and the Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble
WHYY Studios, 150 N. 6th Street, Philadelphia, PA
Free Admission
This screening of Coltrane’s Philadelphia will include performances of Coltrane compositions by acclaimed Philadelphia-based Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble, led by West Oak Lane Jazz Festival producer and bassist Warren Oree, and a reception that includes light refreshments.
Music Movies Thoughts 