Labor Day Weekend Festival Kicks-Off with Friday Golf Experience and Music Masterclass
The John Coltrane International Jazz and Blues Festival returns to Oak Hollow Festival Park on Sept. 5–6, 2026, for its 15th anniversary celebration, bringing an all-star mix of jazz, blues, soul, funk and contemporary crossover artistry to the city where John Coltrane’s musical journey began.
Timed with Labor Day Weekend and the centennial year of John Coltrane’s birth, the festival stands out for its uncommon blend of major headliners, lakeside setting, deep artistic legacy and mission-driven support for music education for young people in the region.
This year’s lineup spans virtuosic jazz, contemporary soul, genre-bending fusion, smooth jazz, global vocal artistry and improvisational innovation—making the festival a distinctive destination for listeners discovering artists across streaming platforms as well as longtime jazz fans.
A major 2026 highlight is Sunday’s appearance by Ravi Coltrane, whose performance during the 100th anniversary of his father’s birth brings a rare, living connection to one of the most influential legacies in jazz.
Lao Tizer Band – Tizer, one of the most adventurous voices today, leads an all-star cast including American Idol star, vocalist Elliott Yamin, The Voice alum and vocalist Maiya Sykes, Grammy—winning drummer Gene Coye, and three-time Emmy Award winning guitarist, composer, producer, Chieli Minucci.
Raul Midón – The two-time Grammy-nominated singer, guitarist and songwriter is known for soulful vocals, acoustic brilliance, Latin-inflected rhythms and his signature “vocal horn” style.
Mike Phillips – A crowd favorite celebrated for his high-energy saxophone style, Phillips blends jazz improvisation with R&B, funk and hip-hop influences shaped by work with Prince, Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder.
Ravi Coltrane – The Grammy-nominated saxophonist, composer and bandleader brings deeply expressive, modern jazz to the festival in a performance that honors both family legacy and fearless musical exploration.
Cyrille Aimée – Internationally acclaimed for adventurous vocal improvisation, elegant phrasing and a cosmopolitan blend of jazz, French chanson and Latin influences.
Marcus Anderson and Adam Hawley – The contemporary jazz standouts deliver a crowd-pleasing blend of saxophone fire, melodic guitar, funk, soul and radio-ready grooves.
NC Coltrane All-Star Band featuring Garry Percell — A virtuoso guitarist, producer, and Billboard charting artist Percell was chosen by fans to lead this year's ensemble of outstanding regional musicians.
The festival takes place during Labor Day Weekend, with gates opening daily at 3 p.m. This year’s lineup spans virtuosic jazz, contemporary soul, genre-bending fusion, smooth jazz, global vocal artistry and improvisational innovation—making the festival a distinctive destination for listeners discovering artists across streaming platforms as well as longtime jazz fans.
A major 2026 highlight is Sunday’s appearance by Ravi Coltrane, whose performance during the 100th anniversary of his father’s birth brings a rare, living connection to one of the most influential legacies in jazz.
The Inaugural event will be held at the Grandover Resort Championship Golf courses in Greensboro, NC to kick-off the 15th Annual John Coltrane International Jazz and Blues Festival (JCIJBF). The Coltrane JazzFest Golf Experience benefits The Friends of John Coltrane, Inc, the nonprofit organization behind the JCIJBF and its related programming. Tee-off time is 9 a.m.
ColtraneJazzFest Golf Experience. For questions not answered at the registration link, email Ken Hauser at [email protected]. For sponsorship inquiries contact: Joe Williams at [email protected].
This open and interactive conversation between the band and audience will feature musical demonstrations, behind-the-scenes stories, and insights into the creative process that has made the Wooten Brothers one of the most respected family bands in contemporary music. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions, hear live musical examples, and gain insight into the techniques and ideas that shape the band’s sound. Details and registration available at the website.
The John Coltrane International Jazz and Blues Festival returns to Oak Hollow Festival Park on Sept. 5–6, 2026, for its 15th anniversary celebration, bringing an all-star mix of jazz, blues, soul, funk and contemporary crossover artistry to the city where John Coltrane’s musical journey began.
Timed with Labor Day Weekend and the centennial year of John Coltrane’s birth, the festival stands out for its uncommon blend of major headliners, lakeside setting, deep artistic legacy and mission-driven support for music education for young people in the region.
This year’s lineup spans virtuosic jazz, contemporary soul, genre-bending fusion, smooth jazz, global vocal artistry and improvisational innovation—making the festival a distinctive destination for listeners discovering artists across streaming platforms as well as longtime jazz fans.
A major 2026 highlight is Sunday’s appearance by Ravi Coltrane, whose performance during the 100th anniversary of his father’s birth brings a rare, living connection to one of the most influential legacies in jazz.
Saturday, September 5
Victor Wooten and The Wooten Brothers – The Grammy-winning family ensemble brings dazzling bass virtuosity, jazz fusion, funk, soul and boundary-pushing musicianship to Saturday’s lineup. The Brothers' music bends and defines genres; amplifies centuries, and spans continents. As a family band, they are second to none.Lao Tizer Band – Tizer, one of the most adventurous voices today, leads an all-star cast including American Idol star, vocalist Elliott Yamin, The Voice alum and vocalist Maiya Sykes, Grammy—winning drummer Gene Coye, and three-time Emmy Award winning guitarist, composer, producer, Chieli Minucci.
Raul Midón – The two-time Grammy-nominated singer, guitarist and songwriter is known for soulful vocals, acoustic brilliance, Latin-inflected rhythms and his signature “vocal horn” style.
Mike Phillips – A crowd favorite celebrated for his high-energy saxophone style, Phillips blends jazz improvisation with R&B, funk and hip-hop influences shaped by work with Prince, Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder.
Sunday, September 6
Ledisi – The Grammy-winning vocalist brings powerhouse soul, jazz-rooted sophistication and commanding live presence shaped by a celebrated career spanning R&B, tribute projects and contemporary black American music. She has long been regarded as one of the most captivating voices of her generation.Ravi Coltrane – The Grammy-nominated saxophonist, composer and bandleader brings deeply expressive, modern jazz to the festival in a performance that honors both family legacy and fearless musical exploration.
Cyrille Aimée – Internationally acclaimed for adventurous vocal improvisation, elegant phrasing and a cosmopolitan blend of jazz, French chanson and Latin influences.
Marcus Anderson and Adam Hawley – The contemporary jazz standouts deliver a crowd-pleasing blend of saxophone fire, melodic guitar, funk, soul and radio-ready grooves.
NC Coltrane All-Star Band featuring Garry Percell — A virtuoso guitarist, producer, and Billboard charting artist Percell was chosen by fans to lead this year's ensemble of outstanding regional musicians.
The festival takes place during Labor Day Weekend, with gates opening daily at 3 p.m. This year’s lineup spans virtuosic jazz, contemporary soul, genre-bending fusion, smooth jazz, global vocal artistry and improvisational innovation—making the festival a distinctive destination for listeners discovering artists across streaming platforms as well as longtime jazz fans.
A major 2026 highlight is Sunday’s appearance by Ravi Coltrane, whose performance during the 100th anniversary of his father’s birth brings a rare, living connection to one of the most influential legacies in jazz.
THE FRIDAY KICK-OFF
Friday, September 4, 2026
Coltrane JazzFest Golf Experience — 9 amThe Inaugural event will be held at the Grandover Resort Championship Golf courses in Greensboro, NC to kick-off the 15th Annual John Coltrane International Jazz and Blues Festival (JCIJBF). The Coltrane JazzFest Golf Experience benefits The Friends of John Coltrane, Inc, the nonprofit organization behind the JCIJBF and its related programming. Tee-off time is 9 a.m.
ColtraneJazzFest Golf Experience. For questions not answered at the registration link, email Ken Hauser at [email protected]. For sponsorship inquiries contact: Joe Williams at [email protected].
Interactive Masterclass with Victor Wooten and the Wooten Brothers — 7 pm
Join Victor Wooten and the Wooten Brothers (Victor on bass/vocals, Regi on guitar/vocals, Roy on drums/vocals, and Joseph on keyboard/vocals) for a one-of-a-kind masterclass experience.This open and interactive conversation between the band and audience will feature musical demonstrations, behind-the-scenes stories, and insights into the creative process that has made the Wooten Brothers one of the most respected family bands in contemporary music. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions, hear live musical examples, and gain insight into the techniques and ideas that shape the band’s sound. Details and registration available at the website.
