John Coltrane believed music had the power to connect people beyond words, said Joe Williams, the Festival’s executive director. The Wooten Brothers embody that same philosophy every time they perform. This Masterclass gives aspiring musicians and lifelong music lovers the rare opportunity to learn directly from artists who have dedicated their lives to making music a shared experience.
—Joe Williams, Executive Director
The Friends of John Coltrane, Inc. invites musicians and music lovers of all ages to experience an unforgettable evening of creativity, collaboration and inspiration as five-time Grammy Award winner Victor Wooten and the Wooten Brothers present an interactive masterclass during the 15th John Coltrane International Jazz and Blues Festival.
Taking place on Friday, September 4, at the High Point Theatre, the masterclass will feature Victor Wooten on bass and vocals, Regi Wooten on guitar and vocals, Roy “Futureman" Wooten on drums and vocals, and Joseph Wooten on keyboards and vocals. Together, the legendary musical family will guide participants through an engaging exploration of improvisation, rhythm, accompaniment and ensemble performance. Rather than a traditional clinic, the Wootens have designed the experience as an open musical conversation built around a simple philosophy: music is a language, and the best way to learn it is by speaking it together.Musicians of every age, instrument and experience level are encouraged to bring their instruments for the opportunity to actively participate from their seats. Throughout the session, participants will discover new approaches to listening, communicating and creating music while learning from one of the world's most respected musical families.
“John Coltrane believed music had the power to connect people beyond words," said Joe Williams, the Festival’s executive director. “The Wooten Brothers embody that same philosophy every time they perform. This Masterclass gives aspiring musicians and lifelong music lovers the rare opportunity to learn directly from artists who have dedicated their lives to making music a shared experience." Led by Victor Wooten, widely regarded as one of the greatest electric bassists of all time, the session draws on decades of experience performing together as brothers. Their approach emphasizes listening as much as playing, encouraging participants to build confidence, trust their instincts and discover how music becomes most meaningful when created collectively.
Whether participants are seasoned performers, students just beginning their musical journeys or hobbyists looking to expand their skills, the masterclass offers practical lessons that extend far beyond technique. Those who do not play an instrument are encouraged to attend as well. Observing the Wooten Brothers exchange musical ideas, develop grooves and demonstrate spontaneous collaboration offers a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process that few audiences ever experience. Equal parts concert, conversation and educational experience, the Masterclass promises an inspiring evening for musicians and fans alike.
The Victor Wooten and the Wooten Brothers Masterclass is part of the Friday kick-off to the 15th John Coltrane International Jazz and Blues Festival, celebrating the 100th anniversary of John Coltrane's birth under the theme “Ride the Trane to 15." The Festival continues Saturday, September 5, and Sunday, September 6, 2026, at Oak Hollow Festival Park in High Point, NC, featuring an outstanding lineup that includes Victor Wooten and the Wooten Brothers, Ledisi, Ravi Coltrane, Marcus Anderson with Adam Hawley, Mike Phillips, Cyrille Aimée, the Lao Tizer Band, Garry Percell and more.
Registration information for the Masterclass and festival tickets are available at: .coltranejazzfest.com/masterclass.
About the John Coltrane International Jazz and Blues Festival Presented by the Friends of John Coltrane, Inc., the John Coltrane International Jazz and Blues Festival is an annual celebration of one of the world's most influential musicians in his hometown of High Point, NC. Now in its 15th year, the festival welcomes thousands of visitors from across the United States and beyond for a Labor Day Weekend experience featuring internationally acclaimed artists, emerging talent, educational programming and community engagement. Celebrating the enduring legacy of John Coltrane, the festival showcases jazz, blues, soul, R&B and contemporary music while inspiring new generations through the universal language of music.
Taking place on Friday, September 4, at the High Point Theatre, the masterclass will feature Victor Wooten on bass and vocals, Regi Wooten on guitar and vocals, Roy “Futureman" Wooten on drums and vocals, and Joseph Wooten on keyboards and vocals. Together, the legendary musical family will guide participants through an engaging exploration of improvisation, rhythm, accompaniment and ensemble performance. Rather than a traditional clinic, the Wootens have designed the experience as an open musical conversation built around a simple philosophy: music is a language, and the best way to learn it is by speaking it together.Musicians of every age, instrument and experience level are encouraged to bring their instruments for the opportunity to actively participate from their seats. Throughout the session, participants will discover new approaches to listening, communicating and creating music while learning from one of the world's most respected musical families.
“John Coltrane believed music had the power to connect people beyond words," said Joe Williams, the Festival’s executive director. “The Wooten Brothers embody that same philosophy every time they perform. This Masterclass gives aspiring musicians and lifelong music lovers the rare opportunity to learn directly from artists who have dedicated their lives to making music a shared experience." Led by Victor Wooten, widely regarded as one of the greatest electric bassists of all time, the session draws on decades of experience performing together as brothers. Their approach emphasizes listening as much as playing, encouraging participants to build confidence, trust their instincts and discover how music becomes most meaningful when created collectively.
Whether participants are seasoned performers, students just beginning their musical journeys or hobbyists looking to expand their skills, the masterclass offers practical lessons that extend far beyond technique. Those who do not play an instrument are encouraged to attend as well. Observing the Wooten Brothers exchange musical ideas, develop grooves and demonstrate spontaneous collaboration offers a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process that few audiences ever experience. Equal parts concert, conversation and educational experience, the Masterclass promises an inspiring evening for musicians and fans alike.
The Victor Wooten and the Wooten Brothers Masterclass is part of the Friday kick-off to the 15th John Coltrane International Jazz and Blues Festival, celebrating the 100th anniversary of John Coltrane's birth under the theme “Ride the Trane to 15." The Festival continues Saturday, September 5, and Sunday, September 6, 2026, at Oak Hollow Festival Park in High Point, NC, featuring an outstanding lineup that includes Victor Wooten and the Wooten Brothers, Ledisi, Ravi Coltrane, Marcus Anderson with Adam Hawley, Mike Phillips, Cyrille Aimée, the Lao Tizer Band, Garry Percell and more.
Registration information for the Masterclass and festival tickets are available at: .coltranejazzfest.com/masterclass.
About the John Coltrane International Jazz and Blues Festival Presented by the Friends of John Coltrane, Inc., the John Coltrane International Jazz and Blues Festival is an annual celebration of one of the world's most influential musicians in his hometown of High Point, NC. Now in its 15th year, the festival welcomes thousands of visitors from across the United States and beyond for a Labor Day Weekend experience featuring internationally acclaimed artists, emerging talent, educational programming and community engagement. Celebrating the enduring legacy of John Coltrane, the festival showcases jazz, blues, soul, R&B and contemporary music while inspiring new generations through the universal language of music.
