HIGH POINT, NC) – The John Coltrane International Jazz and Blues Festival, is happening Saturday-Sunday, September 5-6, 2026, Named in honor of the legendary saxophonist, the festival brings the spirit of Coltrane’s groundbreaking influence on jazz, blues, R&B, rock, and hip-hop to High Point, (1841 Eastchester Dr.), in North Carolina — the city where his musical journey began.
Set against the backdrop of Oak Hollow Park’s serene lake and lush surroundings, this festival honors Coltrane’s legacy with world-class performances while introducing a new generation of artists.
ABOUT
In 2004 a group of visionaries formed the Downtown Improvement Committee for the purpose of erecting a statue commemorating the great saxophonist and composer John Coltrane as a High Point, NC native son. Coltrane was born in Hamlet, NC, came to embrace jazz in Philadelphia, PA, but, first learned to play the saxophone while growing up in High Point.
The statue was financed by grants from the Downtown Improvement Committee, the High Point Convention and Visitors Bureau, the High Point Museum, the City of High Point, the Guilford County Board of Commissioners, the High Point Community Foundation and private donations.
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The 8 foot tall, bronze statue was created by sculptor Thomas Jay Warren and dedicated on September 20, 2006. It is located at the Coltrane Plaza in downtown High Point. Legendary guitar icon, Carlos Santana wrote the words that were read at the dedication ceremony. Santana has cited Coltrane as a musical influence.
The Friends of John Coltrane officially formed in the summer of 2009 as an outgrowth of the group of individuals who worked to raise funds to commission the statue. In 2009 the group decided to focus their energies on the creation of an annual jazz festival. The very first John Coltrane International Jazz and Blues Festival was held two years later.
Since its inception, the John Coltrane International Jazz and Blues Festival has succeeded in bringing the very top names in jazz, paid homage to the blues, and celebrated the life and musical legacy of the jazz genres greatest artists. The festival attracts a growing audience and enjoys a burgeoning reputation as the destination for Labor Day weekend.
PERFORMERS
Featured Performances at the 15th Annual John Coltrane International Jazz and Blues Festival:
The Lao Tizer Band
Raul Midón
Mike Phillips
Victor Wooten and the Wooten BrothersAdam Hawley
Cyrille Aimée
Ledisi
