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Festival Recap

The 2024 John Coltrane International Jazz and Blues Festival took place over Labor Day weekend, August 31 – September 1, at Oak Hollow Park in High Point, NC. Celebrating its 13th year, the festival once again honored the legendary saxophonist’s musical legacy in the city where he grew up. This year’s lineup featured a dynamic mix of renowned jazz and blues artists, continuing the festival’s tradition of blending the best of both genres.

The festival was unfortunately impacted by inclement weather. Rainstorms swept through the area on Saturday, August 31, which caused a disruption to the evening’s schedule. Brian Culbertson, who was set to headline with his jazz-funk performance, had to cancel his set due to the unsafe conditions. The rain also dampened the festivities for much of the day, forcing some adjustments to the schedule and leading to challenges for both performers and attendees.

Despite the weather, many artists were still able to perform earlier in the day, including Samantha Fish and Bilal, both of whom played through lighter rain before the heavier storms moved in. Organizers ensured that safety was a top priority, and the decision to cancel Culbertson’s performance was made to protect both the musicians and the audience from potential hazards.

The second day of the festival, while starting late because of the rain, proceeded without major interruptions, featuring memorable performances from Gregory Porter, the Bill Charlap Trio with Dee Dee Bridgewater, and Nicholas Payton, among others. Sunday’s performances were equally captivating, with Grammy Award-winner Porter performing with his soulful jazz vocals. The Bill Charlap Trio, joined by special guests Dee Dee Bridgewater and Nicholas Payton, performed a set that showcased their sophisticated artistry and deep jazz roots. Nik West rounded out the festival with a mix of modern jazz and funk, keeping the audience enthralled throughout.

The festival atmosphere was vibrant, with food and craft vendors, and the scenic setting of Oak Hollow Lake provided a relaxed yet festive environment. As one of the top jazz festivals in the U.S., the John Coltrane Festival continues to attract both local and national audiences, paying homage to Coltrane’s enduring influence on music.