Alice Coltrane Turiyasangitananda will be celebrated in New Orleans on January 14 and 16 with The Life, Music, and Legacy of Alice Coltrane Turiyasangitananda, a two-part performance and multimedia series presented by Bamboula Jazz Studies in Motion. The series features acclaimed harpist and composer Brandee Younger alongside Sita Michelle Coltrane, vocalist, composer, and daughter of John and Alice Coltrane.
The events will take place at Tulane University on January 14 and the New Marigny Theatre on January 16.
Coltrane Turiyasangitananda was an American jazz pianist, organist, harpist, singer, composer, and spiritual leader whose work fused jazz, devotion, and transcendence. The name Turiyasangitananda translates to “the Transcendental Lord’s highest song of bliss,” reflecting the spiritual foundations of her music, which continues to influence generations of artists.
A leading contemporary voice of the harp, Brandee Younger made history at the 2022 Grammy Awards as the first Black female solo artist nominated for Best Instrumental Composition. Coltrane has been a guiding influence throughout Younger’s career; she performed at Coltrane’s memorial in 2007 and, on her most recent album Gadabout Season, plays Alice Coltrane’s harp.
“Alice would say there are no coincidences,” says Michelle Coltrane. “So this is what was meant to be, and this is the right person.”
“I feel honored to have developed this sense of attachment to the harp and sense of belonging that I didn’t have before,” Younger adds. “The sense of freedom and what feels like permission to take the instrument down non-traditional paths. I owe that to Alice Coltrane.”
Event Details
Wednesday, January 14
An Oral History of Alice Coltrane Turiyasangitananda
Featuring Sita Michelle Coltrane and Brandee Younger
Tulane University, Dixon Annex Recital Hall
7:30 p.m.
Free and open to the public
The evening will feature oral histories and stories of Coltrane, interwoven with live performance, conversation, and rare photographs and film.
Friday, January 16
The Music of Alice Coltrane Turiyasangitananda
Featuring Sita Michelle Coltrane with The Devotional Ensemble & the Brandee Younger Trio
New Marigny Theatre (2201 Marais St.)
7:30 p.m. | Reception at 9:00 p.m.
$15 suggested donation (Tickets are available here)
The program spans Alice Coltrane’s ashram recordings through her releases on Impulse! Records. The Devotional Ensemble includes Lisa Harris, Arianna Gouveia, and the Xavier University Opera Workshop, led by Dr. Sakinah Davis. The Brandee Younger Trio includes Rashaan Carter and Allan Mednard, with special guests.
