Jazz Alive Presents - A Tribute to John Coltrane

As everyone knows, a musician's skill is enhanced With lots of practice, rehearsals, and performances. For the extraordinary musician, that skill is propelled by the intangible and powerful element of spirit. In the world of music, spirit is the foundation for true artistic creativity. The result is a sound that transcends the music beyond the simple names of "tune" or "song". The sound becomes an embodiment of the musician; and an undeniable part of their legacy.

There is no denying that John Coltrane discovered the spirit within him, and knew how to channel it through his music. As he once said,

"My goal is to live the truly religious life and express it in my music... it is the spiritual expression of what I am, my faith, my knowledge, my being".

On the evening of April 8th, Jazz Alive presents a very special event being held at the Fairfield Community Arts Center; celebrating the legacy and the spiritual music of John Coltrane. An absolutely magnificent group of musicians will gather for this wonderful show, consisting of Dick Sisto on Vibraphone, Steve Allee on Piano, Rob Dixon on Saxophone, Jim Anderson on Bass, and Steve Houghton on Drums. Jazz Alive Media Director and founder of The Jazz Half, Aubrey Johnson, will serve as the Master of Ceremonies for this tribute, that is sponsored in part by a grant from the Ohio Arts Council.

The show starts at 8:00pm on Friday, April 8th. The Fairfield Community Arts Center is located at 411 Wessel Drive, in Fairfield. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and students. Tickets can be ordered online at www.fairfield-city.org/cac or call 513-867-5348.

First Fridays in Lebanon

While Lebanon, Ohio is one of the most rapidly growing cities north of Cincinnati, it's still quite successful in maintaining the hometown, close-knit family appeal. With its Annual Applefest, Blues Festival, and Warren County Arts Festival, Lebanon is honed into the arts. Another great example is the "First Friday" series, beginning this Friday, April 1st, at Picture This, a progressive art gallery located in downtown Lebanon. The series consists of an evening of showcasing extraordinary art, while featuring a different Jazz Artist on the first Friday of each month.

The gallery opened in 1999, and is owned by Becky Gebhardt. "We wanted to combine great music with great art, and add wine and refreshments in an effort to bolster the Friday night activity in historic downtown Lebanon", says Randy Bake, the gallery's Creative Consultant. Randy and Becky tossed around some ideas, and in 2009 emerged with two successful pilot events, one with Jazz Guitarist Steve Barone and the other with the Lebanon High School Jazz Club.

Fast forward 2 years, and the series is back in a big way, kicking off April 1st with the Ron Jones Duo, consisting of Ron on Sax, and Sonny Stephens on Bass. "First Friday" is held the first Friday of every month, from 7-9pm; with the Ron Jones Duo performing this month from 7:30-8:30pm. Wine and Beer will be served at the Donation Bar, and provided by the Village Wine Cellar. Picture This is located at 26 South Broadway, just across from the historic Golden Lamb Restaurant. The art in this very article is a limited edition designed by Keith Neltner. Posters of this piece are available for purchase on the night of the event. So come take a short drive north for some magnificent art, and some great jazz music. Be sure to visit and 'Like' their Picture This Facebook page. - jh