John Coltrane Memorial Concert

The John Coltrane Memorial Concert (JCMC) is the world's oldest annual performance tribute to the musical and spiritual legacy of John Coltrane and draws a very diverse audience from throughout New England. Since its inception in 1977, over 20,000 people have attended the JCMC.

The first John Coltrane Memorial Concert (JCMC) was performed in Boston in July of 1977, in the Friends of Great Black Music Loft, a performance space for creative arts established by master percussionist Syd Smart. The annual concert developed through the collective efforts of Syd Smart, bassist Hayes Burnet, and saxophonist Leonard Brown. From the beginning, JCMC’s purpose has been to reflect on the rich musical and spiritual legacy of 'Trane through contemporary interpretations of his works, to inspire us all to work toward developing our full capacities as human beings, and to work for world peace.

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The John Coltrane Memorial Concert (JCMC) is the world's oldest annual performance tribute to the musical and spiritual legacy of John Coltrane and draws a very diverse audience from throughout New England. Since its inception in 1977, over 20,000 people have attended the JCMC.

The first John Coltrane Memorial Concert (JCMC) was performed in Boston in July of 1977, in the Friends of Great Black Music Loft, a performance space for creative arts established by master percussionist Syd Smart. The annual concert developed through the collective efforts of Syd Smart, bassist Hayes Burnet, and saxophonist Leonard Brown. From the beginning, JCMC’s purpose has been to reflect on the rich musical and spiritual legacy of 'Trane through contemporary interpretations of his works, to inspire us all to work toward developing our full capacities as human beings, and to work for world peace.

Established in 1994, the JCMC Educational Outreach Program (JCMCEOP), under the leadership of Dr. Leonard Brown and Dr. Emmett Price of Northeastern University's Departments of African American Studies and Music, has collaborated with Boston and Cambridge inner-city schools.

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