Queens Students Work to Raise Profile of Jazz, 6/9

On Wednesday, June 9 the students at the Holliswood School in Jamaica Estates, Queens will be honoring a jazz legend. Under the direction of Ms. Christine Passarella students have been learning about different genres of music, but have been most impressed with the work of jazz saxophonist John Coltrane and a group was founded in his honor called the Kids for Coltrane. During Wednesday's event there will be activities that the children are organizing to raise the profile of the legend. The public is welcome on June 9th at 6:00pm in the Holliswood School auditorium, located at 189-10 Radnor Road, Jamaica Estates, Queens.

All of this stands on a foundation of teaching children the joy of philanthropy. The program is a kick off fundraiser to help in the effort to save the home of John Coltrane. The home is a landmark in Dix Hills, Long Island waiting to be transformed into a historic site, but funds are sorely needed to continue this effort! "Our task is to restore the home to the way it was when the Coltrane family lived there and open it to the public as a historic home to educate children and all people about John and Alice Coltrane and their life's mission to be a force for good through their music," said Steve Fulgoni the Director of the nonprofit The Friends of the Coltrane Home. For further information on saving the home of John Coltrane go to thecoltranehome.org. Funds will also go to educational programs at the Holliswood School that promote teaching through the arts.

Along with the children there will be three professional jazz groups all influenced by the work of the genius John Coltrane. Sonny Simmons who performed with Coltrane will be one of the special guests at this event, along with the Cosmosamatics. The children will be dancing and performing original songs they wrote to the music of Louis Vig. His group the Debut Band will also be performing for the children. Sean Harkness will be bringing his quartet too and honoring another legend whose music has us imagine a world of peace, John Lennon. Lennon will be remembered as the Kids for Coltrane sing in his honor.

Yoko Ono is sending over her Onochord lights and all members of the audience will receive one. The Smithsonian Institute is sending over jazz posters for the audience to enjoy as well. The Jazz Foundation of America is involved in this project and supporting the efforts of Ms. Christine Termini Passarella and the Kids for Coltrane in their dedication to celebrating education and creativity.

Tickets for this event are $3 and can be purchased by calling 516-319-4211 or at the door.