Full lineup announced for Coltrane Festival

HIGH POINT — Let the jazz begin.

Officials of the John Coltrane International Jazz and Blues Festival have announced the full lineup for the 13th annual festival, which will be held Aug. 31 and Sept. 1 at Oak Hollow Festival Park.

The popular festival brings a host of talented jazz and blues musicians and vocalists to High Point to pay tribute to Coltrane, the legendary jazz saxophonist who grew up here. Among this year’s bigger names are jazz vocal sensations Gregory Porter and Dee Dee Bridgewater, and smooth jazz icon Brian Culbertson.

Here’s the full rundown of performers for each day:

SATURDAY

? Brian Culbertson, a 30-year veteran of the industry whose music consistently tops the smooth jazz charts.

? Bilal, who blends jazz, afro-futurism, classic soul, alternative R&B, rock and even classical in his vocals and music.

? Grammy Award-nominated blues singer and guitarist Samantha Fish, who creates a unique sound blending blues, rock and soul.

? Incognito, the group credited as the leading pioneers of acid jazz, a music genre that combines elements of funk, soul and hip-hop.

? Colombian jazz pianist, vocalist and saxophonist Jesus Molina, a rising star on the international jazz scene.

SUNDAY

? Seven-time Grammy Award nominee — and two-time winner for Best Jazz Vocal Album — Gregory Porter, making his third appearance at the High Point festival.

? The Bill Charlap Trio, featuring Grammy-winning pianist Bill Charlap, renowned bassist Peter Washington and jazz drumming legend Kenny Washington. They’ll be joined by two special guests, vocalis\\t Dee Dee Bridgewater and trumpeter Nicholas Payton, both of whom are also Grammy winners.

? The Lao Tizer Band, featuring the famed keyboardist and a stellar list of personnel including singers Elliott Yamin and Maiya Sykes; guitarist Chieli Minucci, of Special EFX fame; violinist Karen Briggs; drummer Gene Coye; percussionist Munyungo Jackson; bassist Cheikh N’Doye; and saxophonist and flutist Danny Janklow.

? Bassist and singer/songwriter Nik West, who was dubbed “the bass icon of this generation” by Rolling Stone magazine.

? The UNCG Spartans Jazz Collective, a rotating ensemble made up of students and faculty from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. The group will perform the music of Abbey Lincoln and Max Roach.

The gates will open at 3 p.m. on both days of the festival.

For full details and ticket information, visit coltranejazzfest.com.