expansive spirit
Every show is special at Grand Performances, but best believe us when we say August 27th is going to be extra special.
Alice Coltrane: An Expansive Spirit was a beautiful tribute to singular musician and spiritual leader Alice Coltrane in celebration of her 85th birthday, presented by dublab and The John & Alice Coltrane Home.
Saturday was a day of honor and celebration! The day began with an incredible show by dublab DJs teebs and barbarelle.
The performance featured The Universal Consciousness Orchestra, a string and harp ensemble performing Alice Coltrane’s cosmic classics as conducted and arranged by renowned composer Miguel Atwood-Ferguson. Surya Botofasina of The Sai Anantam Ashram led an ensemble playing bhajans and progressive sounds inspired by Turiyasangitananda’s devotional music with featured vocalist Michelle Coltrane.
Additional artists and musicians include:
○ Harps: Low Leaf, Nailah Hunter, and Radha Botofasina
○ Saxophone: Azar Lawrence
○ Bass: Lawrence shaw (Black Nile)
○ Drums: Robert Miller
○ Percussion: Andres Renteria
○ Keys: Surya Botofasina
○ Plus a 16-piece string ensemble
○ Drums: Myles Martin
○ Violin and vocals: V.C.R.
○ Vocal Choir: Arianna Gouveia, Dwight Trible, Radha Botofasina, Shyam Tony Reyes, and Sita Michelle Coltrane
○ Dancer: Ranjani
○ Live visualizations by Alex Pelly
○ Poetry reading by Harmony Holiday
The memorial was a magnificent gathering for the heart of Los Angeles, as everyone in the city came together to celebrate the late Alice Coltrane and her 85th birthday through music. As the audience packed the venue and witnessed the beautiful performance, they were in amazement.
