Drumming News :
The jazz community will gather on August 9, 2026—what would have been Jack DeJohnette’s birthday—for an unforgettable evening celebrating the life and legacy of one of the most influential musicians in modern jazz.
Celebrating Jack DeJohnette: Sound Travels will take place at 5 p.m. at the Ulster Performing Arts Center (UPAC) in Kingston, New York, with all proceeds benefiting Family of Woodstock and The Table at Woodstock, two organizations that reflected DeJohnette’s lifelong commitment to community and service.
Presented by Lydia DeJohnette, Pat Metheny, Terri Lyne Carrington and Danny Melnick, the tribute was inspired by the deep friendships DeJohnette built throughout his life. Following his passing in October 2025 at age 83, his closest collaborators came together to create a celebration worthy of his remarkable musical legacy.
The evening will feature an extraordinary lineup of artists from across DeJohnette’s six-decade career, including Bill Frisell, Dave Holland, Joe Lovano, Ravi Coltrane, John Scofield, Bruce Hornsby, Roscoe Mitchell, Wadada Leo Smith, Billy Hart, Jason Moran, Chris Potter, esperanza spalding, Terri Lyne Carrington, and dozens more. Some will perform, while others will share personal reflections on the legendary drummer, composer and bandleader.
“No fees, no transportation, no hotel,” says producer Danny Melnick. “We’re doing all of this for the love of Jack, and to support these organizations in honor of him.”
Since 1970, Family of Woodstock has provided emergency housing, food assistance, counseling and crisis services throughout the Hudson Valley. The Table at Woodstock addresses food and clothing insecurity while supporting families in the Onteora community.
For Lydia DeJohnette, the tribute is about more than music.
“It was kind of like a family coming together,” she says. “People that we’ve worked with for over 30 years.”
More than a concert, Celebrating Jack DeJohnette: Sound Travels promises to be a heartfelt tribute to an artist whose influence transformed jazz and whose generosity continues to inspire the community he helped build.
Visit HERE to learn more and get tickets.
