Elizabeth City, N.C. — An evening of jazz excellence takes center stage this spring as Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) invites the community to honor two influential musicians in history. As part of its Community Connections performance and lecture series, ECSU will present The John Coltrane/Miles Davis Centennial Celebration April 14, 2026, at the Floyd L. Robinson Auditorium inside the Mickey L. Burnim Fine Arts Center.
This event pays tribute to jazz legends John Coltrane and Miles Davis, whose artistry continues to shape music across generations. The celebration will feature a live performance by the ECSU Jazz Ensemble, joined by guest artists including Dr. Steven Cunningham, Cedric Easton, Dennis Figgs, Christian Howes, Stephanie Sanders, Shannah Boone and Jeremy Ward. The evening will also include the Arts of the Albemarle River City Strings for a special performance.
Doors open at 6 p.m., with the show beginning at 7 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public, offering students, families and music lovers throughout the region an opportunity to experience the richness of jazz in a vibrant, live setting.
Attendees are encouraged to register in advance at www.ecsu.edu/community-connections. For additional information, contact ecsucommunityconnections@ecsu.edu.
The Community Connections series continues ECSU’s commitment to providing cultural, educational and artistic programming that engages and inspires the community beyond campus. This event is sponsored and supported through a combination of ECSU student fees and a private donation from Mrs. Phyllis Bosomworth, a former member of the ECSU Board of Trustees.
Join ECSU for a night when history, artistry, and community come together to celebrate the enduring legacy of jazz and the icons who defined it.