Get ready to step into the “Blue Note” in Southampton. East End Jazz, in a high-note collaboration with the Southampton Cultural Center (SCC), is thrilled to announce the return of the “East Meets West Jazz Jam Session”—a free, monthly community hang that’s all about the music, the moment and the magic of improvisation. This special session commemorates a rare milestone in music history: the 100th birthday celebrations of jazz titans Miles Davis and John Coltrane.

On Sunday, April 12th, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, the Southampton Cultural Center at 25 Pond Lane transforms into a jazz sanctuary. We’re inviting musicians, cats, families and fans to shake off the daily grind, leave the world at the door and dive deep into the soulful rhythms of the afternoon.

The set kicks off with a 35-minute burn by a powerhouse ensemble led by two local legends: trumpeter, arranger, and composer Dick Behrke and the East End’s own alto sax firebrand, John Ludlow. Backed by a driving rhythm section, this quintet will pay homage to the 100th birthday celebrations of the titans themselves: Miles Davis and John Coltrane. Expect a journey through the iconic compositions that redefined the American soundscape.

Once the stage is seasoned, the floor opens for our signature Community Jazz Jam. Hosted by bassist and East End Jazz Director Iris Ornig, this session is a vital bridge for the community. “I saw a real hunger for people to just come together—to relax, dance, and be authentically themselves in the music,” says Ornig.

A fierce advocate for the next generation, Ornig ensures the youth are front and center, mingling and exchanging musical ideas with seasoned pros in a collaborative, supportive environment. Whether you’re a vocalist, a horn player, or just someone who loves a good groove, you’re invited to sit in, meet the local jazz family, and get inspired. To keep the session tight, Ornig provides a curated songlist with charts in advance for those who want to prepare.

• What: East Meets West Jazz Jam: Davis & Coltrane 100th Birthday Celebration
• When: Sunday, April 12, 2026 | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• Where: Southampton Cultural Center, 25 Pond Lane, Southampton, NY
• Admission: FREE

TO SIGN UP TO PLAY OR LEARN MORE, EMAIL: eastendjazzny@gmail.com

About East End Jazz: East End Jazz is a mobile nonprofit on a mission to educate, entertain, and inspire. From youth workshops at the Southampton Youth Bureau to local daycare centers, EEJ is dedicated to keeping the spirit of live jazz vibrant across the East End.

About Southampton Cultural Center: The SCC is the heart of the local arts scene, providing compelling performance and educational opportunities accessible to everyone in the greater Southampton community.