SAXOPHONE COLOSSUS: A TRIBUTE TO SONNY ROLLINS | SUNDAY SEPT 13

SAXOPHONE COLOSSUS: A TRIBUTE TO SONNY ROLLINS

Few artists have embodied the power of jazz to transform both music and society like Sonny Rollins. Revered as the “Saxophone Colossus,” Rollins redefined what was possible on the tenor saxophone while using his art to speak with courage, integrity, and hope. His groundbreaking improvisations inspired generations of musicians, but his greatest legacy may be the way he demonstrated that jazz is a force for human dignity, freedom, and renewal. From his landmark Freedom Suite—one of the earliest jazz recordings to explicitly confront racial injustice—to his lifelong commitment to artistic honesty and personal growth, Rollins showed that great music can challenge the world while bringing people together.

This concert celebrates the music and message of a true giant. Featuring timeless compositions such as “St. Thomas,” “Oleo,” “Doxy,” and selections from Saxophone Colossus, this performance honors Rollins’ fearless creativity, Caribbean roots, joyful humor, and boundless imagination. Each solo reminds us that improvisation is more than musical expression—it is an act of listening, responding, and believing that something beautiful can emerge when people create together.

Join us for an unforgettable evening honoring an artist whose sound helped shape modern jazz and whose life reminds us that beauty can inspire hope, love can bridge divisions, and music can become a voice for justice. As Sonny Rollins proved throughout his remarkable career, jazz is not merely entertainment—it is a living conversation about what humanity can become.

THE COLLECTIVE: We're here to empower a new generation of Jazz lovers and musicians to awaken beauty, love, and justice through interactive Jazz experiences that train us to become better listeners, mentors, and advocates.

THERE ARE TWO CONCERTS ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 13:
The first concert starts at 5:30 PM and the second concert starts at 7:30 PM.
Each concert will be at the Vineyard and will be 90 minutes of iconic music. Doors open 15 minutes prior. You can enjoy dinner before or after the concert or you are free to bring your own food or drink from any of the amazing restaurants within one or two blocks of the venue. Plan to bring cups, wine cork, etc as these items are not available on-site. Anyone drinking alcohol must be 21yrs or older.

- There will be a Q&A at the end of the performance, so as you listen think of some questions about the music, the musicians, the history, the songwriters, or anything else that comes to mind.

- Lastly, be sure to join the collective by subscribing to our newsletter and tag us on social media.

Here's a few of our favorite restaurants within easy walking distance of the venue:
- Cafe Napolina - 1950 Grant Street | Ste B
- Taqueria Los Dos Gallos - 1950 Grant Street | Ste A
- I Love Teriyaki & Sushi - 1980 Galindo Street
- Aung Burma - 2151 Salvio Street
- Naan n Curry - 2068 Salvio Street

There are two parking garages on Salvio Street- one near the Vineyard and one near Skipolini's Pizza and Concord Avenue.

THE VENUE: The Vineyard is on Todos Santos Plaza in downtown Concord. This concert venue is tied to the history of jazz through Dave Brubeck - who grew up on this site in Concord - and was one of the first musicians to fight for a racially integrated band.

See you soon!