OPB’s sister station KMHD has organized a month of events and programming this September celebrating the centennial birthday of legendary jazz saxophonist John Coltrane. The community events include a concert performance next Wednesday of Coltrane’s seminal album “Blue Train” at the Aladdin Theater in Portland.

Hailey Niswanger, who grew up in West Linn and performs as the jazz-expansive saxophonist and flutist MAE.SUN, will lead the sextet of musicians. They include Charlie Brown III on piano and Garrett Baxter on upright bass.

MAE.SUN, Baxter and Brown III join us for a preview of next week’s concert. We’ll also talk with MAE.SUN about the influence Coltrane’s spiritual, boundary-breaking music has had on her, and her return to Portland after her home in Altadena near Los Angeles burned in January 2025.

“Think Out Loud®” broadcasts live at noon every day and rebroadcasts at 8 p.m.

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News Source : https://www.opb.org/article/2026/09/09/think-out-loud-portland-musician-maesun-john-coltrane-influence/