Lincoln Center: 3rd Annual Coca-Cola Generations in Jazz Festival Kicks Off

The 3rd Annual Coca-Cola Generations in Jazz Festival kicks off tonight September 28 at the historic Lincoln Center and will run an entire month taking pssionate jazz fans to October 28.Ushering in this cavalcade of great jazz will be Pharoah Sanders Quartet. Sanders once played alongside legendary musician John Coltrane in the 1960s and bringest a vast amount of experience t the stage.

His soulful saxophone will go down smoothly with audiences at the Manhattan arena. "Probably the best tenor player in the world," said Ornette Coleman. That being said oppurtunity to see this walking legend will be brief, Sanders will be at the festival for the just the weekend as his last show will be Sunday, September 30 at 9:30 pm.

The saxophonist, a native of Little Rock, Arkansas is no stranger to the Big Apple having moved to the cornerstone city in 1961. An accomplished player the Pharoah's sax saw him playing on the west coast in Oakland numerous times.

After the soulful act of Pharoah the crowds will be swayed by Dominic Farinacci's trumpet, the NYC based artist will be coming off a massive high after having work on his debut album "Lovers, Tales and Dancers," with Grammy winning Russ Titelman. The trumpeter will be at the Lincoln only one night on October 1 but will perform twice on the evening. "This kid is 360 degrees!" said Quincy Jones, so no doubt the fans at the festival are in for a real display of talent.

A week of jazz will see acts like duo Brianna Thomas & Diehl Trio hit the stage Tuesday, October 2. Wednesday the musical styling's of Helen Sung: Generations In Monk take aim at the stage. The jazz pianist will be joined by Ron Carter on piano, John Ellis on trumpet, Duane Eubanks on drums and Obed Calvaire on bass.

October 4 will have Ulysses Owens Quintet combine with Christian Sands and Steve Wilson to bring what some call the future of jazz. Generation In Swing will be the last act to delight fans on Friday. The cluster of musicians will play from October 5 to 7.