If you want to hear live music over the next two weeks, you can’t go wrong at Jazz Alley.

Ravi Coltrane

Hitting the stand for two nights this week is saxophonist, Ravi Coltrane. Coltrane, of course, is the son of John and Alice Coltrane, and will be setting off on a “contemporary exploration” of their music.

In an interview with the San Francisco Chronicle last year, Coltrane discussed the Impulse! Records release of John Coltrane’s “A Love Supreme: Live in Seattle.” In that interview, Coltrane commented that hearing that recording was a revelation. “I’m thrilled about this music. It is kind of a bootleg quality, and the balances are challenging. The music is challenging, too.”

Joining Coltrane will be David Gilmore (guitar), Gadi Lehavi (keyboards), Lonnie Plaxico (bass), and Ele Howell (drums). Show times are Tuesday, April 26 and Wednesday, April 27. Performances are at 7:30pm with doors at 6:00pm.

Sister Sledge

Immediately following Ravi Coltrane’s appearance, Sister Sledge featuring Kathy Sledge will make their way to the Jazz Alley stage. Yes, it’s the same Sister Sledge we all grew up with (and danced to) in the late 70’s and early 80’s.

There will be plenty of opportunities to revel in the era that brought us “We Are Family” and “He’s the Greatest Dancer,” but Kathy Sledge will also be digging into the classic songbook of Billie Holiday as part of her jazz Project tribute.

Performances run Thursday, April 28 to Sunday, May 1. Thursday and Sunday shows are at 7:30pm. There will be two performances a night on Friday and Saturday at 7:30pm and 9:30pm. 

Joey Alexander Trio

The Joey Alexander Trio swings into town the following week for a two night stand. Alexander, who plays beyond his years at just 18-years old (he was 13 when he first played Jazz Alley), will be celebrating the release of his most recent album, “Origin.”

Alexander continues to capture the attention of the jazz world as evident by his three Grammy nominations and sold out performances.

With Alexander on piano, the trio is rounded out with Khris Funn on bass and John Davis on drums. Show times are Tuesday, May 3 and Wednesday, May 4 at 7:30pm.

Spyro Gyra

Most jazz fans can, but if you can’t immediately place the name of Jay Beckenstein, you most definitely know the band he has led for the past 40 years. Spyro Gyra will be bringing their distinctive fusion groove to Jazz Alley for a run of four nights starting Thursday, May 5.

If you first heard Spyro Gyra in the early 80’s you may have a soft spot for their recordings “Carnaval,” or “Freetime,” or “Incognio.” After recording 31 albums, there will be plenty of hits to keep everyone satisfied. But they are in town to support their recent release “Vinyl Tap,” so expects some new jams as well.

Spyro Gyra takes to the Jazz Alley stage with founding member Beckenstein (sax), Scott Ambush (bass), Tom Schuman (keys), Julio Fernandez (guitar) and Lionel Cordew (drums).  Show times are Thursday, May 5 at 7:30pm, Friday and Saturday, May 6 and 7 at 7:30pm and 9:30pm, and Sunday, May 8 at 7:30pm. 

For additional information and tickets visit jazzalley.com.