The University Jazz Ensemble will be honoring a jazz legend and North Carolina native in their spring concert titled “Taking Giant Steps: A Tribute to John Coltrane.”

Presented by the North Carolina A&T State University Department of Visual & Performing Arts, the performance will be held tomorrow at 7 p.m. in Harrison Auditorium.

Born in Hamlet, North Carolina and raised in High Point, John Coltrane influenced countless musicians and is still one of the most significant tenor saxophonists in jazz history.

Early in his career, he worked in the bebop and hard bop genres and helped pioneer the use of styles in jazz and later was at the forefront of free jazz.

After making 50 recordings during his recording career as a leader, he appeared on many other albums, alongside such jazz greats as trumpeter Miles Davis and pianist Thelonious Monk.

The performance will be under the direction of Mondre Moffett, director of Jazz.

He explained that the 90-minute program will feature a tribute to Coltrane will feature several musicians and vocalists from the jazz ensemble.

“The musicians will be playing selections from Coltrane as well as other great jazz standards and original pieces that I have composed. We will also be making a presentation on him and will also have a special guest performing with the students”.

Vocalists that will be featured in the performance include Lakisha York and the newest jazz vocalist Miranda Dorsey. They will perform a variety of jazz and vocal compositions. Moffett expects it to be a great evening of entertainment.

For tickets, visit the Aggie Ticket Office or call (336) 334-7749. General admission is $10 and student tickets are $5. This event is free to A&T students with an Aggie-One card.

• laporsha lowry