Though not normally thought of as an Austin icon, reedman, improvising composer, inventor and activist Rahsaan Roland Kirk (1935-1977) will have his 75th birthday celebrated and his legacy honored at Austin jazz club The Elephant Room this Friday night, beginning at 9:30 PM. Performers and guests will include reedmen Alex Coke and Mike Meligner, trombonist Steve Turre, trumpeter Hannibal Lokumbe and Dorthaan Kirk, Rahsaan's widow. Both Turre and Lokumbe once worked with the esteemed reedman in his 1970s groups, and this evening will prove to be a fitting tribute to one of this music's most unique voices. more ›

The Harry Ransom Center will present a very special holiday performance of the Dylan Thomas story A Child's Christmas In Wales this evening at 7pm. The story, which paints the story of the December holiday through the lens of childhood innocence and joy, was written in 1955 and is easily one of Thomas' most tenderly nostalgic pieces. more ›

With the ravaging of our coasts by hurricanes and the continued downturn of world markets, it’s not uncommon to momentarily forget that we’re also in big trouble overseas, especially in regard to the un-winnable quagmire we call the War in Iraq. Local jazz musician Alex Coke first put aired his thoughts on the war and the act of terrorism that supposedly provoked it back in 2005, and called it Iraqnophobia. Some three years later we’re still as entrenched as ever, and Coke is joining with the Creative Opportunity Orchestra to perform this piece today at the Salvage Vanguard Theater as part of the Church of the Friendly Ghost’s ongoing concert series. more ›

Fans of jazz and improvisational music will not want to miss a performance and album release event courtesy of flutist and reeds player Alex Coke, his associates at The Creative Opportunity Orchestra, and of course The Church of the Friendly Ghost. more ›

Cool off on Saturday night at Barton Springs pool for Poolside Live, which will feature the soothing sounds of local saxophonist and flutist Alex Coke with his trio. more ›