A very rare handbill advertising two shows on April 23, 1967 by the John Coltrane Quintet at the Olatunji Center of African Culture in Harlem.  These two shows were the second to last performances Coltrane played, less than three months before his tragic death.

Advertising “His first appearance of 1967 in New York”, the handbill notes “Come join your host Babatunde [Olatunji].  Ask Mr. Coltrane questions about his music and sound.”  In 2001 Impulse Records released The Olatunje Concert: The Last Live Recording, documenting these shows.  Coltrane was to play live only once more, on May 7, 1967 in Baltimore.

The 8 3/4″ x 11 1/4″ handbill is in near excellent condition, with some glue staining on the back, barely visible on the front right edge.  The only example we’ve had of this historic handbill from the tenor saxophone giant.