Living legend. No doubt about it. On Saturday, November 8, legendary saxophonist Gary Bartz takes the stage at LantarenVenster Rotterdam for a performance that digs deep into jazz tradition while effortlessly connecting with the sound of today.

Gary Bartz has been a creative force in American jazz for over fifty years. Saxophonist, composer, storyteller he’s shared the stage with giants like Miles Davis, Art Blakey, and McCoy Tyner, yet he’s always walked his own path.

His roots run deep in bebop think Charlie Parker, Jackie McLean but Bartz was never one to stay in one lane. In the ’70s, he shifted gears with Ntu Troop, blending African rhythms with bop, free jazz, and rock. The result: albums like I’ve Known Rivers and Other Bodies, a spiritual jazz classic that still hits hard today.

His playing? Free. Untamed. Always moving. Bartz flows effortlessly between avant-garde, funk, swing, and gospel weaving it all into a musical language that bridges generations.

This isn’t a throwback. This is jazz, alive and breathing.
As Wayne Shorter once put it: “He is our Beethoven.”

For fans of Pharoah Sanders, Kamasi Washington, Shabaka Hutchings, or even Flying Lotus, this is a rare chance to experience the source. Think deep grooves, spiritual depth, and improvisation rooted in pure freedom and flow.

⚠️ Please note: this is a seated concert only.

About LantarenVenster
LantarenVenster is a cultural landmark in Rotterdam — a haven for lovers of cinema, jazz, and cutting-edge music. With a diverse program spanning film and live music, from local talent to international names, it’s an essential part of the city’s cultural fabric. In collaboration with BIRD, we bring artists like Gary Bartz to Rotterdam for audiences who know what’s good.