The rock legend, who died in 1970 from an overdose of barbiturates, would have turned 71 today—which may seem ancient by guitar-hero standards, but here’s some perspective: Carlos Santana is 66. Eric Clapton is 68. And Jimmy Page, Keith Richards, and Jeff Beck are all 69. And by the way, all of them still shred like they were vibrant young men.

Though Jimi’s been gone for more than 40 years, he remains as popular as ever. His music is ubiquitous on rock radio, he still tops virtually every poll of the greatest guitarists ever, and fans are still ravenous for all things Jimi. In recent weeks alone, PBS aired the documentary Hear My Train a Comin’ as part of its American Masters series; a new book, 27, explores the phenomenon of rock stars who died at that age, including Jimi; and it was just announced that 2014 will see the latest edition of The Experience Hendrix tour, in which Buddy Guy, Zakk Wylde, Dweezil Zappa, and others will pay tribute to the Seattle-born guitar god in a series of shows across the country.

All this leads to the annual celebration of Hendrix’s birth, organized by his niece Tina Hendrix and featuring performances from his brother Leon Hendrix, among others. The event will help raise money for The Hendrix Music Academy, an organization started by Tina to provide music education to King County’s at-risk youth. In addition to Leon (now 65, he learned to play guitar at age 50), the show will feature Bluemeadows, Godfish, Kayla Steward, and an opening set from Academy students.

Though for many years Leon was embroiled in a bitter legal battle over the rights to his brother’s estate, he has finally come to terms with not owning a piece of it. “I’m not going to let things eat me away,” he told The Independent earlier this year. “I don’t like that feeling and anxiety.” No hard feelings will be on display tonight—just positive reminders of the power and lasting legacy of Jimi’s music. w