2024 Biamp Portland Jazz Festival Spotlighting Jazz Luminaries and Budding Portland Talent

The 2024 Biamp Portland Jazz Festival presented by PDX Jazz is bringing a burst of musical genius to the Pacific Northwest from February 16 through March 2, featuring both time-honored jazz icons and promising new local artists. This heralded event is set to deliver an eclectic blend of performances, conversations, and community-centric activities, all aimed at celebrating the depth and diversity of jazz.

Jazz Legends and Rising Stars

A dazzling array of artists is set to grace the festival, including NEA Jazz Masters and GRAMMY^® winners. Notable names such as Jon Batiste, Dianne Reeves, and Nicholas Payton will share the stage with up-and-coming talents like Sudan Archives and Louis Cole. The lineup extends to exceptional musicians like Bob James, Shabaka, and Mary Halvorson, ensuring a rich palette of live jazz experiences.

Spotlight on Local Scene and New Works

Complementing the star-studded cast are Portland's own jazz acts including Dan Balmer and Mel Brown b3 Organ Group. Adding to the festival's vibrancy, audiences will witness the debut of a PDX Jazz-commissioned dance piece, 'The Age of Influence,' a groundbreaking collaboration between Shaun Keylock Company and Methods Body.

Free Events and Engaging Educational Programs

Emphasizing its roots in the community, the festival is hosting free public performances and engaging educational sessions, including a film screening of 'A Binding Truth,' which delves into the United States' racial history. Esteemed music historian Ashley Kahn will lead enriching jazz conversations, providing further depth to the festival's offerings.

A Full Spectrum of Jazz Exploration

PDX Jazz's Executive Director, Chris Doss, expresses enthusiasm about the festival's commitment to jazz in all its forms, sighting the importance of blending traditional jazz with contemporary expressions and underlining the role of Portland's vibrant artists in enriching the festival.

PDX Jazz continues its mission as a non-profit organization to champion jazz through the Portland Jazz Festival, concert series, and various educational initiatives celebrating the genre's evolving legacy. For information on tickets and details, the PDX Jazz website and social media channels are the go-to resources.

jazz, festival, Portland