Biamp Portland Jazz Festival: Tigran Hamasyan – Manifeste w/ Blue Cranes presented by PDX Jazz
Tigran Hamasyan is considered one of the most remarkable and distinctive jazz-meets-rock pianists/composers of his generation. A piano virtuoso with groove power, Hamasyan seamlessly fuses potent jazz improvisation and progressive rock with the rich folkloric music of his native Armenia. Born in Gyumri, Armenia, in 1987, his musical journey began in his childhood home, where he was exposed to a diverse array of musical influences leading to him playing piano at the age of three, performing in festivals and competitions by the time he was eleven, and winning the Montreux Jazz Festival’s piano competition in 2003. He released his debut album, World Passion, in 2004 at the age of seventeen. The following year, he won the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Jazz Piano Competition. Additional albums include New Era; Red Hail; A Fable, for which he was awarded a Victoires de la Musique (the equivalent of a Grammy Award in France); Shadow Theater; and Luys i Luso which featured the Yerevan State Chamber Choir focusing on Armenian sacred music stretching stylistically from the 5th century to the 20th century. In addition to awards and critical acclaim, Hamasyan has built a dedicated following worldwide, as well as praise from Herbie Hancock, Brad Mehldau and the late Chick Corea. “With startling combinations of jazz, minimalist, electronic, folk and songwriterly elements…Hamasyan and his collaborators travel musical expanses marked with heavy grooves, ethereal voices, pristine piano playing and ancient melodies. You’ll hear nothing else like this” (NPR) Portland’s Blue Cranes opens the show. Minors ok when accompanied by a parent or guardian. Review our venue FAQ here ALL SALES ARE FINAL. PLEASE, DOUBLE CHECK YOUR ORDER BEFORE PURCHASING. NO REFUNDS.
Cécile McLorin Salvant Presented by PDX Jazz
The first thing to know about Oh Snap, Cécile McLorin Salvant’s new suite of original songs, is that it was never intended to leave the hard drive of her computer. Ever. The singer and composer wrote these short, intensely personal pieces as part of a creative quest: To place spontaneity and joy at the center of her writing process. After years of writing and recording visionary—and critically acclaimed—Nonesuch albums like Ghost Song and Mélusine, Salvant challenged herself to approach composition in new ways. “I felt I had lost a connection to music because it was something that I felt I should do in a certain way and do well,” Salvant confides. “I thought, ‘How can I bring music back in close to me, intimately?’ The only way to do that was if it felt like no one would hear it, including other musicians.” So the vocalist and composer—who’s won the Best Jazz Vocal Album Grammy three times and was the recipient of a MacArthur “genius” fellowship in 2020—put together a computer music rig. She explored the seemingly limitless tones and combinations, menu by dropdown menu. She was not, she says, looking for some reasonable facsimile of, say, an acoustic bass, but rather some growling bass synth that made her want to play more. Hear more. Sing a melody around it. “I thought, ‘What would I build if I could just build it alone, based on who I am?’” Salvant says. “I was thinking about how free and playful I am with drawing, which I have no training in, but which gives me so much joy. I’m not in the art scene, so I don’t know the different movements that people find themselves in. And it doesn’t matter what I do. I thought, ‘How could I approach music this way? “It felt radical to me, to share this,” Salvant says, “in part because I am contending with genre all the time, ever since I’ve been a professional musician—actually, ever since I started studying music in school settings. You are forced to think in terms of genre. You audition for the classical voice class, you audition for the jazz class, you’re bringing certain things into certain classes. Then when, hopefully, you end up becoming a professional musician, you are still contending with genre, you are placed in a category, in these specific lanes that you have to stay in.” Minors ok with parent/guardianReview our venue FAQ here ALL SALES ARE FINAL. PLEASE, DOUBLE CHECK YOUR ORDER BEFORE PURCHASING. NO REFUNDS
Biamp Portland Jazz Festival Cyrus Chestnut Trio w/ Alan Jones Trio Presented by PDX Jazz
Cyrus A. Chestnut is a distinguished jazz pianist, composer, educator, and performer with a career spanning over 30 years. Renowned for his masterful improvisation, dynamic compositions, and profound contributions to jazz, he has collaborated with some of the most influential artists in the genre. His work bridges tradition and innovation, ensuring jazz’s continued evolution through performance and mentorship. Education & Early Life – Chestnut’s musical journey began with classical piano training under esteemed instructors AdahJenkins, Marie White, and Linda Lessey. This foundation fueled his passion for jazz, leading him to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Jazz Composition and Arranging at Berklee College of Music. His exceptional talent earned him accolades such as the Oscar Peterson Award, Count Basie Award, and Quincy Jones Award. Musical Contributions – After Berklee, Chestnut collaborated with jazz legends, including Betty Carter, Michael Carvin, Jon Hendricks, and Chick Corea. His improvisational style and harmonic sensibility also led him to work with Freddie Hubbard, Aretha Franklin, and Wynton Marsalis. A sought-after performer, Chestnut has played at premier jazz festivals such as Montreux, North Sea, and Montreal. His discography includes acclaimed albums like Soul Brother Cool, There’s a Sweet, Sweet Spirit, and Kaleidoscope, blending contemporary influences with traditional jazz. Mentorship – Dedicated to fostering future jazz musicians, Chestnut has taught at institutions such as the Rimon School of Music, Middlebury College, and Howard University. He has also led workshops at the Central PA Friends of Jazz Camp and Omaha Public Schools Jazz Camp, guiding students in improvisation, performance, and composition. Awards & Legacy – Chestnut’s contributions have earned him prestigious honors, including the NAACP ACT-SO Award for Music Composition, the Eubie Blake Scholarship Award, and the Benny Golson Jazzmaster Award. His influence extends beyond performance, with features in The New York Times and the Smithsonian film Piano Grand: A Smithsonian Celebration. A vital force in jazz, he continues to shape its future while honoring its rich traditions. Portland’s Alan Jones Trio opens the show. Minors ok when accompanied by a parent or guardian. Review our venue FAQ here ALL SALES ARE FINAL. PLEASE, DOUBLE CHECK YOUR ORDER BEFORE PURCHASING. NO REFUNDS.
Taylor John Williams and the Alan Jones Quartet present A Very Christmas
Join us for a one-of-a-kind live performance of A Very Christmas — the bold, jazz-infused holiday album by Portland jazz legend Alan Jones and acclaimed singer-songwriter Taylor John Williams, brought to life on stage in its entirety. A Very Christmas has been praised for its fresh take on the seasonal soundtrack, blending rich jazz textures with soulful vocals and inventive arrangements. The album transforms familiar holiday favorites into something timeless yet contemporary, balancing tender ballads with lively, swinging grooves that capture the season’s joy and complexity. Best known for his haunting, soulful performances as a finalist on The Voice (Season 7), Taylor John Williams brings his signature blend of emotional depth and raw artistry to this intimate, cinematic album. His voice — expressive, nuanced, and unmistakably his own — brings new light to seasonal standards. The music journeys through tender sweetness with his Buckley-esque rendition of “Ave Maria,” dips into smoky, sinister tones on “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” launches into a beat-poet fever dream on “’Twas the Night Before Christmas,” and lightens up with a playful touch in the Christmas breakup anthem “Our Very First Christmas,” which he wrote for the album. Anchored by Alan Jones’ dynamic drumming and backed by a stellar jazz ensemble, the performance fuses world-class musicianship with deep personal connection — Jones, the album’s primary arranger and a foundational force in Portland’s jazz scene, is also Williams’ stepfather. This is more than a holiday concert — it’s a family affair, a collaborative celebration, and a fresh, heartfelt take on the music of the season. Featuring, Taylor John Williams – vocals Alan Jones – drums Mike Gamble – guitar David Goldblatt – piano Patrick Golinchnik – bass Minors ok when accompanied by a parent or guardian. Review our venue FAQ here ALL SALES ARE FINAL. PLEASE, DOUBLE CHECK YOUR ORDER BEFORE PURCHASING. NO REFUNDS.
OkCello with special guest Joe Kye
Okorie Johnson is an American cellist-songwriter who performs under the moniker OkCello. His artistry integrates cello performance, live-sound-looping, improvisation, and storytelling – all culminating in original compositions that collide classical with jazz, EDM, reggae, and funk. OkCello is inspired by the exploration of African Diasporic melodies and narratives and their intersection with people’s perceptions and assumptions about the classical and European nature of the cello. As well, his work with improvisation attempts to embody the phenomenon of wordless prayer. Portland violin looper extraordinaire Joe Kye will open the show. Minors ok with parent/guardian Review our venue FAQ here ALL SALES ARE FINAL. PLEASE, DOUBLE CHECK YOUR ORDER BEFORE PURCHASING. NO REFUNDS.
Trio Flux – Zwyze Album Release with special guests Outer Orbit
Adventurous acid-jazz/fusion group Trio Flux returns from a 10-year hiatus to honor their founding drummer, Adam Ochshorn, with the release of Zwyze. Co-founders Neil Mattson, guitar, and Julio Appling, bass, will be joined by a host of top Portland talent, including drummers, Brent Follis, Micah Hummel, and Tyrone Hendrix, as well as Mike Elson and Jake Savage on keys, Jeff Gordon on percussion, and Valdine Mishkin on cello, bringing the music Ochshorn left them back to life. About Trio Flux: Trio Flux is the collaborative effort of three talented Portland musicians, Neil Mattson (guitar), Julio Appling (bass), and Adam Ochshorn (drums). The trio brings together a wide array of musical moods and textures, stretching the bounds of the traditional guitar-bass-drums jazz trio. Trio Flux, as the name suggests, adeptly moves through its funky grooves, its dark and distorted rock gestures, to its twangy free-jazz improvisations with a focus on musical dialogue between the three. trioflux.com About Outer Orbit: Outer Orbit is a funk soul collective led by Galen Clark (Subtonic, Anna Tivel) and fronted by vocalist Sarah Clarke (The Motet, Portugal, The Man). The band features an all-star lineup of Portland, Oregon musicians, including members of Ghost-Note, Allen Stone, Portland Cello Project, Mono Neon, and more. Outer Orbit brings original soul and pocket-heavy funk, drawing on a range of influences from Sly Stone and The Meters to Aretha Franklin and Emily King. outerorbitband.com Minors ok with parent/guardian Review our venue FAQ here ALL SALES ARE FINAL. PLEASE, DOUBLE CHECK YOUR ORDER BEFORE PURCHASING. NO REFUNDS.
Portland Youth Jazz Orchestra Spring Concert featuring the Portland Vanguard Big Band
Join us for an inspiring evening as the Portland Youth Jazz Orchestra takes the stage for their highly-anticipated Spring Concert featuring the Portland Vanguard Big Band!Immerse yourself in a world where the harmonious melodies of jazz transcend the noise of everyday life, showcasing the dedication and talent of these exceptional musicians from 6th grade to adult.Mastering the rhythmic complexities and emotional depths of jazz, the members of the Portland Youth Jazz Orchestra find inspiration in the mellifluous tones of their horns, the dynamic energy of their percussion, and the expressive harmony of keys and strings. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the world of jazz and the hearts of those who dedicate their time to its pursuit. Minors ok when accompanied by a parent or guardian. Review our venue FAQ here ALL SALES ARE FINAL. PLEASE, DOUBLE CHECK YOUR ORDER BEFORE PURCHASING. NO REFUNDS.
Portland Youth Jazz Orchestra Winter Concert featuring the Portland Vanguard Big Band
Join us for an inspiring evening as the Portland Youth Jazz Orchestra takes the stage for their highly-anticipated Winter Concert featuring the Portland Vanguard Big Band!Immerse yourself in a world where the harmonious melodies of jazz transcend the noise of everyday life, showcasing the dedication and talent of these exceptional musicians from 6th grade to adult.Mastering the rhythmic complexities and emotional depths of jazz, the members of the Portland Youth Jazz Orchestra find inspiration in the mellifluous tones of their horns, the dynamic energy of their percussion, and the expressive harmony of keys and strings. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the world of jazz and the hearts of those who dedicate their time to its pursuit. PYJO Bands: NEW Cats Gen Combo GEN Big Band Minors ok when accompanied by a parent or guardian. Review our venue FAQ here ALL SALES ARE FINAL. PLEASE, DOUBLE CHECK YOUR ORDER BEFORE PURCHASING. NO REFUNDS.
Jazz Celebration with Grant High School Jazz Bands
It’s time for a swingin’ show with the Grant High School Jazz Bands There is also an early show at 5:30 PM with the Beaumont Middle School Jazz Bands. This ticket will get you admission to BOTH SHOWS. Doors open at 5:00 PM for the early show. Tickets: $20 General Admission Minors ok when accompanied by a parent or guardian. Review our venue FAQ here
Portland Youth Jazz Orchestra Winter Concert featuring the Portland Vanguard Big Band
Join us for an inspiring evening as the Portland Youth Jazz Orchestra takes the stage for their highly-anticipated Winter Concert featuring the Portland Vanguard Big Band!Immerse yourself in a world where the harmonious melodies of jazz transcend the noise of everyday life, showcasing the dedication and talent of these exceptional musicians from 6th grade to adult.Mastering the rhythmic complexities and emotional depths of jazz, the members of the Portland Youth Jazz Orchestra find inspiration in the mellifluous tones of their horns, the dynamic energy of their percussion, and the expressive harmony of keys and strings. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the world of jazz and the hearts of those who dedicate their time to its pursuit. Tickets: $12 General Admission Minors ok when accompanied by a parent or guardian. _________________________________________________ Review our venue FAQ here