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
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. 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.
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
Quadraphonnes Presents: MOONDOG – Sax Pax for a Sax – Live
Influenced by classical, jazz, and indigenous American music, Moondog’s is one of the most improbable lives of the twentieth century: a blind and homeless street musician became a legendary eccentric in New York City and rose to prominence as a major-label recording artist and internationally respected composer. He became an honorary member of the New York Philharmonic at Carnegie Hall in the late 1940s. The Prestige jazz label released his unique, melodic compositions, and in the late 1960s, Viking-garbed Moondog became a pop music sensation on Columbia Records. Portland’s all-women saxophone quartet, The Quadraphonnes’ production of his Sax Pax for A Sax, is an ode to one of his most beloved instruments, showcases the range of the horn with a total of 11 saxophonists on stage. Moondog calls his saxophone project Sax Pax, underlining that in this case the saxophones are not to be linked with military bands for which the instruments originally had been intended, but are used exclusively for peaceful purposes.All the pieces are part of a series which Moondog calls ZAJAZ, “jazz” in two directions, like a Janus-head with two faces. There is one looking backwards into the past, represented by classical techniques of composing and the other face turned towards the future which is characterized by a new kind of combining old and new elements of music. The Quadraphonnes have been a veritable force within the Pacific Northwest for almost 20 years. In addition to being featured performers at beloved local Jazz festivals, clubs, concert halls, and radio stations, the “Quads” have toured SoCal, released several albums, and produced the multi-media event, Tone-Color Melody. A recent collaboration with Portland’s local film score composer, Mark Orton, resulted in their debut performance on the soundtrack of Miramax’s production of The Holdovers. In addition to performances small and large, the Quads are also deeply rooted in music education and love to teach clinics and workshops. Mieke Bruggeman, Chelsea Luker, Michelle Medler and Mary-Sue Tobin compose, arrange, collaborate, educate, and scheme to make as many people as possible fall in love with everything saxophone. TICKETS: When you buy a ticket consider making an additional donation to the Quadraphonnes Moondog Project at the same time! Thank you! Choose your price.All seating is General Admission (GA). $30 General Admission Advance $40 GA At the Door $50 GA + Donation (includes admission and a $20 donation to Quadraphonnes’ Moondog Project) $80 GA + Super Donation (includes admission and a $50 donation to Quadraphonnes’ Moondog Project) Minors ok with parent/guardianReview our venue FAQ here
Gunhild Carling
Gunhild Carling is Sweden’s “Queen of Swing,” and she’s bringing her band back to The Alberta Rose!Gunhild Carling is an internationally acclaimed superstar whose show is a can’t-miss event! Whether she’s singing favorite swinging jazz standards, playing one of many instruments (trumpet, trombone, harmonica, oboe, harp, flute, recorder, or jazz bagpipe!) or juggling and tap dancing, Gunhild’s sublime showmanship shines. She blew us away last time she played, so we can’t wait to have her back! Tickets$39.50 Advance$49.50 At the Door Minors ok with parent/guardianReview our venue FAQ here
Kat Edmonson with special guest Dominic Castillo
Kat Edmonson performs new songs from her forthcoming release as well as highlights from previous albums. She’ll interweave humorous stories about herself and her music with disarming candor and vulnerability. The gamine singer is “intuitive about melody and handy with a turn of phrase” (The New York Times). “She’s a savvy student of ’60s film soundtracks, jazz-pop stylists and Brill Building songcraft, nodding to her influences at every turn. But her take on those stylized musical languages is so fresh and fluent that the referencing never feels cumbersome.” – NPR Kat Edmonson is a Songwriters Hall of Fame award-winning songwriter and singer. She has been featured on Austin City Limits, Tiny Desk Concerts, A Prairie Home Companion, and The Tonight Show and has released six studio albums to date. Raised on the music and film of the early-to- mid-twentieth century, Kat performs original songs and familiar classics in her live show interweaving humorous anecdotes and philosophical musings with disarming candor and vulnerability. “Hearing Edmonson makes it virtually impossible to do anything but stop and listen.” (NPR) Portland singer and songwriter Dominic Castillo opens the show with his fabulous band. Tickets:$30 Advance$35 At the Door Minors ok with parent/guardian Review our venue FAQ here
