News provided by
PDX Jazz
16 Dec, 2024, 13:00 ET

Jazz lovers, mark your calendars: the 2025 Biamp Portland Jazz Festival is set to transform Portland into a hub of jazz brilliance from February 20 to March 1, 2025. Featuring a star-studded lineup and local talent, this festival promises an unforgettable mix of performances, community events, and educational opportunities.

Erykah Badu: A Historic Headliner

The standout event is the inaugural arena show at the Moda Center on February 21, starring Grammy-winning icon Erykah Badu. Renowned for her genre-defying fusion of jazz, soul, R&B, and Hip Hop, Badu’s performance signals a bold new chapter for the festival. Her presence elevates the event's status, drawing fans from across the country to experience her magic live in Portland.

A Stellar Lineup of Global and Local Talent

Joining Badu are some of the biggest names in jazz, including:

Terence Blanchard with The E-Collective and Turtle Island Quartet
Christian McBride & Ursa Major
Andrew Cyrille Quartet
TRANSLINEAR LIGHT: The Music of Alice Coltrane featuring Ravi Coltrane with Brandee Younger
Terri Lyne Carrington’s "We Insist! 2025", a reimagining of Max Roach’s "Freedom Now Suite"

Newly announced acts include the Skerik Quartet, Pahua, the Jack Radsliff Organ Quartet featuring Nicole McCabe, and Daniel Villareal. Tickets for these shows are on sale now at pdxjazz.org.

A Celebration of Portland’s Jazz Scene

Local talent takes center stage as well, with performances from Portland-based artists such as Bridging Thoughts with Cory Limuaco + Friends, Machado Mijiga Quartet, and Zyanna Trio, among others. The festival aims to nurture homegrown talent and integrate the city’s vibrant jazz community into the broader global stage.

Free Community Events Across Portland

In keeping with its mission to make jazz accessible, the festival features a robust lineup of free community events. Attendees can enjoy performances by local musicians like the PJCE "Rise in Love", Haley Horsfall Trio, and Shirley Nanette across iconic Portland venues, from the Jupiter NEXT to St. James Lutheran Church.

Insights from Jazz Historian Ashley Kahn

Adding depth to the festival, Grammy-winning historian Ashley Kahn will host a series of conversations exploring jazz’s rich history and cultural impact. These discussions offer fans a deeper appreciation of the art form while fostering dialogue about its evolving legacy.

A Message from PDX Jazz

Chris Doss, Executive Director of PDX Jazz, shares:

“This year’s festival celebrates Portland’s dynamic jazz scene, showcasing world-renowned masters and emerging local talent. With our inaugural arena show featuring Erykah Badu, we’re making jazz accessible to more people than ever before.”

Plan Your Visit

Whether you’re a die-hard jazz fan or new to the genre, the 2025 Biamp Portland Jazz Festival has something for everyone. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience the best of jazz in a city that embraces creativity and culture.

For tickets and the full lineup, visit pdxjazz.org. Follow PDX Jazz on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, and YouTube using #portlandjazzfestival and #pdxjazz for updates.