#United States #Portland #Erykah Badu #Portland Jazz #PDX Jazz

2025 Biamp Portland Jazz Festival Kicks Off This Week

The much-anticipated 2025 Biamp Portland Jazz Festival is about to enchant audiences from February 20 to March 1. This vibrant ten-day event, presented by PDX Jazz, promises a spectacular array of performances, featuring over 70 events in more than 35 venues throughout Portland, Oregon.

The festival opens with an impressive performance by Terence Blanchard, an eight-time Grammy winner, scheduled for February 20 at the Newmark Theatre. Recently captivating attendees at the Super Bowl LIX pregame ceremony, Blanchard will showcase his innovative compositions and remarkable trumpet skills in this exciting jazz setting.

A highlight of the festival occurs on February 21, marking a historic moment as it introduces its inaugural arena show at the Moda Center. The event will be headlined by five-time Grammy winner Erykah Badu, a defining figure in neo-soul. Badu's influence extends beyond music, and her artistry will be further honored with the Icon Award from Billboard during the Women in Music event. She will be accompanied by Sampa The Great, hailing from Zambia, and Portland's own DJ O.G.ONE, ensuring a night to remember.

Beyond the headliners, the festival showcases an impressive lineup of renowned artists such as Christian McBride, leading his ensemble Ursa Major, and the Andrew Cyrille Quartet, featuring acclaimed guitarist Bill Frisell. Additionally, a special tribute to the late Alice Coltrane will be performed by Ravi Coltrane alongside special guest Brandee Younger. These performances reflect the festival's dedication to honoring the rich legacy and ongoing evolution of jazz music.

In line with PDX Jazz's mission to promote local talent, attendees can expect performances from talented Portland-based artists, including Bridging Thoughts with Cory Limuaco + Friends, Zyanna Trio, Julia Logue, Kennebec, WRK!, Asher Fulero, Lloyd Jones + Mark Shark, and Aléa Lorén. This commitment to local artists not only enriches the festival experience but also integrates them into the wider jazz community.

Moreover, the festival emphasizes community engagement and education, offering a series of free events, workshops, and discussions aimed at deepening the audience's appreciation of jazz and its cultural significance. These efforts reflect the organization’s intent to foster a love of jazz that transcends mere performance enjoyment.

Tickets for all events are now available through pdxjazz.org. Given the diverse lineup and high demand, it is advisable for attendees to purchase tickets early to secure their involvement in this city-wide musical celebration.

About PDX Jazz

PDX Jazz is a nonprofit cultural arts organization dedicated to advancing the art of jazz by actively engaging the community, celebrating live performances, and enhancing arts education. Through the annual Biamp Portland Jazz Festival and various year-round initiatives, PDX Jazz plays an essential role in uplifting jazz as a cornerstone of Portland's flourishing arts scene.

For more details and ticket purchases, visit pdxjazz.org and follow PDX Jazz on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, and YouTube, using hashtags #portlandjazzfestival and #pdxjazz.