Sep 3, 2026 10:44 AM
In Memoriam: Cassandra Wilson, 1955–2026
Cassandra Wilson, a singer, songwriter and producer who was one of the most acclaimed and successful jazz vocalists of…
Alaska Airlines has agreed to a multiyear title sponsorship of the Portland Jazz Festival, providing the financial support necessary to revive the festival that had announced in early September that it was ceasing operations after five years. The support ensures that the 6th Annual Alaska Airlines Portland Jazz Festival will take place, as scheduled, February 13-22, 2009. The festival will be dedicated to the 70th anniversary of Blue Note Records.
Founded by Smith and artistic director Bill Royston in 2003, the Portland Jazz Festival has become one of the country’s top jazz showcases, attracting musicians and visitors from around the world. The 2008 Festival featured 150 separate events over 10 days, attracting an estimated 36,000 patrons.
“Portland is a great jazz town and there was no way we were going to let this festival go without exhausting every means,” said Portland City commissioner and support committee leader Nick Fish. “The commitment made by Alaska Airlines is a remarkable gift for jazz lovers. Their support, and that of several area businesses and individuals like Sho Dozono, allows us to continue to grow a festival that attracts some of the world’s top jazz talent and attracts thousands of visitors to Portland every year.”
More info: pdxjazz.com
Wilson’s ability to connect to audiences helped her to win two Grammy awards and multiple other accolades. She was named an NEA Jazz Master in 2022.
Sep 3, 2026 10:44 AM
Cassandra Wilson, a singer, songwriter and producer who was one of the most acclaimed and successful jazz vocalists of…
Bertoncini was a specialist and advocate for the nylon-string acoustic guitar, turning down high-profile opportunities that were unsuited to the sound and techniques that he used with that instrument.
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“It was just that suddenly … I could hear it,” Ravi Coltrane said of an epiphany he experienced during his late teens regarding his father’s music. “And it was almost like a calling, like something saying, ‘Hey, man, come on. It’s time to get serious.’ And the first time you really tune in and dial in and focus like that, it can be very life-changing.”
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