Apr 2, 2024 12:59 PM
Saxophonist, Sonic Explorer Casey Benjamin Dies at 45
Casey Benjamin, the alto saxophonist, vocalist, keyboardist and producer who stamped his distinctive sounds on the…
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
Apr 2, 2024 12:59 PM
Casey Benjamin, the alto saxophonist, vocalist, keyboardist and producer who stamped his distinctive sounds on the…
Apr 5, 2024 10:28 AM
Albert “Tootie” Heath, a drummer of impeccable taste and time who was the youngest of three jazz-legend brothers…
Mar 12, 2024 11:42 AM
“There are a few musicians you hear where, as somebody once said, the molecules in the room change. Geri was one of…
Apr 9, 2024 11:30 AM
Big Ears, the annual four-day music celebration that first took place in 2009 in Knoxville, Tennessee, could well be…
Mar 26, 2024 12:45 PM
At the risk of oversimplifying and romanticizing the story, Ambrose Akinmusire came bursting on the jazz scene at the…