Jul 17, 2025 12:44 PM
DownBeat’s 73rd Annual Critics Poll: One for the Record Books
You see before you what we believe is the largest and most comprehensive Critics Poll in the history of jazz. DownBeat…
Angélique Kidjo’s Remain in Light will perform at the Portland Jazz Festival on Feb. 17.
(Photo: PDX Jazz)The Biamp Portland Jazz Festival will celebrate its 20th anniversary next year, with a slate of performances scheduled for Feb. 16–25.
Presented by Portland, Oregon-based PDX Jazz, the festival lineup includes a range of top performers in jazz, blues and improvised music, including Angélique Kidjo’s Remain in Light, Hiatus Kaiyote, Dave Holland, Hubert Laws, Charlie Musselwhite, Bill Frisell, The Budos Band, Storm Large’s Burlesque Big Band, Ambrose Akinmusire, Dumpstaphunk with Jon Cleary, Kiefer, James Francies + Kris Davis, Mark Guiliana, Yemen Blues, Thee Sacred Souls, Taylor McFerrin & Marcus Gilmore, Brian Jackson, Shabazz Palaces, Moor Mother, Tord Gustavsen, Derrick Hodge, SexMob, Butcher Brown, Curtis Salgado, Nickodemus, Orquestra Pacifico Tropical, George Colligan and Ne Plus Ultra Jass Orchestra.
The festival will also include jazz conversations and film series, as well as informative and entertaining presentations sure to pique the interest of attendees.
Additional festival performers and events will be announced on Nov. 30 to PDX Jazz members and on Dec. 7 to the general public. Check the festival website for ticket sales and additional information. DB
James Brandon Lewis earned honors for Artist of the Year and Tenor Saxophonist of the Year. Three of his recordings placed in the Albums of the Year category.
Jul 17, 2025 12:44 PM
You see before you what we believe is the largest and most comprehensive Critics Poll in the history of jazz. DownBeat…
Galper was often regarded as an underrated master of his craft.
Jul 22, 2025 10:58 AM
Hal Galper, a pianist, composer and arranger who enjoyed a substantial performing career but made perhaps a deeper…
Chuck Mangione on the cover of the May 8, 1975, edition of DownBeat.
Jul 29, 2025 1:00 PM
Chuck Mangione, one of the most popular trumpeters in jazz history, passed away on July 24 at home in Rochester, New…
“Hamiet was one of the most underrated musicians ever,” says Whitaker of baritone saxophonist Hamiet Bluiett.
Jul 8, 2025 7:30 AM
At 56, Rodney Whitaker, professor of jazz bass and director of jazz studies at Michigan State University, is equally…
Jul 17, 2025 11:35 AM
The DownBeat Critics Poll provides a wonderful snapshot of the jazz scene today, with much to explore and many great…