2025 Biamp Portland Jazz Festival Begins This Week
A 10-Day Citywide Celebration presented by PDX Jazz
The 2025 Biamp Portland Jazz Festival is set to commence this week, running from February 20 through March 1. This ten-day celebration will feature over 70 events across more than 35 venues.
The festival begins on February 20 with a performance by eight-time Grammy winner Terence Blanchard at the Newmark Theatre. Fresh from his recent appearance at the Super Bowl LIX pregame ceremony in New Orleans, Blanchard brings his innovative compositions and powerful trumpet performances to Portland.
On February 21, the festival reaches a historic milestone with its inaugural arena show at the Moda Center, headlined by five-time Grammy winner Erykah Badu. A true icon of neo-soul, Badu continues to shape music and culture with her genre-defining career—an impact that Billboard will recognize with its prestigious Icon Award at this year's Women in Music event. She will be joined by Zambian artist Sampa The Great and Portland's own DJ O.G.ONE, promising an unforgettable evening.
Throughout the festival, attendees can look forward to performances by notable artists such as bassist Christian McBride with his ensemble Ursa Major, the Andrew Cyrille Quartet featuring guitarist Bill Frisell, and "Translinear Light: The Music of Alice Coltrane," a tribute featuring Ravi Coltrane with special guest Brandee Younger. These events, among others, underscore the festival's dedication to celebrating the rich legacy and ongoing evolution of jazz.
In alignment with PDX Jazz's commitment to the local jazz scene, the festival will highlight Portland-based artists as support acts, including Bridging Thoughts with Cory Limuaco + Friends, Zyanna Trio, Julia Logue, Kennebec, WRK!, Asher Fulero, Lloyd Jones + Mark Shark, and Aléa Lorén. These performances underscore the festival's dedication to fostering local talent and integrating them into the broader jazz community.
In addition to mainstage performances, the festival is committed to community engagement and education. A series of free events, workshops, and discussions will be held, providing opportunities for attendees to deepen their appreciation of jazz and its cultural significance.
Tickets for all events are available at pdxjazz.org. Given the high demand and diverse lineup, early ticket purchases are recommended to ensure participation in this city-wide musical celebration.
