PDX Jazz

PDX Jazz, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit, is the largest organization in the Pacific Northwest presenting live jazz and education programming. We present an Annual two-week, citywide and virtual global jazz festival each February celebrating Black History Month with performances, films, conversations, masterclasses + year-round seasonal concerts.

The PDX Jazz education initiative addresses three major concerns within our community 1) the decreased funding for arts education in our public schools 2) the importance of educating students about the influential artistic contributions African-Americans made to American civilization during the 20th Century 3) contributing to the success of a vibrant arts scene. We focus resources towards high-need and at-risk urban and rural populations, particularly Title-One schools.  Emphasis is not placed entirely on the student as a performer, but rather the appreciation of jazz music from a historical, sociological and cultural perspective.