It's that time of year again, jazz enthusiasts. The Biamp Portland Jazz Festival has descended upon the city, scattering two weeks of soulful tunes across over thirty venues. According to KOIN, the festival aims to celebrate the ever-evolving genre of jazz, hosting heavy hitters in the scene like the Grammy-nominated Jon Batiste and the boundary-pushing Shabaka Hutchings.

With the festivities launching this Friday, music lovers should brace themselves for a fusion of old-school vibes and modern twists. Jazz-pop crossover Jon Batiste, who snatched four Grammy nods for his 2023 album 'World Music Radio', has already seen his shows at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall sell out like hotcakes, KNKX reports. Meanwhile, the versatile Shabaka Hutchings will grace the stage with his newfound love for the flute, having put his signature saxophone skills on a brief hiatus.

But it's not just about the tunes. The festival doubles down on its commitment to culture and enlightenment, with efforts to extend its reach into local schools and neighborhoods through various education and outreach programs. With over 60 performances and a range of free events lined up, the festive air extends beyond the music. As described by Biamp's official press release, it's a communal celebration uniting folks under the banner of America’s true homegrown art form.

And if you thought jazz was just about the sound, think again. For the first time at the festival, the Shaun Keylock Company leaps on stage with a world premiere of jazz-inspired dance titled 'The Age of Influence', perfectly choreographed to the music of Methods Body. "The Portland Jazz Festival is an annual Portland institution and we are proud to be part of it as the title sponsor once again,” Joe Andrulis, Executive Vice President of Corporate Development at Biamp, told a statement obtained by the Biamp press team. Jazz enthusiasts can catch this novel act on February 23 and 24 at the Winningstad Theatre.

With the festival's conclusion slated for March 2, headlined by the Louis Cole Quartet at the Roseland Theatre, this year's Portland Jazz Festival is shaping up to be a veritable smorgasbord of rhythm and groove. For anyone with an ear for a scat, a heart for a swing, or simply a love for letting loose, this event is one that can't be missed.