St. Vincent Headlines 2026 Biamp Portland Jazz Festival; Mavis Staples, Madeleine Peyroux & Bill Frisell Trio Among Featured Artists

A 10‑Day Citywide Celebration Presented by PDX Jazz: March 5–14, 2026

PDX Jazz is delighted to announce the first wave of performers for the 2026 Biamp Portland Jazz Festival, taking place March 5 through March 14, 2026. Over ten days, the festival will present more than 50 performances across 30+ venues, weaving jazz, soul, experimental, and cross‑genre sound throughout the city.

Leading the charge is St. Vincent (Annie Clark), whose bold blending of rock, art pop, ambient textures, and improvisation has made her one of today’s most inventive artists. Her appearance signals an expanded musical vision for the Festival.

Mavis Staples returns to Portland with her gospel-rooted power, a voice steeped in civil rights history, and a legacy that bridges generations. Shirley Nanette, named the 2026 Portland Jazz Master by the PDX Jazz Programming Committee, will open for her. Nanette’s long and varied career—from symphony performances and big bands to sharing stages with national legends—reflects her deep contribution to Portland’s jazz community.

Madeleine Peyroux offers her soulful, intimate interpretations of standards and originals, gracefully merging jazz, folk, and classic songcraft. The Bill Frisell Trio, featuring Luke Bergman and Tim Angulo, presents a spacious, genre-fluid approach to ensemble music.

This lineup reflects PDX Jazz’s ongoing commitment to present multiple voices, styles, and generational perspectives—artists who embody the eclectic spirit and expressive ambition of this year’s Festival.

Also featured on the initial roster are MonoNeon + Mohini Dey, Jeff Parker IVtet + SML, Tigran Hamasyan, Cyrus Chestnut, Charlie Hunter Trio, Roger Eno, Brandon Woody’s Upendo, Delbert Anderson, Jarrod Lawson, Isaiah Sharkey, Lady Blackbird, Mitchum Yacoub + Jungle Fire, Sam Greenfield, and Cochemea — each bringing a compelling, distinct voice to Portland venues over the course of the festival.

Supporting local voices are Blue Cranes, Dreckig, Shelly Rudolph, Alan Jones Trio, and Foamboy, ensuring community artists are woven into the festival experience.

PDX Jazz is proud to present the exciting debut of Stumptown Sirens Jazz Orchestra, Portland’s first all‑female big band. This ensemble brings together some of the region’s most distinguished musicians — top-call players, arrangers, composers, and leaders — to deliver a powerful, fresh voice in the festival. Under the direction of Jessika “Jessie” Smith, the group features Kerry Politzer on piano/keys, Leah Hinchcliff on bass, Rivkah Ross on drums; Mieke Bruggeman‑Smith, Chelsea Luker, Michelle Medler, and Mary‑Sue Tobin on saxophones/woodwinds; trombonists Jenny Kellogg and Shayna Waldman; and trumpeters Aliyah Jackson and Amanda Marquis.

A special highlight is the 2026 First Call Artist Showcase, featuring Charlie Brown III. The Showcase, launched in 2022, honors Portland musicians whose artistry and collaboration are widely respected. Past First Call artists include Darrell Grant, George Colligan, Eldon “T” Jones, and Jimmie Herrod.

Chris Doss, Executive Director / CEO of the Festival says, "This is the most artistically diverse Festival that we have presented, a true reflection of the broad musical tastes in Portland. There is a show for everyone during the celebration, uniting us as a community."

Tickets, full schedule, and venue details are available at pdxjazz.org. The PDX Jazz Member Presale begins Monday, October 13 at 10:00 AM PST, giving members early access and exclusive discounts. The public on-sale begins Friday, October 17 at 10:00 AM PST. Additional artist announcements, community events, and educational programming will be shared in the coming weeks.

About PDX Jazz:

PDX Jazz is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization dedicated to evolving jazz through performance, education, and community engagement. Through the Biamp Portland Jazz Festival and year‑round programming, PDX Jazz nurtures both local talent and adventurous global voices in Portland.

Media Contact:

Cassie Courtney
Marketing Manager, PDX Jazz
cassie@pdxjazz.com

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