Bring your artistic vision to our stage
Montavilla Jazz invites Portland-based jazz artists to propose original projects for our 2027 festival. We’re looking for creative ideas that reflect your artistic voice and contribute to the vibrancy of our local jazz community. Artist submissions open October 1, 2026. Applicants are encouraged to attend a video conference information session in early October.
Our Programming Values
Montavilla Jazz celebrates local artistry, original music, and creative exploration. The strongest proposals reflect these values and offer a clear vision of what artists and audiences will experience together.
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We showcase artists active in Portland’s jazz scene and seek to represent a diversity of musical and personal backgrounds. Artists with a substantial Portland connection—including those who have lived here and made meaningful contributions to the community but now live elsewhere—are also welcome to apply.
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We especially welcome new music created by applicants and their collaborators. Creative arrangements of others’ work are welcome within a primarily original program, and we also value projects celebrating original compositions by late Portland artists who helped shape our community. Programs composed entirely of covers are not competitive.
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We seek music that pairs skillful execution with imaginative ideas. There is no single technical approach or style we require—what matters is how your craft supports your artistic vision and your ability to bring that vision to life.
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We recognize jazz’s Black American origins and the many musical traditions its creators have influenced around the world. We welcome a wide range of stylistic approaches, with proposals demonstrating a meaningful connection to at least one branch of that lineage.
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We encourage projects that explore unexpected ideas, bring together genres or artistic disciplines, and create meaningful experiences for audiences. The strongest proposals offer something beyond a regularly performed club set—a new collaboration, a developing body of work, or a distinctive concert experience that creates room for artistic growth.
Ready to Apply?
Please return to this page on October 1, 2026, when artist applications for the 2027 Montavilla Jazz Festival open. In the meantime, email submissions@montavillajazz.org with questions or for more information.