Successful Inaugural Montavilla Jazz Festival Ushers in New Platform for Cutting-Edge Local Jazz
On August 16 and 17, 2014, Portland, Oregon witnessed the creation of a new festival platform for live jazz, in the form of the inaugural Montavilla Jazz Festival (MJF). While Portland boasts multiple other excellent jazz festivals, MJF now occupies a unique niche, focused entirely on showcasing the vibrant new sound of Portland’s originally composed, progressive jazz scene. The festival was curated by the Portland Jazz Composers’ Ensemble and presented by the Montavilla Neighborhood Association with fiscal sponsorship and other support from Southeast Uplift. The festival happened at Post5 Theatre in the Montavilla neighborhood and featured 13 bands; nearly 400 individuals attended.
Key to producing MJF was the generous support of 16 sponsors who contributed money and 14 different partners who contributed in-kind support ranging from equipment loans to media promotion and more. Also instrumental was the involvement of more than 40 volunteers. Without the support of these parties, we would not have had a successful Montavilla Jazz Festival.
In the months ahead, we plan to engage all those involved in the 2014 MJF, plus new parties, as we work to further define, nurture and grow the MJF concept. Through judicious planning and robust ticket sales, this year’s MJF raised revenue in excess of expenses. This money will go right back into MJF, supplementing sponsorships to make an even stronger second MJF in 2015.
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