About Montavilla Jazz Festival

Montavilla Jazz Festival (MJF) is a twoday festival that showcases the very best in original Portland jazz. MJF supports and strengthens local culture by highlighting the freshest, most exciting original compositions from Portland’s eclectic and vibrant jazz scene. The 2018 MJF will host 12 performances over two days, headlined by Portland jazz legend Randy Porter.

MJF relies on the contributions of local businesses and volunteers. Before a single ticket is sold, all the resources needed to present MJF are raised via sponsor dollars and in-kind contributions from more than 50 sponsors and partners. MJF is also entirely run by volunteers.

The passion of organizers, artists, sponsors, partners and volunteers makes a big impact. MJF is able to donate a portion of the proceeds from every ticket to the Montavilla Schools Music Fund, which funds music education programs in Montavilla public schools.

Now in its fifth year, Montavilla Jazz Festival (MJF) is a two day festival that showcases the very best in original Portland jazz. While other festivals focus on international acts, legacy heavy hitters, or other mainstream jazz, MJF instead supports and strengthens local culture by highlighting the freshest, most exciting original compositions from Portland’s eclectic and vibrant jazz scene.

Taking place annually at nonprofit performing arts space Portland Metro Arts, MJF offers Portlanders a unique and accessible way to join Portland’s finest musicians as they chart new frontiers in jazz. The 2018 MJF will host 12 performances over two days, and is headlined by Portland jazz legend Randy Porter. Nominated for the 60th Grammy Awards, Porter’s recent release Porter Plays Porter with Nancy King is a mix of swing, harmony, and lyrical adventure.

The mission of Montavilla Jazz Festival is not only to bolster Portland’s dynamic jazz culture, but also to enrich the local community. Like the neighborhood that serves as its home, MJF is a progressive, diverse, locally minded event that offers Montavilla residents an opportunity to come together, form connections and plug into Portland jazz.

Both by and for the neighborhood, MJF relies on the contributions of local businesses and volunteers. Before a single ticket is sold, all the resources needed to present MJF are raised in the form of sponsor dollars and partner inkind contributions. MJF is proud and grateful to be supported by more than 50 sponsors and partners. MJF is also entirely run by volunteers. More than 70 volunteers ensure that the festival weekend runs smoothly, while still more volunteers work on the festival throughout the year. From the food and drink vendors to the volunteer who takes your ticket, every aspect of MJF is infused with the spirit of the Montavilla neighborhood.

The passion of organizers, artists, sponsors, partners and volunteers makes a big impact. In 2017, more than 500 attendees over two days witnessed 12 performances featuring 65 performers. Just as crucially, because of the hard work of its supporters, MJF is able to donate a portion of the proceeds from every ticket to the Montavilla Schools Music Fund. This money funds a variety of music education grants, which are open to the four public schools that serve Montavilla families. These grants support music education, encouraging the next generation of great jazz artists. To date MJF has granted $5,500 to Montavilla neighborhood schools.