The 11th annual Montavilla Jazz Festival (MJF) will begin at the end of August with a weekend full of music events in the neighborhood and locations across Portland’s Eastside. The three-day celebration of local artistry starts on Friday, August 30th, and runs through Sunday, September 1st, with free and ticketed events. Each year, MJF brings music fans of all ages to the neighborhood and expands the general appreciation for jazz.
The yearly late summer music programming spans outdoor locations such as Mt. Tabor Park and Montavilla’s SE 79th Avenue Street Plaza. Neighborhood businesses will also become venues during the festival, including BoneJax, Montavilla Brew Works, Vino Veritas, Beer Brats & Beats, Portland Metro Arts, Threshold Brewing & Blending, and Beer Bunker’s patio. The MJF website has a detailed list of event locations, times, and links to secure tickets or reservations when necessary. Area businesses Yaowarat, Vino Veritas, Threshold Brewing, and The Observatory will offer nightly food and drink specials and entertainment during the three-day event. The Academy Movie Theater will participate in the celebration through special showings of the 1958 film noir classic “Elevator to the Gallows,” featuring a jazz-rich score by Miles Davis. Beyond the Montavilla area, Strum, The 1905, and Alberta Rose Theatre will host additional MJF performances.
Thanks to Prosper Portland’s Scale Up Grant for summer 2024, MJF can offer more than twice the number of performances than the previous year. It is the only Portland festival focused on original music from the city’s jazz artists. Preferences will feature the rising stars and creative artists connected to Portland. The 29 events include free concerts, three student stages, and a return to Mt. Tabor Park’s Caldera Amphitheater for two free concerts on Friday, August 30th.
For the second year, MJF honors the late Portland City Commissioner Nick Fish’s contribution to the city’s jazz community by presenting an award in his name. On August 31st, presenters will deliver this year’s Nick Fish Jazz Community Award to writer, broadcaster, and performer Lynn Darroch. The jazz radio host on KMH is also an author and recording artist with an in-depth perspective on the local musicians who shape the regional jazz sound.
With added free events and more Montavilla locations, this is an excellent year to explore Montavilla Jazz’s contribution to the music community and discover a new appreciation for a foundational style of American music. People interested in attending should look at the event schedule now to find out if they need reservations or tickets to particular shows. Everyone should plan for a busier weekend around event locations starting on August 30th and consider visiting local businesses with MJF specials for unique menu options.
Main article image by Norm Eder provided courtesy MJF, featuring Todd Marston and the Integer Quintet
VENUES:
- Mt. Tabor Park Caldera Amphitheater
- Portland Metro Arts (9003 SE Stark Street)
- Montavilla Plaza (SE 79th Avenue at SE Stark Street)
- Beer Brats & Beats (8826 SE Stark Street)
- The 1905 (830 N Shaver Street)
- Alberta Rose Theatre (3000 NE Alberta Street)
- Strum (1415 SE Stark Street #C)
- Driveway Jazz (Private Address)
- Montavilla Brew Works (7805 SE Stark Street)
- Vino Veritas Wine Bar and Bottle Shop (7835 SE Stark Street)
- Threshold Brewing & Blending (403 SE 79th Avenue)
- Beer Bunker (7918 SE Stark Street)