Sunday, July 18
1:00 – 2:00
Portland Youth Jazz Orchestra
Founded by multi-instrumentalists Ben Medler and Michelle Medler, PYJO is Oregon’s largest private jazz program. They have been training musicians from the Portland Metro area since 2001. The PYJO band is the Jake Khawaja Trio with Jake Khawaja on piano, Ben Medler on Acoustic Bass, and Michael Rodenkirch on Drums.
2:30 – 3:30
Tony Pacini Trio
As a teenager, Tony was awarded a full scholarship to the prestigious Berklee College of Music by world renowned jazz author and critic Leonard Feather. One of Portland’s most popular pianists, Tony’s style is reminiscent of Hampton Hawes. Joining him on bass is top-rated Ed Bennett whose career included touring and recording with Carmen McRae. The very tasteful and Billy Higgins-inspired Portland drummer Tim Rapp completes the trio.
4:00 – 5:00
Julianne Johnson with the Ron Steen Quartet
An acclaimed singer, actress, director, and producer, Julianne is co-chair of music at Portland Community College. A classically-trained vocalist, Julianne’s deep roots in jazz will be evident at Cathedral Park. For this special performance, Julianne is backed by veteran Portland drummer and bandleader, Ron Steen.
5:30 – 6:30
500 Miles High (A tribute to Chick Corea)
With the passing of one of the most important figures in Jazz history, we’ve decided to honor his legacy. A brilliant and virtuosic keyboardist, Chic broadened the scope of jazz in our lifetime. To lead this group we’ve chosen one of Portland’s most versatile pianists, Ramsey Embick. A former Los Angeles music producer and engineer, Ramsey was music director and band leader for the Pointer Sisters. His love of Latin jazz is as evident as his modern jazz chops. Joining Ramsey is an all-star cast of top Portland players: bassist Tim Gilson, woodwind player Tim Jensen and drummer Michael Raynor.
7:00 – 8:15
Soul Vaccination
To finish the weekend, what better way than offering the kind of vaccine that keeps you humming those good old Funk & Soul classics. One of the tightest bands working today, Soul Vax infuses the stage with the greatest soul standards, and has been a fixture in the Northwest music scene for over 20 years.
- KBOO