Christopher Brown Quartet

Christopher Brown Quartet

Wed, Mar 04

TICKETS $25 | ALL AGES John Nastos (Alto Sax) Greg Goebel (Piano) Garrett Baxter (Bass) Christopher Brown (Drums) Upon Christopher Brown’s return to Portland in 2012—which was preceded by 13 years in the NYC area, as well as four years in the Marine Corps—the assemblage of his quartet quickly became one of note. And by 2017, his quartet had officially become the most visible Jazz group in all of Portland, with a steady weekly cadence of 3-4 performances, which was maintained until the start of the global pandemic. And even then, it took them no more than three months to return to a similar weekly performance schedule. Since 2017, the quartet has created a home for themselves at the famed 1905 Jazz club in Portland. And through their regular performances, they’ve not only helped to raise the profile of the venue to one of the world’s top 100 Jazz clubs according to Down Beat Magazine, but of Jazz itself in Portland. So in a market where it's difficult to maintain group's with the same personnel, it's arguable that the Christopher Brown Quartet succeeds as being one of (if not the best) Jazz "group" in all of Portland, which in turn gives them such a powerful, polished, and identifiable sound that can now be heard on his debut album "Sole City" on the PJCE record label. 

Michael Raynor Quartet

Michael Raynor Quartet

Thu, Mar 05

$25 TICKETS | ALL AGES Drummer Michael Raynor splits his time between Portland and Chicago, where he spent more than twenty years playing with tenor sax icon and NEA Jazz Master, Von Freeman. Raynor also toured with vocalist Kurt Elling and can be heard on two of his Grammy nominated recordings, including "Live in Chicago," featuring Jon Hendricks. He has worked with Freddie Hubbard, Eric Alexander, Tia Fuller, Steve Coleman, Gary Bartz, Johnny Griffin, Ira Sullivan, Jon Faddis, Bob Sheppard, Bobby Broom, Fareed Haque, Howard Levy, Arturo Sandoval, Chuck Israels, Nancy King, and Bob Dorough among others. In addition to playing festivals throughout Europe, North America, and Australia, Raynor has co-led tours in both Asia and Africa as a United States Jazz Ambassador. 

Dmitri Matheny Group featuring Holly Pyle

Dmitri Matheny Group featuring Holly Pyle

Fri, Mar 06

TICKETS $30 | ALL AGES Dmitri Matheny Group featuring Holly Pyle! Known for her “soulfully graceful, liquid-like voice” (New Times), Los Angeles vocalist HOLLY PYLE started out as an opera major before studying jazz and psychology. Now one of the most popular vocalists in the west, Holly performs with leading jazz groups and appears regularly as a solo a-cappella act using electronic looping to build masterful sonic creations. Flugelhornist DMITRI MATHENY has been lauded as “one of the most emotionally expressive improvisers of his generation” (International Review of Music). An honors graduate of Berklee College of Music, Dmitri Matheny vaulted onto the jazz scene in the 1990s as the protégé of jazz legend Art Farmer. Since then he has garnered critical acclaim and a loyal international following, releasing twelve CDs and touring extensively throughout the United States, Europe and Asia.The San Francisco Chronicle calls Matheny “one of the jazz world’s most talented horn players.” For over a decade Dmitri and Holly have toured the western states, delighting audiences with their creative collaborations. Popular programs include The SnowCat, an original theatrical production for kids and families, Jazz From The Silver Screen, and deep dives into the songbooks of Burt Bacharach, Henry Mancini, Joni Mitchell, Antonio Carlos Jobim, and Stevie Wonder. According to All About Jazz, the Dmitri Matheny Group is “an all-star jazz band featuring some of the most accomplished musicians in the western United States.” 

Late show with David K Matthews and George Colligan Trio

Late show with David K Matthews and George Colligan Trio

Fri, Mar 06

TICKETS $25 | 21+ PLEASE David K Matthews - piano George Colligan - drums Patrick Golichnik - bass “Home grown Dave Mathews, he can play everything” – Etta James David K Matthews is a brilliant pianist, keyboard and organist who has been touring internationally for decades with many famous artists most notably great Carlos Santana. Don’t miss this special 1905 late night set featuring up-and-coming basis Robert Rodriguez and Drummer George Colligan for an incredible set of jazz piano trio music “And we have David K. Mathews on keyboards, who was with Tower Of Power and Etta James before us. He’s become imperative to the band because he’s got knowledge of everything from Otis Spann and McCoy Tyner to Randy Weston and Eddie Palmieri” – Carlos Santana. 

Xylyn Hathaway Quartet

Xylyn Hathaway Quartet

Sat, Mar 07

TICKETS $25 | ALL AGES Xylyn Hathaway has become a conduit of vulgar-beauty-jazz music that sinks its teeth into the space it fills. They paint canvas into composition and wield an upright bass like a bazooka, exploding hearts open, peeled backwards into a bouquet of manic laughter from the pit of your chest. Xylyn is a cherished figure and friend in the jazz community, born on Earth, one stone’s throw west of the palpitating heart of downtown Portland, Oregon. She plays with cats like George Colligan, like Ron Steen, like anybody making big, nasty music to be hurt and healed in this wet crow city. As a band leader, their musical vision unfolds, sprouting dimly lit behemoth architecture, oozing spirits from the gills as it gasps for its first breath beneath thumps quantized in fractals. She propels a soloist or a broken poet off cliffs into Jupiter’s hurricane eye. Xylyn’s music exudes peace and play, dancing between us, around us, below the violent ocean dismembered by big old stones. 

Ed Bennett Quintet

Ed Bennett Quintet

Sun, Mar 08

TICKETS $25 | ALL AGES Ed Bennett has long been considered one of the West Coast's premiere string bass players. Living in Portland, Oregon since 1990, Ed's work has taken him virtually everywhere in the world. He has worked with, toured internationally, or recorded with many legendary jazz figures, including: Dizzy Gillespie, Curtis Fuller, Terell Stafford, Claudio Roditi, Jeremy Pelt, Joe Henderson, Sonny Stitt, Benny Golson, Frank Morgan, Richie Cole, Pete Christlieb, Bud Shank, Charles McPherson, Hadley Caliman, Bobby Watson, Harry Allen, Pete Jolly, Don Abney, Joe Albany, Dave Frishberg, James Williams, Mike Wofford, Pete Malinverni, Bill Mays, Dick Berk, Lawrence Marable, Frank Butler, Gene Stone, Joey Baron, Chuck Redd, Carmen McRae, Jimmy Witherspoon, Anita O'Day, Nancy King, Ernistine Anderson, Marlena Shaw, Karrin Allyson, Mary Stallings, Dee Daniels, Bill Henderson, The Modernaires, Toshiko Akiyoshi-Lew Tabakin Big Band and the Gerald Wilson Orchestra. A dedicated, working professional, Ed also majored in music, first attending Los Angeles Valley College. The following year, Ed was accepted to the Berklee School of Music in Boston in 1971. Ed made what he considers to be his first professional jazz engagement doing a week stint at the Jazz Workshop with Brazilian greats Victor Brasil and Claudio Rotiti, while a Berklee student. On his return home to Los Angeles he attended CSUN (Cal State University Northridge) in 1973. In 1974, Ed toured with Jimmy Witherspoon. Between 1976 and 1979 he backed Carmen McRae, making his recording debut on "Carmen McRae at the Great American Music Hall" in San Francisco which was nominated for a Grammy Award in 1977. In 1981, he worked with the Toshiko Akiyoshi-Lew Tabackin Big Band, recording the double Grammy nominated "Tanuki's Night Out" (released in Japan as "From Toshiko With Love") Ed Bennett recorded his first album as leader in 1987. A trio date with Kent Glenn (piano) and Jack Ranelli (drums). In 1993 Ed started Saphu Records, an independent jazz record label featuring select West coast jazz musicians. There are currently 23 releases in the Saphu catalog. In Portland, Ed has been a member of the Mel Brown Quartet for over 20 years. He has been the bassist for the Tony Pacini Trio since 1999. Ed performs with his Quintet focusing on his original compositions, and a bass duo with Shao Way Wu called Two Bass Hit. 

Women In Jazz: LaRhonda Steele & Nafisaria - A Birthday Celebration!

Women In Jazz: LaRhonda Steele & Nafisaria - A Birthday Celebration!

Wed, Mar 11

TICKETS $30 - ALL AGES Kicking off our Women in Jazz week is a special birthday show with LaRhonda Steele and Nafisaria! LaRhonda, A Blues and gospel singer and songwriter, is recognized as one the region's best rhythm and blues vocalists. She has been dubbed "The First Lady of Portland Blues”—a title of leadership that she lives up to as she shares songs that carry forth directly from her soul and spiritual life-force. LaRhonda enjoys performing with her band at local festivals, theaters, private parties and clubs. Working as a Vocal Coach she enjoys helping others find their voice. Nafisaria Mathews is a singer/guitarist from the north Portland area. She started singing at a very young age alongside her mother, the late great pianist Janice Scroggins. She has graced many stages with many amazing artists including Esperanza Spalding, Liv Warfield, The doo doo funk all stars, Portland Cello Project and last but not least, her big sister Arietta Wards band, Mz. Ettas World. 

Women In Jazz: Kerry Politzer and Bossa PDX

Women In Jazz: Kerry Politzer and Bossa PDX

Thu, Mar 12

TICKETS $30 - ALL AGES Kerry Politzer is a Portland-based jazz pianist, composer, and educator. She is on the music faculty of Portland State University and Clackamas Community College, and has also taught at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Swing University, the University of Portland, and the University of Manitoba. Kerry received a Bachelor of Music from the New England Conservatory of Music, where she studied improvisation and composition with the late jazz guru Charlie Banacos, and a Master of Music from Rowan University. Prior to her latest album Alternate Route (Whirlwind Recordings), Kerry released eight jazz CD’s as a leader, including Blue in Blue, which featured saxophonist Donny McCaslin and was termed a “first-rate jazz outing” by AllAboutJazz.com. She has also been a featured sideman on albums of George Colligan, Laura Dreyer, and the Portland Jazz Composers Ensemble (PJCE). Her commissions include works for the PJCE as well as a solo piano piece, “Microclimates,” for the pianist Andree-Ann Deschenes. This piece was featured on Modern Notebook with Tyler Kline. In 2019, Kerry was awarded a Regional Arts and Culture Council Artistic Focus grant to explore the music of Brazilian composer Durval Ferreira. The project culminated in the August 2019 release of Diagonal: The Music of Durval Ferreira. Kerry continues to be inspired by Brazilian music. The pianist has headlined the Montavilla Jazz Festival and performed at other festivals and venues including the 25th Annual Gene Harris Jazz Festival, the Black Dolphin, Jazz Forum, the Oregon Coast Jazz Party, Jazz in the Valley, Smalls, the Sound Room, and many others. 

Women In Jazz: Jessica Israels with Chuck Israels

Women In Jazz: Jessica Israels with Chuck Israels

Fri, Mar 13

TICKETS $30 - ALL AGES Jessica and Chuck Israels are a father-daughter jazz duo: Chuck Israels, the renowned bassist and arranger, often features his daughter Jessica Israels, a vocalist, in his ensembles like the Chuck Israels Jazz Orchestra, especially on tracks like Bill Evans' "Waltz for Debby," blending her clear voice into intricate big band arrangements for a unique sound. Chuck, a former WWU professor, leads his orchestra in performing original compositions and jazz standards, showcasing musical democracy and complex arrangements with his daughter as a key vocalist. 

Late Show: Women In Jazz - Anandi & Friends

Late Show: Women In Jazz - Anandi & Friends

Fri, Mar 13

TICKETS $20 | 21+ PLEASE With a name that means ‘bliss’ in Sanskrit one could easily infer that Anandi’s music would conjure up sounds and images of sleepy mellowness. But this isn’t “New Age” music. Anandi performs with a strong sense of wakefulness, always swinging, with a penchant for poignant lyricism and melodic sophistication that makes her an instant hit with audiences. Born in Los Angeles to a singer/songwriter and a jazz drummer, Portland native Anandi ended up in Nova Scotia where she studied vocal jazz performance at St. Francis Xavier University. After a stint working at Rounder Records in Boston and singing her original songs around Boston and New York City she moved back to Portland after bearing ‘live’ witness to the 9/11 attacks in downtown New York City. Returning to jazz and singing in the style inspired by the likes of Sarah Vaughn, Nancy Wilson, and Carmen McCrae, she has become a well-respected singer, performing at venues like the legendary Jimmy Mack’s, The 1905, Jack London Revue and the PDX Jazz Festival. She has recorded seven albums, which include three albums of jazz, and has played and recorded with many local luminaries including Randy Porter, Greg Goebel, Mike Horsfall, Dave Captein, John Stowell & Ron Steen. Audiences enjoy Anandi's full spectrum approach to jazz, often adding “scat” and vocalese to her performance. She expects to release her fourth jazz album at the end of March 2026 

Women In Jazz: Alden Hellmuth Quartet

Women In Jazz: Alden Hellmuth Quartet

Sat, Mar 14

TICKETS $40 | ALL AGES AldenHellmuth - sax Noah Simpson - trumpet Charles Brown III - piano Garrett Baxter - bass Ken Mastrogiovanni - drums Alden Hellmuth is a saxophonist, improviser, and composer “out of the ordinary” (In & Out Jazz) and currently based in New York. Originally from Hartford, Connecticut, she grew up surrounded by the legacy of the great saxophonist Jackie McLean and received her bachelor’s degree from the Hartt School at the University of Hartford. In 2025 she received her master’s degree from the Herbie Hancock Institute at UCLA, where she was mentored by artistic director Ambrose Akinmusire and Herbie Hancock. Grounded by her foundations in tradition and drawn to a wide spectrum of experimental musical practices, Alden is deeply inspired by art that moves with emotion and lives within dissonance. As a composer and improviser, Alden strives for authentic expression through freedom, intuition, and a deep dedication to her craft. Her debut album, "Good Intentions," released in September 2024 under the Fresh Sound New Talent label, won “Debut Album of the Year International” (Deutscher Jazz Preis) and garnered international acclaim, with Steve Smith of For The Record describing it as "a vital debut," and Culture Jazz praising it as "...full of character, great imagination, and vibrant energy." She recently recorded her sophomore album with Justin Brown, Logan Kane, and Miller Wrenn, featuring Paul Cornish and Yakiv Tsvietinskyi. Alden has been awarded a number of opportunities including Chamber Music America’s Performance Plus grant (2025), ASCAP’s Herb Alpert Young Jazz Composer Award (2024), New Music USA Next Jazz Legacy Semi-Finalist (2022), The Focusyear Fellowship (2021-22), and since 2016 has participated in numerous programs committed to the support and empowerment of female artists, including the Women In Jazz Organization and the Dorothy Goodwin Fund. She has performed at venues and festivals across the globe including The Hollywood Bowl (LA), Blue Note Jazz Festival (LA), International Jazz Day (Morocco & Abu Dhabi), Stanford Jazz Festival (CA), the Jazz Aux Écuries Festival (FR), the Hartford Jazz Festival (CT), Ottawa Jazz Festival (CA), Rochester Jazz Festival (NY), The Jazz Gallery (NYC), Smalls (NYC), Smoke Jazz & Supper Club (NYC), Bird’s Eye (CH), Jamboree (ES), The Loft (DE), Porgy & Bess (AU), and many more. Alden has performed and/or recorded widely across genres with artists including Herbie Hancock, Dianne Reeves, Adi Meyerson, Josh Evans, Lex Korten, Kahiem Rivera, Moses Sumney, and in 2023 released two electronic tracks (sophia x maxine). She has also arranged pieces for Moses Sumney, Brandee Younger, and other artists. 

Late Show: Women In Jazz - Sherry Alves Sings: The Chet Baker Songbook

Late Show: Women In Jazz - Sherry Alves Sings: The Chet Baker Songbook

Sat, Mar 14

TICKETS $20 | 21 + PLEASE On March 14 at 10:30pm, acclaimed vocalist Sherry Alves brings her luminous, intimate style to The 1905 for an evening devoted to the timeless music of Chet Baker. Expect beloved classics delivered with warmth, nuance, and that signature cool, West Coast sensibility that made Baker a legend. Joining Sherry is an all-star ensemble: pianist Kerry Politzer, Robert Rodriguez on bass, and Brent Follis on drums—three of Portland’s finest, weaving together lyricism, swing, and late-night sophistication. 

Women In Jazz: Rivkah Ross - A Roy Haynes Tribute

Women In Jazz: Rivkah Ross - A Roy Haynes Tribute

Sun, Mar 15

TICKETS $25 | ALL AGES Rivkah Ross - Drums Brian Myers - Saxophone Patrick Carr - Piano Matt Sazima - Vibraphone Jack Radsliff - Guitar Kaytlin Hansen - Bass Roy Haynes passed away in November of 2024, and March 13, 2026 would have been his 100th birthday. For this special show in honor of Roy Haynes, Rivkah and her group will cover some beloved Roy Haynes tunes, as well as her original music which was inspired by him and his style. Rivkah Ross is a female jazz drummer-composer-bandleader born and based in Portland, Oregon. She has carved her own trail with the initial release of her debut album, Dare to Hope, on Portland-based PJCE Records. This bold offering gives a glimpse into a world that's both deeply personal and informed by the language of jazz giants like Roy Haynes, John Coltrane, Wayne Shorter, and Steve Swallow. Rivkah has been playing drums on the East and West Coasts for the past two decades and got her Bachelor of Music at Musicians Institute in Los Angeles. Highlights of her career as a drummer so far include performing in Europe and opening up for Dick Dale, the B-52s, The New Mastersounds, LMFAO, and Lady Gaga, and performing on stage with Stevie Wonder. 

Jack Radsliff Trio

Jack Radsliff Trio

Thu, Mar 19

TICKETS $25 | ALL AGES Jack Radsliff - guitar + compositions Joe Bagg - organ Michael Raynor - drums As a bandleader, Jack’s group is a fixture at clubs and festivals throughout the region including The 1905, Seattle Jazz Fellowship, PDX Jazz Fest, Mt Hood Jazz Fest, Little Big Fest, and Anacortes Arts. His records, Migration Patterns (2017), Barefoot (2024), and Living/Live (2025), have all been well received; the first two making it onto critics “best of” lists and the latter being called “one of the best albums to come out of Portland’s jazz scene so far this year” (Willamette Week). 
 As a collaborator, Jack is a first-call for many. He maintains a steady performance schedule working in bands led by local heavyweights Ron Steen, Alan Jones, Christopher Brown, Michael Raynor, Cyrus Nabipoor, Galen Clark and Kerry Politzer in addition to work with Greg Ward, Jonathan Pinson, Chuck Israels, George Colligan, Tony Glausi, Jacob Wutzke, Leon Cotter, Nicole McCabe, Dan Balmer, the Brown Branch Big Band and many more. Jack’s playing can be heard on more than a dozen records to date including releases from Tony Glausi, Martina DaSilva, Cyrus Nabipoor and Xavier Lecouturier. 
 Sign up for Jack’s mailing list (jackradsliff.com) to see when and where he’s performing next. 

Chris Shuttleworth Quintet

Chris Shuttleworth Quintet

Fri, Mar 20

TICKETS $25 | ALL AGES With a sound rooted in powerful lyricism and an unapologetic search for melody, Chris Shuttleworth has quickly established himself as one of the most fascinating voices in the Pacific Northwest jazz scene. He has shared the stage with many diverse acts ranging from jazz heavyweights such as Wycliffe Gordon, Chuck Israels, Miguel Atwood-Ferguson, Randy Brecker, Ken Peplowski, Greg Ward, Matt Ulery, and Dana Hall, to pop acts including Beats Antique, Hellogoodbye, The Temptations, and The Four Tops. He has also toured extensively as a leader and a sideman, having performed in the majority of the United States as well as internationally as far as Shanghai. Chris' debut recording as a leader "Document" is available on PJCE Records, with a follow-up slated for Spring of 2026. 

Charlie Brown III

Charlie Brown III

Sat, Mar 21

TICKETS $30 | ALL AGES A Portland native, Charlie Brown III is a musical director, producer, and keyboardist whose work has gained international renown in recent years. Brown has gained wider exposure when producing for mainstream rap artist, Aminé, and has spent ample time as a fixture in the tight-knit live unit supporting Memphis-based bass guitar prodigy, MonoNeon. Pushing the boundaries of jazz and new music, Brown does so with a unique knack for both composition and improvisation both on stage, and in the studio. He currently splits time producing and performing with his group Greaterkind in Portland, as well as hitting the international touring circuit with a variety of acts. Brown is co-director of the Brown Branch Big Band, and also has music of his own he curates and records. 

Bridgetown Sextet

Bridgetown Sextet

Sun, Mar 22

$25 TICKETS | ALL AGES Andrew Oliver, Piano Sam Dechenne, Trumpet John Moak, Trombone David Evans, Clarinet & Tenor Saxophone Doug Sammons, Guitar & Banjo Chris Shuttleworth, Tuba Tyson Stubelek, Drums The Bridgetown Sextet has been providing Portland and the Pacific Northwest with authentic and energetic 1920s and 30s jazz, stomp, blues, and swing for over 15 years, with a trademark sound evoking Creole New Orleans, the stomp of prohibition-era Chicago, raucous and wild 1920s Memphis and Kansas City, fast-paced Harlem stride piano, and the tight swing of depression era Manhattan. Performing music by icons of early jazz such as Jelly Roll Morton, Duke Ellington, Clarence Williams, and Bix Beiderbecke, as well as lesser known musical stylists, territory bands, and innovators such as Bennie Moten, Alex Hill, and Jabbo Smith, the Sextet has cemented its reputation as a favorite among both listening audiences and dancers. The band has performed at the Portland Jazz Festival, Portland Lindy Exchange, Camp Jitterbug in Seattle, the Seaside Jazz Festival, and all the major Portland area clubs past and present including Jimmy Mak’s, the Blue Monk, Secret Society and Duff’s Garage. 

MAE.SUN

MAE.SUN

Wed, Mar 25

$30 TICKETS | ALL AGES In the luminous world of MAE.SUN (aka Hailey Niswanger), music is a sacred collaboration with the divine. Through saxophones, clarinets, flutes, piano, and vocals, she orchestrates sonic landscapes rooted in love, awareness, and healing. After studying jazz at the prestigious Berklee College of Music on full scholarship, she began traveling the world as a professional musician, inspired by a multitude of sounds and teachings. Awakened through Thich Nhat Hanh in 2016, Hailey found a deeper meditation within her music and emerged with a new artist name and sound—MAE.SUN—releasing three albums: Vol. 1: Inter-be (2017), Vol. 2: Into the Flow (2019), and Vol. 3: Reverence (2024). Originally from Portland, Oregon, MAE.SUN first began making waves in the jazz community as Hailey Niswanger when she won the Mary Lou Williams Women in Jazz International Saxophone Competition before graduating high school. Her Billboard-charting debut album Confeddie (2009), garnered praise from jazz critics, including Nat Hentoff of The Wall Street Journal, and was listed among NPR’s top jazz albums of the year. While living in New York City, she released her second and third albums, The Keeper (2012) and PDX Soul (2015), all while touring with Esperanza Spalding’s Radio Music Society. MAE.SUN has continued to collaborate widely across the music world. Her flute can be heard on the Grammy-winning “Black Parade” by Beyoncé and on Terri Lyne Carrington’s The Mosaic Project. She has been a frequent collaborator with Medasin, and their viral song “Magic” has accrued nearly 70 million streams across music platforms. In 2021, her musical partnership with Mia Garcia brought forth the band OHMA, whose debut album Between All Things (2022) led them to open for FKJ on a North American tour. The duo released their second album, On Loving Earth (2024), and has performed internationally in Japan, Europe, and Mexico, as well as at the Hollywood Bowl with Incubus and on their album Morning View XXIII. Her collaborations span many genres. She has appeared on NPR’s Tiny Desk with Karol G; on Saturday Night Live with Demi Lovato; and on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon and The Late Show with David Letterman with Sleigh Bells. She has toured internationally with Clairo and performed with Kenny Barron, Harvey Mason, Vulfmon, The Wolff & Clark Expedition (a collaboration between drummer Mike Clark and pianist Michael Wolff), Kinga Głyk, Ben Williams, Mark de Clive-Lowe, Anna Wise, Louis Futon, and more. For the past 12 years, she has been recognized as a Rising Star in the DownBeat Critics Poll and has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, NPR, JazzTimes, Jazziz, and DownBeat Magazine. MAE.SUN has also performed at numerous venues and festivals across the United States, including New York’s Blue Note, National Sawdust, BRIC, Winter Jazz Fest, San Jose Jazz Summerfest, and on WBGO’s The Checkout. When not on the road or in the studio, one can usually find MAE.SUN immersed in nature with a wooden flute in hand. Her sound is a call to remember the interconnectedness of all things, sharing the depth and beauty of life through music. 

Bobby Torres Ensemble

Bobby Torres Ensemble

Thu, Mar 26

TICKETS $25 | ALL AGES From New York City, to Woodstock with Joe Cocker, through ten years of touring with Tom Jones, to forming his own Latin jazz group in Portland, Bobby Torres has been on the music scene for over 40 years. Besides performing as a percussionist, Bobby is a record producer, songwriter, percussion instructor, session musician and band leader. On April 30, 2016, Bobby was given the Jazz Journalist’s Association Jazz Hero Award. This award is given to advocates, altruists, activists, aiders and abettors of jazz who have had significant impact in their local communities. On September 11, 2015, Bobby performed with the Tadeschi Trucks band to a crowd of over 25,000 people at the Lockin’ Festival in Virginia. This concert was a tribute to Joe Cocker and featured many of the original members of Mad Dogs & Englishmen. See the full Tribute to Joe Cocker at this link. On August 24, 2009, Time Magazine published “Woodstock, How Does it Sound 40 Years Later?” an article which included a photo of Bobby in performance on stage with Joe Cocker at Woodstock along with the Mad Dogs & Englishmen. On May 4th of 2009, Bobby performed for Archbishop Desmond Tutu before his adoring crowd of over 4,800 people. And, later that same year, Bobby was inducted into the Oregon Music Hall of Fame. The formal ceremony, which included fellow inductees Terry Robb, Dan Balmer and others, was October 17, 2009 at the Roseland Theater. A versatile musician, Bobby was nominated for “Outstanding Percussionist” – a Muddy Waters Award – as a result of his work performing with Le Bon, Craig Caruthers, The Dan Reed Network, Curtis Salgado, Lloyd Jones and Linda Hornbuckle – all local R&B and Blues Musicians who developed national and international reputations of their own. 

Farnell Newton and The Soul of Jazz

Farnell Newton and The Soul of Jazz

Fri, Mar 27

TICKETS $30 | ALL AGES The 1905 Welcomes back, Farnell Newton's "The Soul of Jazz!" Trumpeter Farnell Newton returns to the stage at The 1905, bringing his signature blend of jazz, soul, R&B, and more to one of Portland’s most intimate listening rooms. Joined by an exceptional lineup of musicians, Farnell delivers deep grooves, rich melodies, and high energy performances that keep the room fully engaged. Known for his work with Jill Scott, Bootsy Collins, Liv Warfield, and saxophonist Mike Phillips, Farnell is sure to excite audiences in this classic and intimate jazz setting. 

Nick Rolfe and Co - Prince Re-Imagined

Nick Rolfe and Co - Prince Re-Imagined

Sat, Mar 28

$30 TICKETS | ALL AGES This time around, Nick Rolfe brings us a subtle reimagining of some of The Artist’s biggest hits, along with some more obscure ones as well. Former Prince band members will be on the stage to bring an authentic touch to his iconic music. Nick Rolfe was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and raised in Seattle, Washington. He began studying piano at the age of six, learning both classical and modern pop repertoire. Rolfe began his collegiate studies at Cornish College of the Arts, the leading music school in Seattle, then moved to New York City and completed his B.F.A, in music performance, at the New School for Social Researches' Mannes Conservatory. Nick has played piano and/or keyboards for numerous musicians including: Aretha Franklin, Sting, Bruce Springsteen, James Taylor, Idina Menzel, trumpeter Chris Botti, Hip-Hop luminary Busta Rhymes, India Arie, Earth, Wind and Fire legend Verdine White, vocal sensation Ledisi, and many others. Nick Rolfe's award winning ( SESAC National Performance Award ) debut as a leader, "The Persuader" (Blue Jay Records) was the number 5 instrumental jazz record in the United States on multiple charts in 2001. Both as a leader and a sideman, Rolfe has toured extensively, nationally and internationally. He has received critical acclaim for performances in support of his most recent albums "The Remedy"[2003], "The Mind Of An Evolutionary"[2005] and "A History of Things To Come" [T.A.C.S. Records 2010] as well as his work as a highly sought-after pianoplayer/keyboardist for other artists. Along with his musical talents Nick has added acting to his resume, appearing on-screen with Academy Award winners Susan Sarandon and Ralph Fiennes in the Emmy Nominated, Golden Globe nominated HBO Film "Doris and Bernard" directed by Bob Balaban, and with Brooke Shields in the NBC series "Lipstick Jungle". Photo Cred: Reed Ricker at The 1905 

Mel Brown B3 Organ Group

Mel Brown B3 Organ Group

Sun, Mar 29

TICKETS $30 - ALL AGES "If this band appeared in New York City, they'd be a sensation!" That was guitar great--and one-time Mel Brown bandmate--George Benson's reaction after hearing the Mel Brown B-3 Organ Group open for him back in September, 2003 at Oregon's prestigious Britt Festival. In fact, this true all-star band--each member is widely viewed as tops in the Northwest on his instrument--has been a sensation for a long while now. With a collective resume that reads like a "Who's Who" of jazz, blues, and soul (all four members are Oregon Music Hall of Fame inductees), this group has the talent and confidence to be completely spontaneous--from their blistering solos to their improvised arrangements and segues. No wonder they've thrilled audiences wherever they've played. 

Christopher Brown Quartet

Christopher Brown Quartet

Wed, Apr 01

TICKETS $25 | ALL AGES John Nastos (Alto Sax) Greg Goebel (Piano) Garrett Baxter (Bass) Christopher Brown (Drums) Upon Christopher Brown’s return to Portland in 2012—which was preceded by 13 years in the NYC area, as well as four years in the Marine Corps—the assemblage of his quartet quickly became one of note. And by 2017, his quartet had officially become the most visible Jazz group in all of Portland, with a steady weekly cadence of 3-4 performances, which was maintained until the start of the global pandemic. And even then, it took them no more than three months to return to a similar weekly performance schedule. Since 2017, the quartet has created a home for themselves at the famed 1905 Jazz club in Portland. And through their regular performances, they’ve not only helped to raise the profile of the venue to one of the world’s top 100 Jazz clubs according to Down Beat Magazine, but of Jazz itself in Portland. So in a market where it's difficult to maintain group's with the same personnel, it's arguable that the Christopher Brown Quartet succeeds as being one of (if not the best) Jazz "group" in all of Portland, which in turn gives them such a powerful, polished, and identifiable sound that can now be heard on his debut album "Sole City" on the PJCE record label.