Montavilla Jazz Presents: AJ Allida - A TRANScendent Rebirth

Fri, Aug 29

TICKETS $25 - 21+ PLEASE Experience the power of sound and self — A TRANScendent Rebirth by AJ Allida is a bold, moving journey of queer identity and self-discovery. Lineup: AJ Allida, compositions, arrangements, and piano; Zyanna Melada, vocals; Chris-Clark Johnson, guitar; Robert Rodriguez, bass; Dae Bryant, drums. AJ Allida is a pianist, composer, and music educator based in Portland, Oregon. Shortly after immigrating to the US from the Philippines, AJ started classical piano lessons at the age of 5 years old. During his years studying classical piano, he participated in the National Federation of Music Clubs, in which he earned numerous awards for Outstanding Piano Solo and Concerto performances. After two years of college at Mt. Hood Community College, he was first introduced to the art of jazz music and began studying with Mike Horsfall and Clay Giberson. His interest in jazz grew, leading him to transfer to Portland State University as a Jazz Piano major, studying with esteemed professors and musicians, George Colligan, Kerry Politzer, and Darrell Grant. His playing draws inspiration from his experience navigating life as a Filipinx, trans, and queer individual. AJ recently graduated with a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies and continues to work as a teacher and musician in the Portland and Seattle areas. Outside of music, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Clair, family, and friends. *The 12th Annual Montavilla Jazz Festival (MJF), presented by Accelerator Design Studios, takes place August 29–31, 2025, with a village-style celebration of Portland’s boundary-pushing jazz scene. Featuring 26 concerts across five venues, MJF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit—ticket sales directly support jazz education and community programs in Montavilla and beyond.