If only it weren't so certain to cause confusion, the Portland Jazz Festival might want to consider calling itself the Phoenix Jazz Festival instead.
No, not the Arizona city. The image of the phoenix, the mythical bird reborn from its own funeral ashes, would be an apt emblem for the 2009 festival, set for Feb. 13-22. What just two months ago appeared a thing of the past now looks stronger than ever, at least as an artistic offering, with the most thematically cohesive and talent-rich lineup in its six-year history.
The 2009 theme for what's now officially the Alaska Airlines & Horizon Air Portland Jazz Festival is “Somethin' Else: Blue Note Records @ 70." The preliminary lineup, announced today, honors the most influential jazz label (Blue Note) with an impressive roster of its stars, past and present, from legends such as pianist McCoy Tyner and guitarist Kenny Burrell, to boundary-blurring young stars Jason Moran and Lionel Loueke, to crossover queen Cassandra Wilson.
The full schedule, which also will include numerous local and regional musicians, should total close to 150 performances, panel discussions, film screenings and other events over 10 days, according to artistic director Bill Royston.
Ticket go on sale today for PDX Jazz members at pdxjazz.com, and to the public Monday through the festival site and TicketMaster outlets.
No, not the Arizona city. The image of the phoenix, the mythical bird reborn from its own funeral ashes, would be an apt emblem for the 2009 festival, set for Feb. 13-22. What just two months ago appeared a thing of the past now looks stronger than ever, at least as an artistic offering, with the most thematically cohesive and talent-rich lineup in its six-year history.
The 2009 theme for what's now officially the Alaska Airlines & Horizon Air Portland Jazz Festival is “Somethin' Else: Blue Note Records @ 70." The preliminary lineup, announced today, honors the most influential jazz label (Blue Note) with an impressive roster of its stars, past and present, from legends such as pianist McCoy Tyner and guitarist Kenny Burrell, to boundary-blurring young stars Jason Moran and Lionel Loueke, to crossover queen Cassandra Wilson.
The full schedule, which also will include numerous local and regional musicians, should total close to 150 performances, panel discussions, film screenings and other events over 10 days, according to artistic director Bill Royston.
Ticket go on sale today for PDX Jazz members at pdxjazz.com, and to the public Monday through the festival site and TicketMaster outlets.
For more information contact All About Jazz.
