2/20/2019, 6 a.m
New Orleans trumpeter Christian Scott (left) is the opening night performer for the 16th annual Biamp PDX Jazz Festival. Portland's Darrell Grant will be honored as this year's Portland Jazz Master. WIKIPEDIA COMMONS PHOTO BY EVERT-JAN HIELEME
The 16th annual 2019 Biamp PDX Jazz Festival — set for Wednesday, Feb. 20 through Sunday, March 3 — will include a wide array of headliners, which celebrates Black History Month. While the festival traditionally opens on a Thursday, it will kick off a day early this year with an exciting performance by New Orleans trumpeter Christian Scott.
Ramsey Lewis, who was initially announced to perform, has retired from active touring and has been replaced by NEA Jazz Master Pharoah Sanders. This year marks the 50th anniversary of Sanders most iconic work, “The Creator Has a Master Plan.”
In honor of Blue Note Records 80th anniversary, trumpeter Terence Blanchard returns with his E-Collective band; Farnell Newton will pay tribute to Donald Byrd; Devin Phillips with special guest Brian Lynch performs Electric Mode for Joe; and Eli Degibri pays tribute to Hank Mobley.
Portland’s Darrell Grant will be honored as this year’s Portland Jazz Master.
Among other headline pianists set to appear are Patrice Rushen, Harold Mabern, Aaron Diehl and Matthew Whitaker. For a complete Biamp PDX Jazz Festival list of performers and events, visit pdxjazz.com.