Jazz Society of Oregon

Mission

The Jazz Society of Oregon ™ is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to promote jazz music in the Pacific Northwest. We seek to provide jazz education, build membership engagement through events and publications, provide scholarships to new and existing artists and programs that teach jazz music, and foster a greater appreciation of this indigenous art form.

Bottom Line for Portland

The Cathedral Park Jazz Festival is one of the longest-running free community events in the City of Portland, serving an audience of 9,000 to 12,000 people, honoring and acknowledging the important cultural contributions of our local jazz musicians, and bringing our community together to enjoy three days of fun in the sun in iconic Cathedral Park. Jazz Society of Oregon offers jazz and jazz education through our website publication, Jazz Scene, Jazz Society membership, and our scholarship program, preserving and promoting this important indigenous art form.

Quote

“Jazz Society of Oregon is one of the most important things we have going on here in Oregon to promote jazz in the community and to provide recognition and economic opportunity to our local jazz talent. Fifty years after we founded JSO, I see the vital work the organization is doing – connecting musicians with each other, connecting their work with jazz lovers in the community, and creating space for people from all walks of life and economic means to hear the music and support the musicians.” 

- Mel Brown, legendary local jazz musician and one of Jazz Society's founders

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

On average over the past three years, 40% of our performers are from the BIPOC community, and 62% of our vendors are people of color. Our music and food represents a diversity of cultures, including Soul, Indonesian, and Latin American food, and Afro, Latin, and Native American Jazz. Our student scholarships and free festival makes jazz more affordable and accessible to everyone.

Incentives

Free Cathedral Park Jazz Festival poster with minimum $25 donation.

20% off Jazz Society t-shirts and hats.

10% discount on Jazz Society membership enrollment.

Partner(s)

The 1905 hosts our JSO sponsored concerts and planned Give Guide event.

Montavilla Jazz is our non-profit partner. We are working on cross-promotion together and planning a Give Guide event at The 1905. Stay tuned!