Portland Jazz Festival Back From the Dead

The Portland Jazz Festival, which just three weeks ago announced it was ceasing operations, has been resurrected. The 2009 festival will take place as planned. The festival sent this release to members of the press:

“As you know, we were forced to cease operations of the Portland Jazz festival nearly three weeks ago. Many of you had responded to this announcement, and I’m personally gratified by the support that many of you have expressed. Last Wednesday, two things happened. First, we were asked to meet with member of Portland City Council and a coalition of local leaders to explore ways to revitalize PDX Jazz. Later that day, we also received an unsolicited phone call expressing interest in a new title sponsorship. I’m pleased to tell you that we have reached a tentative, verbal agreement with Alaska Airlines on a multi-year title sponsorship, and we are reconvening this afternoon to accept support from local sources. This will both meet our immediate needs and provide the beginning of long-term stability. Portland Jazz Festival is back in business and plans to present, as planned, a 6th annual festival February 13-22 celebrating the 70th anniversary of Blue Note Records! It will take us at least another week to formalize agreements, re-assemble staff, confirm venues and other renewing sponsors, and, yes, secure talent for February.”

Originally Published October 1, 2008