When the organization PDX Jazz announced its lineup for the 2026 Biamp Portland Jazz Festival in mid-October, it was more than just a list of venues, artists and dates. This year’s festival, headlined by indie rocker St. Vincent, signals an expanded musical vision for the festival, says Chris Doss, executive director and CEO of PDX Jazz.

“We have brought in and diversified the program from previous iterations of the fest, and that is a reflection of Portland audiences,” Doss says. “Jazz is an art form that is very subjective.”

The move has already started to pay off: PDX Jazz has seen an 11% increase in new members since the announcement Oct. 13. Doss says the response to the lineup has been “overwhelmingly enthusiastic.”

Portland Jazz Festival will be held March 5-14, including more th

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