Mt. Hood Jazz Festival Returns to Mt. Hood Community College with Acclaimed Artists

Etienne CharlesThe Mt. Hood Jazz Festival is returning to Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC) from May 3-5, 2024, with a star-studded lineup of jazz musicians. Performing at the festival are acclaimed artists Joshua Redman, Hailey Niswanger, Etienne Charles and Creole Soul, Camille Thurman, Steve Spiegl Big Band, the Portland Jazz Composers Ensemble, the Mt. Hood Jazz Collective, the MHCC Jazz Combo, Sherry Alves Brazilian Quartet, and the Randy Porter Trio.

Though many skilled performers will take the stage at this event, the jazz festival’s overall mission is rooted in education. With 79 high school and middle school jazz ensembles participating in this year’s festival, festival organizers hope to educate and inspire the jazz artists and audience of tomorrow.

Career highlights among some of the performers include trumpet player Etienne Charles being written into the US Congressional Record for his musical contributions to Trinidad and Tobago as well as the rest of the world, and Hailey Niswanger playing flute on Beyonce’s Grammy-winning song “Black Parade.”

Joshua Redman“This weekend of music not only showcases world-class talent but also mirrors the vibrant spirit of jazz, honoring its rich past and promising future. We hope the community will join us for these exciting performances,” Director of Jazz Studies Dan Davey said.

The festival will take place at Mt. Hood Community College at 26000 SE. Stark St. in Gresham as well as other local venues, May 3-4. Ticket and schedule information can be found at mhcc.edu/jazzfestival. Prices for tickets vary depending on the day and the type of ticket.