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44th Cathedral Park Jazz Festival returns with free concerts for all

Local blues and jazz musicians will perform beneath the iconic St. Johns Bridge.

July 15, 2024 • 
Cambrie Juarez
Hundreds of people on blankets and lawn chairs gather on a sloping field under the large gothic arches of the St. Johns Bridge.

Beer, wine, and canned cocktails from 503 Distilling will be available, along with international cuisine offered by food cart vendors.

Photo by Manzie Butler, @shehyphy

The longest-running free jazz festival west of the Mississippi returns this week to one of Portland’s most picturesque parks.

Celebrating its 44th year, the Cathedral Park Jazz Festival will bring some of the region’s biggest blues and jazz musicians to the foot of the St. Johns Bridge, Friday, July 19-Sunday, July 21. This year, attendees will get a taste of tango music for the first time, alongside these headliners:

Johnny Wheels & The Swamp Donkeys | Friday, 9-10 p.m. | Opening night will end on a high note with Portland’s top harmonica musician, according to the Cascade Blues Association.

Tyrone Hendrix & the PDX Soul Collective | Saturday, 8:30-9:45 p.m. | This drummer, composer, and producer is known for his eclectic, up-beat style that blends funk, jazz, and hip hop.

Jujuba | Sunday, 7-8 p.m. | Juju music meats Nigerian Afrobeat with this 10-member group that’s particularly talented at getting listeners moving and grooving.