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Old 02-07-2009, 04:12 PM
 
3 posts, read 12,721 times
Reputation: 12

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Ok, here's my dilema: I am torn between two cities. On one hand is New Orleans, a place that I love dearly and where there is plenty of work for gigging jazz musicians. On the other is Portland which I also love. Both cities are a good fit for me. I like the green and progressive qualities of Portland and, it also seems a little more dog-friendly than New Orleans. Both Portland State and University of New Orleans have good music progams (I am a music student). I just can't decide which would be the better choice. I think the deciding factor has boiled down to whether or not there is a lot of work for a gigging jazz musician in PDX. Finding work would definately not be a problem in New Orleans. I know several people who make a more than comfortable living playing jazz in NOLA. Honestly, I think I would be happier in Portland so long as there is a large jazz scene. Any input from locals or whomever would be appreciated.
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Old 02-09-2009, 06:30 PM
 
Location: San Francisco, CA
252 posts, read 960,356 times
Reputation: 198
I love Portland, but if you care about a vibrant jazz scene, you should go with NOLA. Portland is great if you want to start an indie rock band, but it really lacks much of a jazz scene. NOLA and Portland are not in the same universe when it comes to the popularity of jazz.
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Old 02-10-2009, 12:35 PM
 
Location: Portland, Oregon
2,515 posts, read 5,022,043 times
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Yes, Portland is not New Orleans but we're not exactly the desert either. Here are some useful links:

www.portlandjazz.com

www.pdxjazz.com

www.portlandjazzorchestra.org

www.jsojazzscene.org

www.pdjs.org

www.jimmymaks.com

www.jazzpdx.org

www.kmhd.org
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Old 02-10-2009, 12:53 PM
 
Location: Portland, OR
865 posts, read 2,500,919 times
Reputation: 716
I'll agree with Robert. No it ain't New Orleans, but Portland has had/does have some prominent jazz musicians and a healthy jazz seen. It would be easier to find gigs in NO, but it's not impossible here. The Portland positives the OP mentioned are also true, but be prepared for very gray winters.
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Old 02-11-2009, 03:09 PM
 
3 posts, read 12,721 times
Reputation: 12
gray winters I can deal with...so long people want to play some traditional jazz (not too traditional)
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Old 02-12-2009, 12:22 PM
 
Location: City of Thorns
536 posts, read 2,153,663 times
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Im from the midwest, Omaha to be exact. I was surprised to see how much jazz is out here. There's this itty bitty jazz club near PSU called the Cave, and Jimmy Mak's and Wilf's has jazz nightly. I've seen a few good musicians since I moved here, like Les McCann. Anyway, It ain't New Orleans, but nothing is. I think you'll find enough jazz to fit your needs, and yes PSU does have a good music program.
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Old 02-15-2009, 03:17 PM
 
Location: Ocala,Florida
86 posts, read 318,297 times
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I've been to jimmy mack's in the Pearl and it was cool. My friend is a musician in PDX and did her college education at Portland state. She is in a few bands and teaches percussion and piano on the side from her home studio. SHe loves it there. Seems the jazz scene is pretty vibrant. I really realy enjoyed it. There is certainly more jazz there then one would normally expect. I believe there is even a yearly jazz festival (though it might not be after this year due to finances) and incidentally, trumpet player Chris Botti is from PDX area.
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Old 02-17-2009, 05:15 PM
 
207 posts, read 809,186 times
Reputation: 47
Jimmy Mack's Rocks!
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Old 02-18-2009, 10:47 PM
 
Location: City of Thorns
536 posts, read 2,153,663 times
Reputation: 283
Quote:
Originally Posted by gc57 View Post
Jimmy Mack's Rocks!
and has great food...
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