The Mt. Hood Jazz Festival has recently concluded its three-day event at Mt. Hood Community College from May 5-7, 2023, with a fantastic turnout of jazz enthusiasts from various high school and middle school jazz bands, as well as other music lovers in
the area. The festival boasted a star-studded lineup of jazz performers, featuring Grammy Award winners such as the Ignacio Berroa Trio, Bill Charlap Trio, and Michael Dease.
The Ignacio Berroa Trio wowed the crowd with the renowned Cuban drummer's exceptional skills, who has previously collaborated with jazz legends such as Dizzy Gillespie, Wynton Marsalis, and McCoy Tyner. Bill Charlap Trio, led by the critically acclaimed
American jazz pianist and composer, also delivered an outstanding performance. Michael Dease, the trombonist, composer, and educator who has worked with several notable artists, including Christian McBride, Roy Hargrove, and Nicholas Payton, showcased
his musical prowess to the delight of the audience.
Aside from the headliners, the festival also showcased an impressive roster of performers, including the Dan Balmer Quartet, Esthesis Quartet, Mark Zaleski Quartet, The John Raymond Project, Mt. Hood Jazz Collective with Mark Zaleski, PJCE, Soul Vaccination,
and several other local artists, including some MHCC students. The festival's Director of Jazz Studies at MHCC, Dan Davey, expressed his excitement over the event's success, saying, "We are thrilled to welcome such an incredible lineup of jazz
artists to the Mt. Hood Jazz Festival this year."
The festival took place at Mt. Hood Community College, located at 26000 SE. Stark St. in Gresham, Oregon, and was attended by hundreds of music lovers who were treated to an unforgettable experience. The festival was a tremendous success and celebrated
the rich and diverse world of jazz music.
Photo credit to Camille Bruya Photography.