Shirley Nanette named 2026 Portland Jazz Master as festival returns for 10 days in March
Veteran Portland vocalist to be recognized during the Biamp Portland Jazz Festival, March 5–14, 2026
Shirley Nanette, a longtime Portland singer with a career spanning jazz, soul, and orchestral performances, will be honored as the 2026 Portland Jazz Master during the 2026 Biamp Portland Jazz Festival. The designation is awarded by the festival’s programming leadership and is positioned as a marquee local recognition within the citywide event.
The 2026 festival is scheduled for March 5 through March 14 and is set to present more than 50 performances across 30-plus venues around Portland. Organizers describe the program as a multi-genre approach that places jazz alongside soul, experimental music, and cross-genre projects, while maintaining an emphasis on both nationally touring artists and Portland-area performers.
How the recognition fits into the 2026 lineup
Nanette’s Jazz Master honor is integrated directly into the festival’s headlining schedule. She is slated to appear in conjunction with a major concert featuring Mavis Staples, serving as the opening performer. The same first-wave announcement lists additional prominent artists and ensembles including St. Vincent, Madeleine Peyroux, and guitarist Bill Frisell in trio format.
- Festival dates: March 5–14, 2026
- Scale: 50+ performances across 30+ venues
- Selected national bookings: St. Vincent, Mavis Staples, Madeleine Peyroux, Bill Frisell Trio
- Local inclusion highlighted by: Shirley Nanette and other Portland-based acts included in the initial roster
Nanette’s Portland legacy and national performance history
Nanette’s body of work spans large-format jazz ensembles, local festival appearances, and performances with symphony orchestras. She made her debut with the Oregon Symphony in 1981 and has since appeared as a guest soloist with numerous orchestras across the United States, including ensembles based in Chicago, Seattle, Spokane, St. Louis, Indianapolis, Baltimore, Tucson, San Diego, Honolulu, Long Beach, and Washington, D.C.
Her broader career includes appearances at Oregon music events such as the Mt. Hood Festival of Jazz and other regional festivals, as well as a long record of opening performances for nationally known touring acts. She has also been recognized by the Portland Rose Festival Grand Floral Parade, where she performed from a dedicated float in consecutive years, and she has been inducted into the Oregon Music Hall of Fame.
The 2026 festival is planned as a 10-day, citywide series designed to balance touring headliners with established and emerging local talent.
Ticketing for the 2026 edition follows a staggered release model, with early access tied to membership presales and a later public on-sale. Additional programming—such as community events and educational offerings—has been signaled for release in subsequent announcements.