Ron Steen is the king of the jazz jam session in Portland. He has hosted a number of sessions over the years at venues all over the city, some of which have become regular hangs for Portland’s best jazz musicians when they aren’t gigging. In November, two of those jam sessions are having anniversaries:
- Sunday, November 2nd - ”Four Year Anniversary Sunday Jam” at Clyde’s with Tony Pacini & Dennis Caiazza
There aren’t many gigs on Sunday nights, and consequently, you’ll find some great musicians hanging out at Clyde’s on Sunday nights jamming. The venue has recently become smoke-free, making it a much more pleasant place to enjoy music.Clyde’s is located at 5474 N.E. Sandy Blvd. 8:30 PM to 11:30 PM. No smoking, no cover charge & free parking available in lot. For more information call 503-281-9200.
- Monday, November 3rd (Postponed until November 10) - ”Sixteen Year Anniversary Monday Jam” at Produce Row with Phil Goldberg and Dave SperanzaKeeping a jam session running for sixteen years is an amazing accomplishment. Talk to the pros around town and you’ll find out that this is the session to go to for serious music. Not only is this jam popular among Portland musicians, but when out-of-towners come through, they often know that this is the session to stop by. This means on any given Monday, you might have the chance to catch Dick Berk, Ben Wolfe, Dan Fahnle, or Jay Collins jamming.
Produce Row is located at 204 S.E. Oak St. 2 blocks west of MLK Blvd. 9:00 PM to midnight. No smoking, $3.00 cover charge & free parking available. For more information call 503-232-8355.
- Wednesday, November 5th - ”Kate Davis’ Wilf’s One Year Anniversary Party” featuring Tom Grant Although not a jam session, this gig also has an anniversary this week - one year of Wednesdays with Ron Steen and Kate Davis at Wilf’s. Kate is one of Portland’s star up-and-coming jazzers. She lays it down on bass and has a mean singing voice as well.
