Now in its ninth year, the Portland Jazz Festival, which runs from February 17-26, features many acclaimed national and international musicians, including trumpeter Enrico Rava, saxophonist Branford Marsalis, singer Dee Dee Bridgewater and composer-pianist Vijay Iyer.

You'll also have the opportunity to hear plenty of local talent, including trumpeter and educator Thara Memory, who will be honored as this year’s Portland Jazz Master.

Over the years, Oregon Art Beat has profiled many of this year's performers. The video above features performances by Thara Memory, Linda Lee Michelet, Swing Papillon, Linda Hornbuckle, Reggie Houston and Nancy Curtin, and you can learn even more about this year's Jazz Festival performers by exploring our extensive  video playlist. Plus, start putting together your schedule of "must-see" concerts with this guide from Matt Fleeger, program director for jazz station KMHD.

KMHD's Portland Jazz Festival Guide

Navigating the 150+ different performances that make up the Portland Jazz Festival can be a mind-bending challenge, so KMHD has compiled this easy rough-guide to the festival. Whether you’re a fan of straight-ahead Jazz, funky stuff, vocals or avant-garde, the festival has something for everyone!

For Straight-Ahead Jazz Fans

Mon, 2/20, 7:30 @ Jimmy Mak's - Charles McPherson
Weds, 2/22, 8:30 @ Ivories – Chuck Israels plays Bill Evans
Fri, 2/24, 7:00 @ Newmark Theater – Roy Haynes Fountain of Youth Band
Sat, 2/25, 9:30 @ Art Bar – Upper Left Trio
Sun, 2/26, 3:00 @ Newmark Theater - Branford Marsalis + Joey Calderazzo

For Fans of Funky Jazz

Fri, 2/17, 9:30 @ Nel Centro - Damian Erskine + Carlton Jackson
Sun, 2/19, 8:00 @ Blue Monk – The Quadraphonnes
Fri, 2/24, 9:30 @ Crystal Ballroom - Bill Frissell plays John Lennon
Sat, 2/25, 9:30 @ Chrystal Ballroom - Charlie Hunter + PDX Afrobeat Breakdown

For Adventurous Fans

Sat, 2/18, 7:30 @ Winningstad Theater – Enrico Rava
Sun, 2/19, 7:00 @ Winningstad Theater – The Jazz Passengers
Thurs, 2/23, 8:00 @ Gallery 135 – Portland Jazz Composer's Ensemble
Sat, 2/25, 3:00 @ Crystal Ballroom - Vijay Iyer + Tirtha

For Fans of Vocal Jazz

Thurs, 2/23, 7:00 @ Newmark Theater - Dee Dee Bridgewater
Sat, 2/25, 8:30 @ Touche – Kelley Shannon feat. Dick Birk

For Free!

Sat, 2/18, 9:30 @ Art Bar – Better Homes and Gardens
Thurs, 2/23, 9:00 @ Rogue Brewery – Go by Train
Thurs, 2/23, 9:30 @ Art Bar – Rebecca Kilgore and Dave Frishberg

Local Jazz on Oregon Art Beat

Enjoy this sampler of local artists who will be performing at the 2012 Portland Jazz Festival.