Portland's Own Hall of Fame Jazz Vocalist Shirley Nanette & Special Guests Featuring Julianne Johnson, Gina Saputo, and Brika de Tar with the PDX Jazz Allstar Band: Ronnie Steen (drums), George Mitchell (piano), Bobby Torres (percussion). Plus surprise special guests!
Tickets:
High School/College Youth: $12
General Admission: $22
Reserved Seating: $27
VIP Reserved with Dinner: $47
VIP Dinner Includes: Bourbon Street Chicken, Smoked Pulled Pork, Garlic Green Beans, 7-Cheese Creole Mac
Show Order:
Roosevelt HS Jazz Collective
PDX Jazz Allstars
PDX Comedy Popup
Alberta Abbey features a full bar and superb Creole Cajun food by Southern Grill Catering.
Join us for an incredible night of music featuring an amazing mix of female vocalists performing classic jazz and more! Headlining is the legendary Oregon Hall of Fame artist Miss Shirley Nanette, joined by powerhouse triple-threat vocalist, actress, and producer Julianne Johnson. Also performing are two incredible talents and fresh faces to the local jazz community - the gifted smooth soprano Gina Saputo and breakout songstress Brika de Tar!
This looks to be another epic performance at the Abbey with some of Portland's best. This is also a benefit event for our local community nonprofit Elevate Unity Inc.
Also showcasing the future of jazz in our city is the award-winning Roosevelt Jazz Collective from North Portland. These impressive young musicians will definitely make their mark on the music world sooner than later.
This veteran all-star musical lineup is led by renowned percussionist Ron Steen, with jazz favorite Kevin Dietz on bass and acclaimed local and national touring pianist George Mitchell!
SHIRLEY NANETTE
https://sites.google.com/site/shirleynanette2/
Shirley has appeared as a guest soloist in concerts throughout the United States and Canada on commercial and public television. She has performed at many of Oregon's musical events, including the Mt. Hood Festival of Jazz, Cascade Music Festival, Sunriver Music Festival, and at Oregon Art Museum's "Museum After Hours" Gospel Meets Jazz concert each year. Shirley was honored by the Portland Rose Festival Grand Floral Parade with her float for two consecutive years, from which she sang through the entire parade length. She has been the opening act for Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, Billy Eckstine, Diane Schuur, Lou Rawls, and Eddie Harris, and substituted for Tony Bennett with the Spokane Symphony when he became ill. Shirley performs with the Woody Hite Big Band and the George Reinmiller Big Band each year, usually in outdoor summer concerts.
Shirley made her debut with the Oregon Symphony in 1981, conducted by Norman Leyden. She appears as one of the "Pops" concert favorites. She has also appeared as a guest soloist with the symphony orchestras of Chicago, Seattle, Spokane, St. Louis, Indianapolis, Baltimore, Tucson, San Diego, Honolulu, Long Beach, and the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, D.C. In 1983, competing against several thousand contestants throughout the United States, she won the first "Star Search," aka "Fantasy" national talent competition on NBC Television. Shirley was recognized as "Best Female Vocalist in Portland" from 1981 to 1991. Shirley has been inducted in the Oregon Music Hall of Fame for her dedication to jazz and her long career.
JULIANNE JOHNSON
https://juliannejohnsonsoulfull.com/
Actress, Producer (documentary films), Stage Director, Grammy-nominated Recording Artist, award-winning composer/songwriter and educator, as well as the Associate Artistic Director of Stumptown Stages, Portland's own Musical Theatre Company.Since graduating from University of Portland, Julianne has been a celebrated professional entertainer, nationally and internationally. Her credits include film, television, touring with the USO to Korea, Japan, Okinawa with Concert performances in Spain, Rome and Cruise-headliner (national and international) touring the Mediterranean, Commercial Voice-over Artist, Director of Theatre for ESOL Otemae student Exchange Program with Portland State University (16 years) in collaboration with the extension in Osaka, Japan and recently Faculty Department Chair of the Music and Theatre programs for Portland Community College.As an Actress and singer Julianne’s has graced numerous stages both locally and regionally as a tour-de-force since the late 80’s. Her starring roles include Effie in Dreamgirls, Charmaine in Ain’t Misbehavin and in the Dolores Winningstad Performing Arts Center, the role of Ella Fitzgerald in the original play “Soul Harmony” and has also played Justice in the Broadway musical Rock of Ages. Other star turns with Julianne playing the leading/title roles include Hello Dolly, Gypsy, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Black and Blue, and an acclaimed regional tour of “Once on this Island “.
GINA SAPUTO
Saputo’s newest release, DAYDREAM, is a deeply personal journey and her seventh album to date. Featuring her longtime trio and special guests like Walter Smith III, Matt Otto, Ron Stout, Mark Ferber, and Joe Bagg, the album blends jazz standards, pop classics, and original arrangements—from Linda Ronstadt to Monk, Sarah Vaughan to Pink Floyd.Raised in Springfield, OR and seasoned by two decades in Los Angeles working with icons like Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Barbra Streisand, and Jeff Goldblum, Gina has returned to Oregon with a renewed voice and vision. Her career includes appearances on Decca Records alongside Miley Cyrus, Gregory Porter, and Fiona Apple, and performances at Disney Hall, Blue Note Honolulu, and festivals around the globe.Now based in Portland, she’s celebrating her return to her roots with a must-see performances filled with passion, power, and Portland’s premier jazz talent.
BRIKA de Tar
Singer/songwriter, Brika de Tar, began her singing career over 15 yrs ago, performing in various venues throughout the Nashville music scene as well as in Portland, OR. performing at various festivals and venues.Brikas vocal vibe is fashioned from the world of R&B, Neo Soul, Jazz, and the genres that we all love the most. Brikas undeniable energy, sultry and transparent vocal vision on life and love will take you on a much needed journey. She has dedicated herself to creating an atmosphere in which you can feel the vulnerability of her souls deep love for the art of music from the first and unto the last note she sings.
RON STEEN
Veteran bandleader and drummer Ron Steen is one of the Northwest’s top rhythm keepers and a leader of the Portland jazz scene. He is also the Godfather of Jazz Jams in Portland, having hosted ongoing jam sessions since 1980, including the famed jam at Produce Row. Notable international jazz stars who come through town stop in to Steen’s jams for impromptu music, led by one of the best in the business. In addition to hosting five jam sessions, Steen is also a sought after bandleader and session musician, who his peers hold in high regard for his solid and versatile rhythms and his engaging personality. Steen’s ability to bring together the top musicians in town and around the nation makes him one of the city’s most valuable assets.KEVIN DEITZ
Kevin is an active jazz and classical bassist, composer/arranger, educator, clinician and adjudicator. He currently teaches Music Theory, Aural Skills, Music Fundamentals, Music and the Media, and History of Rock and Roll at Clackamas Community College.As a classical bassist, Kevin has performed with the Eugene Symphony, Oregon Festival of American Music, Portland Ballet Orchestra, Portland Opera Orchestra, Portland Chamber Orchestra, Salem Chamber Orchestra, Symphonia Concertante, American Strauss Orchestra and with many regional symphonic choirs.As a cellist, Kevin has performed with the Portland Summer Festival Orchestra, Collage Trio, the Nu Shooz Orchestra, Skyline String Quartet, with Beach Boys founder Brian Wilson and with talk show host Regis Philbin.Jazz bass performances include concerts with Mose Allison, Terrence Blanchard, Dave Brubeck, Herb Ellis, Dave Frishberg, Benny Golson, and Diane Shurr. Pop and smooth jazz performances include concerts with the Oregon Symphony
KEVIN DEITZ
Kevin is an active jazz and classical bassist, composer/arranger, educator, clinician and adjudicator. He currently teaches Music Theory, Aural Skills, Music Fundamentals, Music and the Media, and History of Rock and Roll at Clackamas Community College.As a classical bassist, Kevin has performed with the Eugene Symphony, Oregon Festival of American Music, Portland Ballet Orchestra, Portland Opera Orchestra, Portland Chamber Orchestra, Salem Chamber Orchestra, Symphonia Concertante, American Strauss Orchestra and with many regional symphonic choirs.As a cellist, Kevin has performed with the Portland Summer Festival Orchestra, Collage Trio, the Nu Shooz Orchestra, Skyline String Quartet, with Beach Boys founder Brian Wilson and with talk show host Regis Philbin.Jazz bass performances include concerts with Mose Allison, Terrence Blanchard, Dave Brubeck, Herb Ellis, Dave Frishberg, Benny Golson, and Diane Shurr. Pop and smooth jazz performances include concerts with the Oregon Symphony
GEORGE MITCHELL
George Mitchell has been pop superstar Diana Ross’ first-call pianist for almost 40 years, and he continues to tour with her musical ensemble performing before audiences worldwide.
George Mitchell, along with the Diana Ross band, were guest artists at the 2016 White House Holiday Concert for President Obama and family. He has played at every conceivable venue worldwide with Miss Ross’s ensemble. As band pianist, he performed with a 40-piece orchestra at the prestigious Symphonica in Rosso at the Gelredome in Arnhem, Netherlands; at the 2008 Nobel Peace Prize ceremonies in Oslo, Norway; and at a 2002 command performance in Hyde Park, London, for England’s royal family. Not to mention private concerts for U.S. President Bill Clinton, South African President Nelson Mandela, and Motown Founder Berry Gordy.
Mitchell played piano at the famous Motown Records’ 25th Year Anniversary TV broadcast, at VH1 Divas Live in 2000, at Super Concerts in Taipei and Tokyo with renowned opera singers José Carreras and Plácido Domingo, and even played on through thunderstorms at Miss Ross’ famous 1983 Live in Central Park mega concert before a massive crowd of 400,000 fans. More recently, Mitchell was guest keyboardist on Wicked: The Musical at the Keller Auditorium. He has joined Miss Ross’ band numerous times on top-rated TV shows, including Oprah, The Tonight Show, Late Night with David Letterman, The TODAY Show, and others.
When not touring, Mitchell pursues his first love—playing jazz piano, Hammond B-3 organ, and keyboards. He is also a highly sought-after studio musician and jazz piano instructor. From an early age, the Portland, Oregon native displayed a musical maturity and talent that landed him engagements with jazz legends such as Sonny Stitt, Philly Jo Jones, Richie Cole, Eddie Harris, Jon Hendricks, and Kirk Whalum.
Closer to home, he lends his musical voice to all jazz styles. He is the keyboardist of choice for virtually every Northwest bandleader and singer, as well as for guest artists invited to perform with the Portland Symphony or at local jazz venues and festivals.
In 2012, Mitchell released his beloved Dream Gardens CD featuring the late jazz drummer Dick Berk and bassist Scott Steed. His superb 2008 Ballads CD is a collection of solo piano pop and jazz standards. In 2003, his highly anticipated second album Play Zone was released to great reviews, showcasing Mitchell’s unique jazz stylings with guest artists from Portland’s vibrant music scene. His first recording, Perspectives, features all original songs in a classic jazz quartet.
It goes without saying: George Mitchell is not only one of the most talented and well-respected touring musicians around, but also one of the busiest.
THE ROOSEVELT JAZZ PROGRAM
The Roosevelt Jazz Band, under the direction of Jason Margolis has been in existence since 2012. However, our community did not get middle school band programs until 2016. The tides started to really shift in 2019 when students came in with 3 or more years of musical experience. Our Jazz bands play with a lot of passion, style, and groove.
The Jazz program has become the heart of our music program and we bring our advanced and intermediate big bands, and jazz combos to various festivals throughout the state. We love the Pleasant Hill Jazz Festival where both our bands have made finals and placed since 2019.
In addition, we won the OMEA State Jazz championship in 2023 and have returned the last two years, and placed 3rd in 2024, and 2nd in 2025. We are super fortunate to bring in local Jazz artists such as Charlie Brown, Adriana Wagner, Domo Branch, Kyle Molitor, Cyrus Nabipoor, Quinn Walker, Olivia Fields, Mieke Bruggeman, and Machado Mijga.