The 2024 Vanport Jazz Festival: A Harmonious Journey Through Time

The annual Vanport Jazz festival has become a trek that many music lovers add to their calendar of cherished must attend events. Vanport is nestled along the banks of the Columbia River and brings with it a significant tale one must understand to fully appreciate. These beautifully manicured surroundings represent an area bombarded with tragedy, resilience, and artistic revival that is creating new generations of music lovers like no other.

A Brief History of Vanport

Vanport, Oregon, emerged during World War II as a bustling wartime housing project. Built in 1942 to accommodate shipyard workers, it quickly swelled to become the second-largest city in the state. Its diverse population included African Americans, Native Americans, and European immigrants, all drawn by the promise of employment and a better life.
However, Vanport’s fate was sealed by the very river that cradled it. On May 30, 1948, disaster struck: the Columbia River breached its levees, inundating the city. Within hours, Vanport disappeared beneath the floodwaters, leaving thousands homeless and altering the course of Oregon’s history forever.

Rising from the Ashes

Despite the devastation, the spirit of Vanport endured. Many displaced residents remained in Oregon, contributing to the state’s cultural fabric. Jazz musicians, in particular, found solace in their art, using music to heal and rebuild. And so, the seeds of the Vanport Jazz Festival were sown—a celebration of resilience, creativity, and never ending human spirit.

The 2024 Festival Experience

Commuting from Seattle

The distance from Seattle, WA. to Vanport, Oregon is approximately 169 miles. This year, due to slow speeds and accidents, the commute took around 4 hours. The beautiful weather, high temperature, along with the pleasant conversation I had with my husband along the way made the drive enjoyable. I also knew what awaited us once we arrived on the grounds.

Opening Night and VIP Experience

On Friday, August 2nd, festival-goers eagerly gathered as doors opened at 5:00 PM. VIP ticket holders, including us, enjoyed prime seating and exclusive amenities. The show was scheduled to commence at 6:00 PM.

Stellar Performers

• Jarrod Lawson: His soulful voice resonated across the acres of field, captivating the audience.
• Eric Darius: Despite a cable issue delaying his start, Eric emerged in a flaming red jacket, leather pants, and shades, wowing the crowd with his saxophone skills.
• Stockley (formerly of Mint Condition): A power-house voice, non-stop dance performance that rivaled the best of the best.

Sunday’s Unusual Delights

• Portland All-Stars: Respectable performers with delightful presentation.
• Esperanza Spalding: Her unusual lyrics, and trio of dancers brought a unique twist to the stage, earning love from the crowd.
• Najee: Rocking a pastel-colored suit, he had everyone on their feet, grooving to his tunes.
• Patrice Rushen: Her classics like “Forget Me Nots” and “Remind Me” ignited the dance floor.

Rick Braun and Richard Elliot

These contemporary jazz heavyweights closed out day 2 with an energetic performance. Rick Braun, known for his smooth jazz hits, and Richard Elliot, the iconic saxophonist, left the audience wanting more.

Festival Logistics

• VIP Area: Limited to four bathrooms this year, the previous years had more. Line length demonstrated having more is definitely better.
• Vendors: An array of food selections, from BBQ to vegan cuisine, kept hunger at bay.
• Time Between Acts: Still needs improvement, but the music made up for it

The Vanport Jazz Festival not only celebrates music but also honors the legacy of a resilient community. As we left with new friends and memories, we eagerly await the next harmonious journey into this historically significant spot.