Following a national 6-month search, PDX Jazz is pleased to announce the addition of Nicholas Salas-Harris to the organization as Artistic Director. In his new role, Harris will shape the creative programming of the Biamp PDX Jazz Festival and PDX Jazz seasonal events. 

 

PDX Jazz Board President Laura Golino de Lovato remarks, "Nicholas' experience in music production, from jazz to hip hop and soul, and his knowledge of the Portland community and music scene provides PDX Jazz with an essential piece of its new team.” Harris says, “live music is one of our last great means of social cohesion and jazz, in particular, is our greatest uniquely American art form.” Born and raised in Illinois, he moved to the Pacific Northwest in the early 2000s where he graduated from The Evergreen State College. 

 

Starting his career as a promoter and radio host while in college, Harris has produced thousands of events across the West Coast, from Los Angeles to Seattle. His background in festivals begins with the DC Jazz Festival, where he worked his way up from a first-year volunteer position to Producer and Talent Buyer during his final year with the organization.

 

Nicholas co-founded the Soul'd Out Festival in Portland, OR and the New Orleans Jazz Fest by Night series, serving both events as Executive Producer. In 2017 he opened Jack London Revue in Portland, OR to help ensure that the city has the necessary platform for carrying on its long musical tradition in presenting live jazz. He sums up his mission: "In times of great social uncertainty, music and the shared live experience remain our light in the darkness that will help illuminate our way forward." 

 

“Nicholas is an ideal thought partner who will help propel PDX Jazz forward as a leader in the field of jazz and the Portland arts community” says PDX Jazz Executive Director, Chris Doss.