This is great news for Portland and for jazz fans everywhere. Major and huge kudos to Alaska Airlines for picking up the ball and running with it.
Alaska Airlines has agreed to a multi-year title sponsorship of the Portland Jazz Festival, providing the financial support necessary to revive the world-class festival, which had announced in early September that it was ceasing operations after five years.
Alaska Airlines’ sponsorship investment arrives on the heels of a commitment for community & operational support from a committee led by Portland City Commissioner Nick Fish, businessman Sho Dozono and Travel Portland.
The corporate and organizational support ensures that the 6th Annual Alaska Airlines Portland Jazz Festival presented by The Oregonian A&E, will take place, as scheduled, February 13-22, 2009. The festival will be dedicated to the 70 anniversary of Blue Note Records, as previously announced. “Alaska Airlines is pleased to sponsor the Portland Jazz Festival,” said Steve Jarvis, Alaska Airlines vice president of marketing sales and customer experience. “Portland is home to many customers and employees of Alaska Airlines, and Horizon Air, and we’re happy to help showcase great artists and their music through this important community event.” Jarvis noted that Alaska Airlines stepped in as a sponsor after a major sponsor had withdrawn, thus allowing the popular event to continue for its sixth year.
