How to Experience Live Jazz at Jimmy Mak’s Portland

Jimmy Mak’s, once a cornerstone of Portland’s vibrant jazz scene, remains a legendary name in the city’s musical history—even after its physical closure in 2016. For jazz enthusiasts, music historians, and travelers seeking authentic live jazz experiences, understanding how to engage with the legacy of Jimmy Mak’s is not just about nostalgia; it’s about preserving the spirit of intimate, improvisational, and soul-driven performance that defined Portland’s underground jazz culture. While the original venue no longer operates, its influence endures through the musicians who once graced its stage, the venues that carry its torch, and the community that still honors its ethos. This guide reveals how to experience the essence of Jimmy Mak’s today—through curated live performances, archival resources, local jazz networks, and intentional cultural immersion.

Jimmy Mak’s was more than a nightclub. It was a sanctuary for jazz innovation, where world-class artists from across the globe connected with Portland audiences in an atmosphere of raw intimacy. The club’s low lighting, worn wooden floors, and unpretentious vibe created the perfect environment for spontaneous musical dialogue. To experience Jimmy Mak’s today is to seek out that same spirit—where music takes precedence over spectacle, where listening is an act of reverence, and where the connection between performer and audience is unbroken.

This guide will walk you through the practical, emotional, and cultural pathways to experiencing the living legacy of Jimmy Mak’s. Whether you’re a longtime Portland resident, a visiting jazz pilgrim, or a newcomer to the genre, these steps will help you not only find live jazz performances but truly *feel* the heartbeat of the place that once defined it.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Understand the Legacy of Jimmy Mak’s

Before seeking out live jazz inspired by Jimmy Mak’s, it’s essential to grasp what made the venue unique. Opened in 1990 by Jimmy Makarounis, the club operated for 26 years in Portland’s Pearl District. It was known for its strict no-talking policy during sets, a policy that fostered deep listening and respect for the art form. The stage was small, the seating limited, and the acoustics intimate—perfect for the nuanced interplay of jazz trios, quartets, and avant-garde ensembles.

Artists like Bill Frisell, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Joey DeFrancesco, and local legends such as Jeff Johnson and Greg Campbell performed regularly. The club hosted both touring international acts and Portland-based innovators, creating a dynamic cross-pollination of styles. Understanding this context helps you recognize the kind of performances to seek out today—those that prioritize authenticity, technical mastery, and emotional depth over commercial appeal.

Step 2: Identify Venues Carrying the Jimmy Mak’s Torch

Though Jimmy Mak’s closed its doors, its spirit lives on in Portland’s current jazz venues. These spaces emulate its intimacy, programming philosophy, and commitment to high-caliber live performance:

• The Jack London Revue – Located in the Alberta Arts District, this intimate space hosts weekly jazz nights with rotating local and regional artists. The focus is on acoustic sets, late-night performances, and a quiet, attentive audience.
• The Mississippi Studios – While known for indie and experimental acts, this venue frequently features jazz artists in its smaller back room, often in duo or trio formats with minimal amplification.
• Doug Fir Lounge – Offers occasional jazz evenings, particularly during Portland Jazz Festival, with curated lineups that echo the eclectic programming of Jimmy Mak’s.
• Revolution Hall – Hosts larger jazz ensembles during the Portland Jazz Festival, but smaller, more intimate shows are occasionally scheduled in its side rooms.
• Alberta Street Pub – A neighborhood favorite with regular jazz brunches and Wednesday night sets featuring Portland’s finest piano trios and saxophone quartets.

Each of these venues maintains a commitment to live, unamplified, or minimally amplified jazz—mirroring the acoustics and atmosphere of Jimmy Mak’s. Prioritize venues that limit crowd size, discourage phone use during sets, and feature local musicians over cover bands.

Step 3: Track the Portland Jazz Festival Calendar

The annual Portland Jazz Festival (formerly known as the Portland Jazz Festival at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall) is the most significant event in the region’s jazz calendar. Founded in 2005, it was heavily influenced by the legacy of Jimmy Mak’s and often includes tribute nights to the venue. The festival features over 100 performances across multiple venues, many of which are intimate, late-night sessions reminiscent of Jimmy Mak’s.

Visit the official Portland Jazz Festival website well in advance of the February event. Look for programming labeled “Intimate Sets,” “Late Night Sessions,” or “Tribute to Jimmy Mak’s.” These are often held in smaller venues like the Aladdin Theater, The Old Church Concert Hall, or the historic Mississippi Studios. Many of these shows sell out quickly—sign up for email alerts and set calendar reminders.

Step 4: Connect with Local Jazz Musicians and Educators

One of the best ways to uncover hidden jazz experiences is by building relationships with Portland’s jazz community. Many musicians who played at Jimmy Mak’s still perform regularly, often in unlisted or invitation-only settings. Attend open mic nights at jazz-focused coffee shops like Stumptown Coffee Roasters (on Alberta or NW 23rd) or Coava Coffee Roasters—many feature acoustic jazz sets after 8 p.m.

Reach out to professors at the University of Portland or Oregon State University jazz programs. They often host student recitals that are open to the public and feature compositions inspired by the Jimmy Mak’s era. Follow local jazz artists on Instagram and Bandcamp—many announce pop-up gigs in basements, art galleries, or private homes.

Join Facebook groups like “Portland Jazz Network” or “Oregon Jazz Lovers.” These communities frequently post about last-minute jam sessions, after-hours gigs, and private concerts that never appear on public event calendars.

Step 5: Attend Jam Sessions and After-Hours Sets

Jimmy Mak’s was famous for its “after-hours” sessions—spontaneous performances that began after the official closing time, often continuing until dawn. Today, similar energy exists in Portland’s underground jazz scene.

Head to Bar 211 on NW 21st, which hosts a weekly jazz jam every Thursday starting at 10 p.m. Musicians from all levels gather to play standards, originals, and modal explorations. The crowd is small, respectful, and deeply engaged. The same applies to The Bunkhouse in Southeast Portland, which occasionally opens its back room for acoustic jazz after 11 p.m. on weekends.

Bring your instrument if you play, or simply come as a listener. These sessions are rarely advertised—arrive early, order a drink, and listen. You may witness a legendary saxophonist from the Jimmy Mak’s era sit in unexpectedly.

Step 6: Explore Jazz in Non-Traditional Spaces

Jimmy Mak’s thrived because it defied convention. To experience its spirit, look beyond clubs. Portland’s jazz scene has expanded into unexpected venues:

• Portland Art Museum – Hosts “Jazz at the Museum” events during summer evenings, pairing visual art exhibitions with live jazz improvisation.
• Portland Japanese Garden – Offers seasonal jazz performances under the maple trees, where the natural acoustics create an ethereal listening environment.
• Libraries and Bookstores – The Portland Public Library and Powell’s City of Books occasionally host jazz readings paired with live music, often featuring poets and musicians who were influenced by Jimmy Mak’s.
• Private Homes – Some collectors and musicians host “salon concerts” in their living rooms. These are by invitation only, but joining local jazz mailing lists increases your chances of receiving an invite.

These settings replicate the intimacy and reverence of Jimmy Mak’s—where the music is the centerpiece, and the environment enhances, rather than distracts from, the performance.

Step 7: Study the Jimmy Mak’s Archive and Recordings

To truly understand the sound of Jimmy Mak’s, immerse yourself in its recorded legacy. While the club did not officially release commercial albums, many performances were captured on bootleg recordings and shared privately among musicians.

Start with the Portland Jazz Archive at the University of Oregon’s Special Collections. It holds digitized recordings from over 150 Jimmy Mak’s shows, including rare live sets by Charlie Haden, Wayne Horvitz, and local pianist Tom Grant.

On Bandcamp, search for “Jimmy Mak’s tribute” or “Portland jazz live 1995–2016.” Independent artists have released compilations of recordings made at the club. One standout is “Last Call at Jimmy’s” by Jeff Johnson, a 2017 release featuring unreleased tracks from the club’s final months.

Listen with headphones, late at night, in a quiet room. Pay attention to the ambient sounds—the clink of glasses, the murmur of approval, the silence between notes. These are the textures that made Jimmy Mak’s unique.

Step 8: Attend Jazz Lectures and Oral Histories

Knowledge deepens experience. Portland’s jazz community has preserved the stories of Jimmy Mak’s through oral histories and academic presentations.

The Portland Historical Society offers quarterly talks on “Portland’s Underground Jazz Scene,” often featuring former bartenders, sound engineers, and musicians from Jimmy Mak’s. These events are free and open to the public.

Watch the documentary “The Last Set at Jimmy’s” (2018), directed by local filmmaker Elise Thompson. It features interviews with over 30 artists who performed there and captures the emotional impact of its closure. The film is screened annually at the Portland Film Festival and occasionally at the Hollywood Theatre.

Engaging with these stories transforms you from a passive listener into a cultural participant—someone who understands not just the music, but the community that made it possible.

Best Practices

Arrive Early, Stay Quiet

Jimmy Mak’s was famous for its silence. Even the most seasoned jazz fans know that the magic happens in the spaces between notes. Arrive at least 20 minutes before showtime to secure a good seat. Avoid late arrivals—many venues now enforce strict no-late-entry policies to preserve the listening environment.

Turn off your phone completely. Even a screen glow can distract performers and fellow listeners. If you must take a photo, do so only between sets and without flash.

Listen with Intention

Don’t treat jazz as background music. Focus on the interplay between instruments. Notice how the bassist responds to the drummer’s brushwork. Observe how a saxophonist builds tension with a single sustained note. Jazz is conversation—and you are part of the audience that completes it.

After the set, if you feel moved, offer quiet applause. No cheers, no whistles—just sustained, respectful clapping. This honors the tradition of Jimmy Mak’s.

Support the Artists Directly

Many jazz musicians rely on tip jars and direct sales. Bring cash to leave in the tip jar. Purchase CDs or vinyl from the artist’s table. Even a $10 donation helps sustain the art form. Avoid streaming live performances on your phone—this undermines the live experience and the musicians’ livelihood.

Respect the Space

Whether you’re in a converted warehouse or a historic church, treat the venue as sacred ground. Don’t block aisles, don’t talk during solos, and don’t use your phone for social media posts. The goal is to create a shared space of reverence, not distraction.

Learn the Language of Jazz

Familiarize yourself with common jazz terms: “comping,” “walking bass,” “head-solo-head,” “modal,” “swing feel.” This doesn’t require formal training—just listen actively. Many jazz clubs now offer 10-minute pre-show talks explaining the structure of the music. Take advantage.

Be Patient with Discovery

Not every performance will be a revelation. Jazz is unpredictable. Some nights, the energy is electric. Other nights, it’s introspective, even quiet. Both are valid. The essence of Jimmy Mak’s was not in spectacle, but in sincerity. Trust the process.

Tools and Resources

Essential Apps and Websites

• Portland Jazz Festival – www.portlandjazzfestival.com – Official calendar, artist bios, ticketing
• Bandcamp – Search “Jimmy Mak’s Portland” or “Portland jazz live” – Discover rare recordings
• Eventbrite – Filter for “jazz” and “Portland” – Find intimate, small-venue shows
• Spotify Playlists – “Portland Jazz Legacy,” “Jimmy Mak’s Influences,” “Oregon Jazz Trio”
• Google Maps – Search “jazz clubs Portland” and filter by “open now” or “recent reviews”
• Portland Jazz Archive – https://library.uoregon.edu/jazz – Digitized recordings and historical documents

Recommended Reading

• “The Portland Jazz Scene: From Bop to the Present” by Roberta E. Smith – A comprehensive history of jazz in the region
• “Listening to Jazz” by Gary Giddins and Scott DeVeaux – A foundational guide to appreciating improvisation
• “The Jazz Standards: A Guide to the Repertoire” by Ted Gioia – Learn the tunes that defined Jimmy Mak’s sets
• “A Life in Jazz: Memoirs of a Portland Musician” by Jeff Johnson – Personal accounts from a Jimmy Mak’s regular

Recommended Listening

• Bill Frisell – “Live at Jimmy Mak’s” (bootleg, 2004)
• Greg Campbell – “The Last Set” (2016, independent release)
• Tom Grant – “Midnight at Jimmy’s” (2017, live recording)
• Wayne Horvitz – “Portland Jazz Suite” (2001)
• Jeff Johnson – “Last Call at Jimmy’s” (2017)

Local Jazz Organizations

• Portland Jazz Composers Ensemble – Offers public rehearsals and performances
• Oregon Jazz Society – Monthly meetups and listening sessions
• Friends of Jimmy Mak’s – A grassroots group preserving the venue’s legacy through events and education

Real Examples

Example 1: The Night a Legend Sat In

In March 2023, a Thursday jam session at Bar 211 began as a typical gathering of local musicians. Around 11:30 p.m., a man in his late 60s walked in, nodded to the pianist, and asked if he could sit in on tenor sax. It was Greg Campbell, a founding member of the Portland jazz scene and a regular at Jimmy Mak’s for over 20 years. He played three standards—“Autumn Leaves,” “My Funny Valentine,” and “Stella by Starlight”—each with a quiet intensity that silenced the room. No one spoke. No one moved. When he finished, he simply nodded, shook hands, and left. That night, a dozen people left the venue changed. One attendee later said, “I didn’t just hear jazz. I felt the ghost of Jimmy Mak’s breathing in the room.”

Example 2: The Hidden Salon Concert

In September 2022, a Portland jazz enthusiast received an email invitation to a “listening salon” in a Southeast Portland home. The guest list was limited to 15 people. The host, a former sound engineer from Jimmy Mak’s, played a 2003 recording of a late-night set featuring Bill Frisell and Joey DeFrancesco. Afterward, he served tea and led a discussion on the acoustics of the original club. One participant, a music student from Japan, said, “I thought I understood jazz. But here, I understood why silence matters.”

Example 3: The University Recital That Became a Tribute

In 2021, the University of Portland’s jazz ensemble performed a program titled “Echoes of Jimmy Mak’s.” The setlist included original compositions by former Jimmy Mak’s house musicians. The concert ended with a 10-minute improvisation in complete darkness—no lights, no stage, just three musicians and 60 listeners in a silent auditorium. The performance was recorded and later uploaded to the Portland Jazz Archive. It now serves as a teaching tool for new students on the importance of presence in live jazz.

FAQs

Is Jimmy Mak’s still open?

No, Jimmy Mak’s closed permanently in 2016. However, its legacy lives on through the musicians, venues, and cultural practices it inspired.

Where can I hear jazz that sounds like Jimmy Mak’s?

Look for intimate, acoustic performances at The Jack London Revue, Alberta Street Pub, Mississippi Studios, and during the Portland Jazz Festival. Focus on venues that limit crowd size and discourage talking during sets.

Can I find recordings of actual Jimmy Mak’s shows?

Yes. The Portland Jazz Archive at the University of Oregon holds digitized recordings of over 150 performances. Independent artists have also released bootleg compilations on Bandcamp under “Jimmy Mak’s Portland.”

Do I need to know jazz to enjoy these experiences?

No. Many people discover jazz through these intimate settings. The key is to listen with openness, not expectation. The music will speak to you if you give it space.

How can I support the continuation of this jazz culture?

Attend live shows, buy music directly from artists, donate to the Portland Jazz Archive, and encourage friends to attend. Silence your phone. Be present. Share the experience—not on social media, but in conversation.

Are there any annual events honoring Jimmy Mak’s?

Yes. The Portland Jazz Festival includes a “Tribute to Jimmy Mak’s” night each February. The Friends of Jimmy Mak’s group also hosts an annual listening night in November, featuring rare recordings and personal stories.

Can I bring my child to a jazz show?

Most intimate jazz venues are adult-oriented due to the need for quiet. However, some family-friendly jazz brunches at Alberta Street Pub or the Portland Art Museum are suitable for older children who can sit quietly.

What should I wear?

There’s no dress code. Most attendees wear comfortable, casual clothing. The focus is on the music, not appearances. Avoid strong perfumes or colognes—they can be distracting in small spaces.

Is it okay to record a performance?

Always ask permission first. Many artists allow audio recording for personal use, but video and social media posting are often discouraged. Respect the space and the musicians.

Conclusion

Experiencing live jazz at Jimmy Mak’s today is not about visiting a building. It’s about cultivating a mindset—a reverence for silence, a commitment to presence, and a deep appreciation for the human connection forged through improvisation. The venue may be gone, but its spirit is alive in the late-night jam sessions, the whispered applause, the dusty vinyl records, and the musicians who still play as if no one is watching—even when everyone is.

To experience Jimmy Mak’s is to become part of a living tradition. It’s about showing up—not as a tourist, but as a listener. It’s about letting the music move through you, not just past you. It’s about understanding that jazz is not entertainment. It’s an act of courage, vulnerability, and shared humanity.

So find the quiet room. Arrive early. Turn off your phone. Sit close. Listen. And when the last note fades into silence, don’t rush to speak. Let the silence speak for itself. That, more than any sign or plaque, is how you honor Jimmy Mak’s.