Darrell Grant Tickets

Darrell Grant is a prominent figure in modern jazz, blending rich piano artistry with a track record of engaging education and community impact. Born in Pittsburgh in 1962, Grant moved to Portland, Oregon in 1997, where he built a distinguished West Coast career as a performer, composer, and educator. As a professor of Jazz Studies at Portland State University and founder/director of the Leroy Vinnegar Jazz Institute, Grant has shaped a generation of musicians while maintaining an active performance schedule across the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

From early recordings to contemporary projects, Grant’s work spans bold original compositions and evocative interpretations of jazz tradition. He continues to perform, teach, and collaborate with fellow artists, enriching Portland’s vibrant arts scene and earning recognition from peers and institutions alike.

Biography highlights

• Born May 30, 1962, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; relocated to Portland in 1997 to establish a West Coast presence.
• Professor of Jazz Studies at Portland State University and founder/director of the Leroy Vinnegar Jazz Institute.
• Discography as leader/co-leader includes The Territory (2015), Truth and Reconciliation (2007), Spirit (2003), Smokin’ Java (1999), Twilight Stories (1996), The New Bop (1995), Black Art (1994), Current Events (1989), and Grant & Matheny (2010).
• Award-winning artist with honors such as the 2020 Governor’s Arts Award (Oregon), 2019 Portland Jazz Master (PDX Jazz), 2017 Northwest Regional Emmy for Jazz Town, and the 2011 Portland Jazz Hero (JJA).
• Recent and upcoming performances include the Oregon Symphony Celebration Concert (April 26, 2025, Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall) and PSU-affiliated and festival appearances like Rhythm Lab at PSU (June 9, 2025) and Sounds Like Portland-related events in 2025.

For fans and students alike, Darrell Grant’s work offers a compelling blend of improvisational storytelling, educational leadership, and a deep commitment to the jazz community on the West Coast and beyond.

Connect with Darrell Grant online to explore his latest projects, recordings, and live performances.