Overview

Clyde's Prime Rib is a classic Portland restaurant that has become legendary in the city's jazz community. For over a decade this Northeast Portland establishment has been home to the Ron Steen Jazz Jam one of the most respected and longest-running jazz jam sessions in the Pacific Northwest.

Jazz Programming

Every Sunday night Clyde's hosts the Ron Steen Jazz Jam starting at 7:30 PM. Led by drummer Ron Steen - known as the Godfather of Jazz Jams in Portland - this session has been running continuously since the early 2000s. Ron Steen is a Portland Jazz Master member of the Oregon Music Hall of Fame and the Jazz Society of Oregon Hall of Fame and was named the 2020 Portland Jazz Hero by the Jazz Journalists Association.

Musical Excellence

The jam session attracts both established musicians and aspiring players creating an environment where younger artists can learn from experienced professionals. Notable international jazz stars who visit Portland often stop by Steen's jams for impromptu performances. The session operates on the principle of inclusivity providing a place for people to come and express themselves through music.

Atmosphere and Community

Clyde's provides a professional yet welcoming setting for jazz performance. The restaurant's commitment to hosting this weekly jam session demonstrates their dedication to supporting Portland's vibrant jazz community. The venue offers quality sound and an audience that appreciates and respects the art of jazz improvisation.

Legacy

Ron Steen has hosted ongoing jam sessions in Portland since 1980 and currently leads five different jam sessions throughout the week. His sessions are models of inclusivity and opportunities for musicians to test their skills connect with peers and carry on the jazz tradition. The Clyde's jam is a cornerstone of this legacy attracting musicians from across the region and beyond.