Two distinguished festivals warm January and February with a range of sounds. The 25th Annual Portland Old-Time Music Gathering (January 16-19, 2025) celebrates Appalachian stringband traditions with workshops, concerts and jam sessions, featuring legendary performer Alice Gerrard. The volunteer-run festival creates an intimate atmosphere that captures the spirit of living room jam sessions. Closely following, the Biamp Portland Jazz Festival (February 20-March 1, 2025) fills venues across the city with 10 days of world-class jazz. This year’s lineup features the legendary Erykah Badu, dubbed the “Queen of Neo-Soul,” and renowned trumpeter and composer Terence Blanchard, among a large roster of international stars and local jazz talents. These festivals showcase Portland’s spirited music scene through ticketed shows, free performances, workshops and educational events. See bubbaville.org and pdxjazz.org.