Legendary Jazz Club Jimmy Mak’s Will Reopen in the Pearl

Portland’s legendary jazz club Jimmy Mak’s will reopen in a new Pearl location a pick’s throw from its original digs, Willamette Week reports. In 2016, Jim Makarounis’ must-visit spot for live music closed while its owner was on his death bed, launching a period of grief for jazz heads in Portland. The bar was open for two decades, moving once, and often serving as a haven for local musicians and fans alike. Two former employees, JD Stubenberg and Lisa Brandon-Boylex, decided to reopen the bar with the help of an investment group called Friends of Jimmy Mak’s.

The new Jimmy Mak’s will open in the former home of Oba, which closed in the Pearl in 2017. No word on how the restaurant will change the space, but Oba actually would fit as a jazz club quite well — rusty brick red walls, lots of space, high ceilings. However, don’t expect a jazz club exclusively; the real estate broker, Mert Meeker, says the space will include a wider swath of live music, not just jazz.

Finding live jazz in town is far from impossible, but it takes research: A few spots host a trio or two certain nights of the week, including Thelonious Wines and Perlot on the weekends. Jack London Revue serves as Portland’s other jazz club, which carried some of the weight after Mak’s closed. Jimmy Mak’s plans to open in 2019, so you’ll have to tide yourself over there until the doors swing open.

• Jimmy Mak’s [Facebook]
• Iconic Portland Jazz Club Jimmy Mak’s Will Reopen with New Owners [WWeek]
• Jazz Mecca Jimmy Mak’s Is Closing Forever [WWeek]
• Oba Restaurant Has Shuttered After Nearly 20 Years [EPDX]
• All Oba coverage [EPDX]
• Jack London Revue [Official]
• Thelonious Wines [Official]
• All Perlot coverage [EPDX]