Charlie Rouse, Jr. Celebrates Father’s Legacy in Portland

As we continue to celebrate Black History Month, we want to pay homage to an African American jazz legend who made his home and final resting place in Mt. Angel.

In the mid-70s, the late tenor sax giant Charlie Rouse, Sr. fell in love with summertime in the Pacific Northwest. Rouse Sr. ultimately settled in the small community of Mt. Angel in the Oregon Willamette Valley. Rouse spent autumn and winter seasons in Mt. Angel feeding on nature’s beauty, creating musical sanctuaries, and finding his own way.

Charlie Rouse, Jr. arrives in PortlandHis son, Charles “Chico” Rouse Jr., followed in his footsteps by becoming a superb drummer in his own right. To pay homage to the legacy of his father, Chico and The Rouse Legacy Group (TRL) will be in Portland February 17 - 23 to embrace PDX Jazz events, fellowship with local jazz enthusiasts, professional musicians, and aspiring students. The public is invited to join TRL on an inspirational musical journey to celebrate the legacy of Charlie Rouse, Sr. and the uniquely American musical art form called Jazz.

Charlie "Chico" Rouse Jr. will be at Rythm Traders located at 3904 NE MLK Blvd with Mel Brown Wednesday, February 19, 6:30-7:00 filming an impromptu in-store jam session, Rouse legacy reflection and conversation on musicianship, culture and the local music scene.