Writer and director Woody Allen is best known for his films, from “Annie Hall” to the recent “Midnight in Paris.” Despite his busy filming schedule, Allen has always found time to moonlight as a jazz clarinetist.

This month, Allen will bring his love of New Orleans music to Portland. Woody Allen and His New Orleans Jazz Band will perform Dec. 27 at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall.

According to a news release, the concert will feature “early 20th century popular tunes, hymns, spirituals, marches, blues and rags of New Orleans.” The band includes trumpets, trombones and Eddy Davis on jazz banjo.

Allen began playing clarinet as a youth. He found inspiration in the music of legendary artists Sidney Bechet, George Lewis, Johnny Dodds, Jimmie Noone and Louis Armstrong.

Woody Allen and His New Orleans Jazz Band began with informal jam sessions more than 35 years ago. For the past ten years, they have performed regularly on Monday nights at The Carlyle hotel in New York City. According to the news release, “Allen missed accepting an Academy Award for ‘Annie Hall’ so as not to miss his Monday night gig.”

The group has toured Europe several times. Its first tour, in 1996, was filmed for the documentary “Wild Man Blues.” The film is an intimate look at Woody Allen and his music.

Ticket prices for the Portland show range from $46.50 to $86.50, depending on seat location. To purchase tickets, visit www.ticket master.com or call 800-745-3000.