San Francisco’s vibrant music scene wouldn’t be complete without the soulful sounds of the saxophone echoing through weddings, cocktail hours, and upscale soirées. Whether you’re looking for smooth jazz, upbeat R&B, or classic standards, these ten saxophonists bring not only exceptional skill but also a commanding presence that turns any event into a memorable one.
From veteran performers to innovative ensembles, each artist below offers something unique for your next celebration in San Francisco.
Mike Mendoza
Mike Mendoza is a saxophonist based in San Jose, California. For over 30 years, Mike has performed for many events in the San Francisco Bay Area as well as the West Coast, performing Smooth Jazz, Pop, Soul, R&B, Rock n’ Roll, Funk, and Latin music. In addition, Mike has performed the National Anthem for the San Francisco Giants, San Jose Sharks, San Jose Giants and San Jose Earthquakes.
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KillBill Sax (“Bill”)
Raised in Anchorage, Alaska from the age of 3, Bill began playing the saxophone in grade school, and decided to never stop. After graduating from Indiana University, Bill moved to Atlanta, where he sat in at local jam sessions, eventually picking up a touring gig as member of the Platinum Soul Band with the Universoul Circus. Bill then moved to NYC, where he became a fixture on the village r&b scene. While sitting in with The Black Soul Experience at Manhattan’s Club Groove, frontman Antwon Robinson shouted impromptu “Kill Bill!,” and the name stuck.
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Sunny Side Up Saxophone Quartet
“Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, the Sunny Side Up Saxophone Quartet delights Audiences with their lush blend of saxophone voicings, performing Jazz and popular music for all types of events.
From private parties to corporate events, weddings, and public appearances, our quartet will help you create the perfect atmosphere for any occasion.”
Taylor Field (Sax)
A NYC saxophonist and singer, I’ve been performing at weddings and corporate events for over 10 years. My dedication to craft allows me to deliver a flawless musical performance on the day of your event. My focus on flexibility and communication during the party planning stage ensures that we’re all on the same page and have a great time! I’m available to provide musical entertainment at weddings and corporate events in New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, as well as destination.
Daniel Heffez (via Nova Jazz)
Since moving to the San Francisco in 2003, Musical Director and Saxophonist Daniel Heffez has been a major player in the Bay Area jazz scene. Hailing from New York City, Daniel is a well respected instrumentalist logging 100’s of performances each year. In addition to leading Nova Jazz, Daniel also performs with Jazz The Glass, Hopsauce, The Eggplant Casino, Sonamo and Chum. Daniel has also shared the stage with Lenny Williams from Tower of Power as well as the Family Stone Band. In addition to performing, Daniel also teaches Saxophone to the next generations of jazz musicians.
🌐 Website
Dayna Stephens
Saxophonist, composer, arranger, and educator Dayna Stephens stands among the most original and expressive voices in modern jazz. Born in Brooklyn and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, he began playing saxophone at twelve, quickly developing an affinity for sound and storytelling through melody. His musical journey took him to Berklee College of Music, where he studied on full scholarship, and later to the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz (now the Herbie Hancock Institute), where he refined his voice under the mentorship of Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, and Terence Blanchard. Those formative years shaped both his artistic philosophy and his lifelong devotion to melodic truth, rhythmic curiosity, and harmonic exploration.
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Bill Withers
The second album, Still Bill, lauded as “a stone-soul masterpiece” by Rolling Stone magazine, delivered soon-to-be standards “Lean on Me” and “Use Me.” Bill Withers Live at Carnegie Hall followed. After the release of +’Justments in 1974, Withers severed ties with Sussex to sign with Columbia (who subsequently re-released his back catalog.) 1975’s Making Music, Making Friends showcased more classics, “Hello Like Before” and “Make Love to Your Mind”; 1976’s Naked & Warm, with the idyllic love song to his adopted home, “City of the Angels”; 1977’s Menagerie, with the much-covered “Lovely Day” and 1979’s ‘Bout Love, and the single “Don’t It Make It Better,” a top 30 R&B single, continued the run of top-charting releases.
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James Mahone
James Mahone is an active performer and instructor. He began his musical journey almost 30 years ago in Monterey, California, soaking in the influence of its rich music scene. He went on to California State University Northridge to study classical and jazz saxophone under Bill Caulkins, and participated in the university’s award-winning wind ensembles and jazz big bands.
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Teodross Avery
In the beginning there was John Coltrane. Teodross Avery experienced an epiphany at 13 when he first heard Trane’s “Giant Steps.” He emerged in the mid-1990s with two critically hailed releases for GRP/Impulse! Avery’s long and productive journey has taken him down many musical paths, from gigs with jazz legends and hip hop stars to sessions with NEA Jazz Masters and platinum pop albums. With his Tompkins Square label debut After The Rain: A Night for Coltrane, Avery has found his way back home, reasserting himself as a supremely eloquent exponent of the post-Trane jazz continuum. With Liner Notes by Ben Ratliff.
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Final Thoughts
San Francisco is home to some of the most expressive and versatile saxophonists in the country. Whether you’re seeking smooth jazz for a cocktail hour or a full band for your wedding reception, these musicians bring skill, soul, and showmanship to the stage.
📩 Need help finding the right saxophonist for your event? Reach out anytime at dreamteam@booklive.com — we’re here to help you bring the perfect vibe to your celebration.