Phoenix’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 Phoenix.
Bonson Lee
Bonson Lee currently resides in Tempe, AZ, and teaches in the Phoenix area including being the Adjunct Professor of Saxophone, Chamber Ensembles, and Humanities at Ottawa University and Glendale Community College, the Woodwind Caption Head, Instructor of Saxophone and Director of Chamber Ensembles/Saxophone Choir at Campo Verde High School, and the Instructor of Saxophone and Director of Chamber Ensembles/Saxophone Orchestra/Jazz Ensembles at Mountain Ridge High School. As an active musician, Lee has competed and been awarded prizes in the solo and chamber rounds throughout his music career, recently including the Gold Medal at the 50th Fischoff Chamber Music Competition with his professional saxophone quartet, Kodachrome.
🌐 Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube
Mary Petrich
Saxophonist Mary Petrich enjoys a vibrant career as performer and teacher. Her deep love for creativity and improvisation has led her to explore traditional and non-traditional approaches which have developed into a very personalized style of playing and teaching music. Her education focus includes improvisation for all players and saxophone study in both jazz and classical repertoire.
Jesús Ávila (AvilaSax)
AvilaSax is the solo project of saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist Jesús Ávila, based in Tucson, Arizona. His passion for music began at a young age, mastering various instruments and immersing himself fully in the world of live performance.
🌐 Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube
Allan Chase
Allan Chase is a jazz saxophonist, composer, and college educator. He has performed jazz and improvised music since 1974 with his own groups and as a member of the Lewis Nash-Allan Chase Duo (1979-80), Your Neighborhood Saxophone Quartet (1981-2018), Prima Materia with Rashied Ali (1992-2000), the Steve Lantner Trio and Quartet with Joe Morris and Luther Gray (2002-present), the Ayn Inserto Jazz Orchestra, the Bruno Råberg Quartet, Ra Kalam Bob Moses, and many other groups. He appears as a soloist on over sixty jazz and improvised music recordings, a few rock and classical recordings, and several movie scores. He has released two CDs as a leader, Dark Clouds with Silver Linings (with Ron Horton, Tony Scherr, and Matt Wilson) and Phoenix (with Ron Horton, Adam Kolker, David Finck, and Lewis Nash).
🌐 Website | LinkedIN | Instagram
Obie Hughes
With over 25 years experience performing, saxophonist Obie Hughes has embraced a full and exciting career in music. He has shared the stage as the opening act for legendary artists such as Chuck Berry, BB King, Kenny Loggins, Joe Cocker, James Brown and also performed behind numerous known acts including Rock n Roll originators Lloyd Price and Roddy Jackson.
🌐 Website | Instagram | Facebook
Garrett Becwar
Up and coming Jazz Musician, Garrett Becwar, has performed nationally and internationally with a wide variety of artists. He has had the pleasure of performing with several world renowned artists including Lewis Nash, Harold Mabern, Jim McNeely, Dick Oatts, Joel Frahm, Walter Smith III, Jeremy Pelt, and Jason Palmer, as well as top artists from other genres such as Bill Dutcher, Chuck Hall, and DJ Tyger. Currently, Garrett is performing across the Phoenix area. He is the house saxophonist for The Duce, in Phoenix, Arizona. Additionally, he is a member of the Scottsdale Community College Night Band, a professional big band, led by saxophonist Eric Rasmussen.
🌐 Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube
Jermaine Lockhart
Multi-genre Saxophonist. Smooth but intricate style. Helping people feel better through the vibratio
Stephen Sylvia
Dynamic solo saxophonist who plays a unique mix of jazz, pop, funk, & blues along with backing tracks. His mission is to bring music to people around the globe as the traveling sax man.
🌐 Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube
Final Thoughts
Phoenix 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.