Courtney Watkins
Overview
Hey there! Meet Courtney Watkins, your go-to saxophonist in Raleigh with over 40 years of experience under his belt. With a repertoire spanning over 1,000 songs from the early New Orleans jazz era to today's contemporary hits, Courtney brings class and a touch of jazzy charm to any event. Whether you're looking for chill jazz vibes during cocktail hour or a one-man band show that will have everyone dancing, Courtney has you covered.
Courtney has performed all over the country and internationally, opening two sold out shows for Oscar winning actress Ariana DeBose. Courtney knows how to bring the party to life and make your wedding or event an experience to remember.
Reviews
12 reviews
Meredith W.
November 25, 2025Highly Recommend!
We recently had the pleasure of hiring Courtney to provide saxophone music for our annual corporate holiday party, and the experience exceeded all expectations.
From our initial contact, Courtney was exceptionally professional, timely, and an absolute joy to work with. Communication was seamless, and he arrived well in advance to set up, ensuring the evening started right on schedule.
The performance itself was outstanding. Courtney played a truly great mix of music that created the perfect festive yet relaxed atmosphere. We received numerous compliments from employees across all age groups, confirming that the playlist successfully catered to everyone's tastes. Courtney’s talent and musical selections kept the energy lively without overpowering conversation.
We highly recommend Courtney to anyone looking for a polished, professional, and talented musician for their event. We certainly look forward to inviting him back for future functions!
Hired as: Saxophone Player
Courtney Watkins
Thank you Meredith for the kind words! It was a great pleasure playing for your event and looking forward to working with you again!
Priscila B.
March 24, 2025Top Notch musician
Courtney was an absolute highlight of an open house event of one of my clients! His professionalism, punctuality, and incredible talent elevated the entire atmosphere, creating a truly sophisticated and enjoyable experience for the guests. His performance was top-notch, seamlessly blending into the ambiance while also captivating everyone in attendance. Courtney’s music added the perfect touch of elegance, and we couldn’t have asked for a better musician to enhance the event. Highly recommend his services for anyone looking to create a memorable and refined experience!
Priscila Budway
Posh Picnic NC
Hired as: Saxophone Player
Steve H.
March 21, 2025Atomic Sax Man
Courtney Watkins is the consummate professional. Adapts to every room and guest's needs...
High recommendations from our venue and repeated player at numerous events for us.
The Bomb Diggity that we have appropriately nicknamed "The Atomic Sax Man"
Hired as: Saxophone Player
Brekke K.
May 2, 2026Terrific!!!
Courtney Watkins was thouroughly engaged in our event - he played for several hours with passion and expertise. He played solo during our cocktail hour, and was a Hugh hit. Later, his playing added to, and blended with, whatever other music was being played. He made the party much more fun and interesting. The partywe loved him! I recommend him highly. I’ve already told my many friends about him. Thank you Courtney!
Hired as: Saxophone Player
Courtney Watkins
Thank you Kate!!! It was a great honor to a part of this wedding and one of the funnest weddings I have ever experienced!
Maura B.
June 1, 2026The best night!
Courtney was absolutely incredible. We booked him to play at our wedding at Governors Club in Chapel Hill and it truly wouldn’t have been the same without him! He played throughout our cocktail hour and into the entirety of the reception. He is the most talented sax player I have ever come across and brought so much energy to the dance floor. If you’re thinking about booking him for your event, DO IT! You will not regret it! Thank you, Courtney, for making our day beyond special and creating the best atmosphere. You are awesome!
Hired as: Saxophone Player
Booking information
Price range: $1,000 and up.
What to expect
Saxophonist for Weddings, Corporate Events & Private Celebrations
When you book Courtney Watkins for a jazz cocktail hour, wedding reception, or corporate event, you can expect a sophisticated and memorable live music experience tailored to your occasion.
Smooth, Elegant Jazz Vibes
Courtney blends timeless jazz standards, soulful ballads, and tasteful modern selections, creating the perfect backdrop for mingling, conversation, and celebration.
Customized Repertoire
Whether your event calls for sultry swing, romantic melodies, smooth contemporary grooves, or upbeat classics, Courtney curates the setlist to match your vision. Special requests can also be incorporated for key moments.
Atmosphere & Ambience
Courtney's performance elevates the room, adding a touch of sophistication that sets the tone without overpowering conversation.
Professionalism & Flexibility
With years of experience performing at weddings, corporate events, and private functions, Courtney brings both artistry and reliability. He provides his own sound equipment and works seamlessly with planners and venues.
Perfect For:
- Wedding Cocktail hours & receptions
- Corporate mixers & holiday parties
- Private dinners & celebrations
-Luxury events seeking a refined, jazz influenced atmosphere
About
I have over 40 years experience playing the saxophone with numerous bands and solo shows. Have played shows all over North Carolina as well as Nationally and internationally. Diverse repertoire of music with hundreds of songs covering ten decades of music from early New Orleans jazz to modern hits with a jazzy edge.
Services offered
Upcoming booked events
September 2026
12
Saturday
Wedding Cocktail Hour
5:00pm - 6:00pm
•
Holly Springs, NC
Past booked events
April 2026
25
Saturday
Wedding Cocktail Hour
5:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Chapel Hill, NC
December 2025
13
Saturday
Wedding Cocktail Hour
4:30pm - 5:30pm
•
Pittsboro, NC
August 2025
30
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
5:00pm - 6:00pm
•
Raleigh, NC
10
Sunday
Worship Service
11:00am - 12:30pm
•
Spring Hope, NC
Influences and inspiration
Diana Krall, Amy Winehouse, Billie Eilish, Karen Souza, Madeleine Peyroux, Annie Lennox, Sade, Corine Bailey Rae, Tony Bennett, Michael Buble, Frank Sinatra, Grover Washington Jr, Maceo Parker, Lester Young, Stan Getz, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Louis Armstrong, Thievery Corporation, Bob Marley, Pink Floyd, The Grateful Dead, The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Soul Live, Sting, The Police, The Meters, Neville Brothers, Dr John, Stick Figure, John Brown’s Body, Rebelution, Klingande, Deep Chills, Bahama Club, Playa Flamingo