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Jim Blackburn, Sax

North Fort Myers, FL

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Travels up to 90 miles

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Paseo Tiki Bar, NYE 2025

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Blossom and Brie Farm Farmside Dining

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Private Home Party, Port Royal

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Ave Maria Art Fest

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Fort Myers Music Walk

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Broadway Bistro

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Miromar Outlets, Estero Fl

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Jim w/ Jazz Fest Headliners 2014

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Punta Gorda Jazz Fest Meet & Greet

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Chillin' w/ Saxophonist, Richard Elliot - PG Jazz Fest 2014

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Jim & Saxophonist Mindy Abair/Punta Gorda Jazz Fest 2015

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Jim with his Big Band

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Bell Tower Mall - Concert

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Moorings Park At Grey Oaks

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Ney Year's Eve

Overview

Jim is a multi‑instrumentalist who brings the sound of a full jazz quartet using tenor sax, keyboard, wind synthesizers, and backing tracks created with real musicians. Sounding as a jazz quartet, his mix of smooth jazz, swing, ballads, and pop standards creates an inviting ambiance ideal for dinners, cocktail hours, parties, and corporate events. Jim adapts each set to the room’s mood, dresses for the occasion, and consistently strives to exceed expectations with his polished, versatile performance.


Reviews

29 reviews

Small thumbnail image for reviewer Laurie

Laurie

October 26, 2025
Verified review

Fantastic night of music!

Jim was fabulous! so happy we booked him. Everybody at the party had an awesome time and loved the music- would absolutely book him again!

Hired as: Multi-Instrumentalist, Oldies Music, One Man Band, Saxophone Player


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Amanda T.

Amanda T.

January 19, 2025
Verified review

Excellent performance

Jim played at our wedding reception and played beautifully. He was easy to communicate with and was able to adjust to the venue's unique demands. He played a range of saxophones and it was great!!!!

Hired as: Saxophone Player

Small thumbnail image for Jim Blackburn, Sax

Jim Blackburn, Sax

Thank you for those kind words, it was a pleasure to perform for you.


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Debra J.

Debra J.

October 21, 2024
Verified review

Incredible

Very professional, exactly what I wanted after reviewing other jazz entertainers. I highly recommend Jim, very friendly, played request and played the era of music that my son loves.

Hired as: Saxophone Player

Small thumbnail image for Jim Blackburn, Sax

Jim Blackburn, Sax

Thank you for inviting me to be a part of your family for the evening!


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Jessica B.

Jessica B.

December 22, 2025

A wonderful time!

Jim was punctual to show up. He had a very nice setup and everyone throughly enjoyed listening to him play. I will definitely keep him in mind for future events!

Hired as: One Man Band, Saxophone Player


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Emily W.

Emily W.

June 26, 2023
Verified review

Excellent!

Jim performed at our wedding last weekend and he is amazing! His music is beautiful and was perfect for our wedding. He was very responsive during booking and the weeks leading up to our wedding. He played all of our requests and everyone at our event commented how much they loved his music! Thanks again Jim!

Hired as: Saxophone Player

Small thumbnail image for Jim Blackburn, Sax

Jim Blackburn, Sax

I'm so glad to have been a part of your joyous day! Thank you for inviting me!

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Booking information

Price range: Contact for rates

Languages: English

Gig length: 60 - 240 minutes

Insurance: $1,000,000 - Commercial General Liability Insurance

What to expect

🎶 Background Ambiance Music for Any Occasion
I specialize in providing elegant, unobtrusive background music that enhances the atmosphere of your event without overpowering it. My performances are ideal for:
*Restaurants and lounges
*Private dinners
*House parties
*Cocktail hours
*Corporate functions
*Social gatherings
*Any setting where mood and conversation matter

🎵 What I Offer
*Instrumental-only performances — no vocals and minimal microphone chatter, ensuring guests can converse comfortably.
*A wide range of musical styles, including ballads, smooth jazz, standards, light pop, and up‑tempo selections.
*I tailor each set to match the energy and mood of the room.
*Studio‑quality backing tracks featuring real musicians for a full, polished sound.
*Professional presentation — I dress to suit your event, whether formal or casual.
*Reliable, high‑quality equipment to ensure smooth, uninterrupted performance.
*Wireless microphone available for announcements upon request.

⭐ My Commitment
I strive to exceed expectations at every event. My goal is simple: create the perfect musical backdrop so your guests feel comfortable, engaged, and welcomed.

About

I am a professional Solo Saxophonist performing with studio‑quality backing tracks that create the sound and energy of a full band. My repertoire spans jazz and pop standards from the Great American Songbook, Contemporary Smooth Jazz, and select pop favorites, performed on Tenor Sax, Keyboard, and Wind Synth.

I’ve been playing music since the age of eight and hold a B.S. in Music Education from the University of Akron. After beginning my career as a high school band director, I discovered my true passion was performing. I’ve played with numerous bands and jazz groups throughout Ohio and have opened for several headline acts. Since moving to Florida in 1996, I’ve built a successful solo career entertaining audiences across the state.

I bring professional gear, a polished presentation, and a dependable, easy‑to‑work‑with attitude. My instrumental performances are ideal for dinners, cocktail hours, restaurants, private parties, fundraisers, and corporate events where tasteful, unobtrusive music enhances the atmosphere. With a library of more than 750 songs and over 30 years of professional experience, I tailor each set to the mood of the room and ensure guests are entertained throughout the event.

Additional booking notes

To ensure I bring the appropriate sound system and create the best musical experience for your event, please provide the following details:
🏛️ Room & Guest Information
*Approximate room size (square footage or general dimensions)
*Estimated number of guests attending
This helps me determine the ideal sound system for clear, comfortable background music.

🎤 Performance Location
*Where in the room will I be set up (corner, near entrance, patio, stage area, etc.)
*Access to power at the performance location
*If no power is available, I can bring a small battery‑powered sound system.

💡 Lighting Needs
Please let me know if I need to provide my own lighting or if the venue already has suitable lighting in place

Set list

🎵 My full set list is extensive and far too long to list in its entirety. I perform a wide variety of material and can shift the mood of the room at a moment’s notice upon request.

My song list includes, but is not limited to:

JIM BLACKBURN SAMPLE SONGLIST – (Updated constantly)
Ain't No Sunshine
Alfie
And I Love Her
Autumn Leaves
Dancin in the Streets
Days of Wine and Roses
Desafinado
Feel Like Makin Love
Fragile
Gentle Rain
Georgia on my Mind
Groovin
Hello
I Cant Tell You Why
If I Fell
Fly Me To The Moon
Just Chillin’
Killer Joe
Misty
My Cherie Amour
The Nearness of You
Over The Rainbow
Ruby Baby
Stone Soul Picnic
Summertime
That's The Way of the World
This Guy's In love
Tune 88
Walk On By
What You Won't Do For Love
What's Goin' On
Windmills of Your Mind
Witchcaft
Rise

LATIN
Look Of Love
Call Me
How Insensitive
A Man And A Woman
Watch What Happens
Wave
Adios
The Breeze And I
What Now My Love
Black Orpheus
Quiet Night of Quiet Stars

MISC. Countless selections from the American Songbook

Desperado
Brown Eyed Girl
Moondance
Teach Me Tonight
New York State of Mind
When A Man Loves A Woman
At Last
Smile
Just Friends
Cold Duck Time
Just the Two of Us
Always A Woman
My Life
Just The Way You Are
Just My Imagination
This Masquerade
My Guy
My Love
Bluebird
Take Five
Yesterday
Black Coffee
Fever
Harlem Nocturne
Hot Toddy
All In Love Is Fair
My Girl
Up On the Roof
Under the Boardwalk
You Make Me Smile

SMOOTH JAZZ
Spooky -David Sanborn
Blue Beach -David Sanborn
Slow Jam -Euge Groove
Stop, Look, Listen -Boney James
For the Love of You -Candy Dulfer
Faces of the Heart -Dave Koz
Just My Imagination -Euge Groove
S7ven Large -Euge Groove
September -Earth, Wind & Fire
Europa -Gato Barberi
Easy Come Easy Go -Paul Hardcastle
Sara Smile -Boney James
Slow Burn -Richard Elliot
Sunny -Kim Waters
Mornin -Al Jarreau
We're In This Love Together-Al Jarreau
Here And Now -Luther Vandross
Falling For You -The-Sax Pack
Besame Mucho -Kenny G
Forever In Love -Kenny G
Girl From Ipanema -Kenny G
Midnight Motion -Kenny G
Tango -Kenny G
Rhythm and Romance -Kenny G
Silhouette -Kenny G
Songbird -Kenny G
Give Me The Night -George Benson
Turn Your Love Around -George Benson
On Broadway -George Benson
Let's Stay Together - Marvin Gaye

Influences and inspiration

Jazz trios/quartets of past eras. Newer artist such as Dave Koz, Richard Elliot, David Sanborn, Euge Groove.

Setup requirements

*Access to a standard electrical outlet is preferred for my sound system and lighting

*Minimal stairs are appreciated, as I transport equipment on a rolling cart.

*I require approximately 6' x 6' of space for my setup.

***My acoustic and electronic Instruments can be damaged by rain or direct sunlight. If your event is outside, please find a way to provide shade, or a covered area if rain is expected.

Thank You!