Featured

Jim Patterson

Top Performer

Traverse City, MI

Starts at $75

Travels up to 60 miles

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Overview

I provide quality saxophone background music from a variety of music genres at a reasonable price.


Reviews

20 reviews

Small thumbnail image for reviewer Julia J.

Julia J.

September 15, 2026
Verified review

Hire him!

Jim provided music for our wedding ceremony and cocktail hour. He took my requests and played them beautifully. Would definitely recommend Jim for your event!

Hired as: One Man Band

Small thumbnail image for Jim Patterson

Jim Patterson

Julia,
Thank you so much for your feedback! It was my pleasure to perform for your special event.
Jim


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Linda S.

Linda S.

July 10, 2025
Verified review

Perfect Music for Events!

Jim Patterson is a consistent crowd pleaser! We hired him to play background saxophone at an indoor/outdoor event for about 150 people. He read the crowd perfectly, keeping the volume moderated to fit the size of the room. The music just flowed, and everyone loved it. This is the second time we have hired him, and will do so again. Highly recommended!

Hired as: One Man Band

Small thumbnail image for Jim Patterson

Jim Patterson

Linda, thank you so much for your feedback and the additional opportunity to perform for your special event.
Jim


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Sarah B.

Sarah B.

August 22, 2023
Verified review

Absoluetly FANTASTIC!

I can't recommend Jim enough, he was wonderful! He played all the songs I asked for flawlessly and everyone enjoyed the live patio music. We hired Jim for our wedding reception and I would do it again 100x! Highly recommend for anyone looking for a bit of live music without the cost of a full band. Thank you again Jim! CHEERS!

Hired as: 1940s Era Entertainment, 1950s Era Entertainment, One Man Band, Saxophone Player

Small thumbnail image for Jim Patterson

Jim Patterson

Sarah,
Thank you very much for your thoughtful review! It was my pleasure to perform for you and your guests.
Jim


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Stephany M.

Stephany M.

September 16, 2025
Verified review

Absolute greatest wedding sax player, Don't Hesitate To Book

Jim was an AMAZING addition to our cocktail hour at Timberlee Hills. EVERYONE had something to say about how great the music was. He was professional, quick to respond, and punctual. Thanks Jim for adding so much to our special day!

Hired as: Saxophone Player

Small thumbnail image for Jim Patterson

Jim Patterson

Stephany,
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! It was a pleasure to perform at your special event.
Jim


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Gwendolyn S.

Gwendolyn S.

June 24, 2025
Verified review

Wonderful to work with!

James did a wonderful job at our wedding. He was open to song requests and played beautifully throughout our ceremony and cocktail hour. Honestly he was one of the best people we worked with during wedding planning as he responds quickly and does his work well. Thanks so much Jim!

Hired as: One Man Band

Small thumbnail image for Jim Patterson

Jim Patterson

Gwendolyn,
Thank you so much for your positive review! It was my pleasure to perform for your special event.
Jim

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Booking information

Price range: Starts at $75

Languages: English

Gig length: 60 - 240 minutes

What to expect

My music appeals to listeners of all ages who enjoy smooth and mellow instrumental saxophone music. I can create playlists suitable for any occasion; however, my customers frequently request Smooth Jazz, Soft Rock, and songs from The Great American Songbook. I have performed for a wide variety of public, corporate and private gatherings including weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, celebration of life ceremonies, house parties, dinners, and other dedicated events. Some wedding clients have used me during the wedding ceremony and cocktail hour to supplement DJ services.

About

Hello, my name is Jim Patterson. My experience with music started at the age of seven as a beginning drummer. I continued playing drums and percussion in my high school concert, jazz and marching bands. My love of music expanded when I began playing saxophone as a teenager and performed regularly with a variety of wedding, jazz, funk and rock bands.

Additional booking notes

I perform as a one man band and play saxophone with background accompaniment. My set up does not require a great deal of space, and I can be very mobile if needed (indoors or out, weather permitting). I have all of my own equipment.

Upcoming booked events

September 2027

18

Saturday

Wedding Reception

4:30pm - 6:00pm

•

Thompsonville, MI

Past booked events

October 2026

17

Saturday

Nonprofit Event

5:30pm - 7:00pm

•

Kingsley, MI

03

Saturday

Wedding Cocktail Hour

5:00pm - 6:30pm

•

Omena, MI

September 2026

12

Saturday

Cocktail Party

5:00pm - 7:00pm

•

Traverse City, MI

06

Sunday

Wedding Reception

5:00pm - 7:00pm

•

Petoskey, MI

July 2026

11

Saturday

Birthday Party

6:00pm - 7:00pm

•

Traverse City, MI

October 2025

25

Saturday

Nonprofit Event

6:00pm - 8:00pm

•

Kingsley, MI

September 2025

12

Friday

Wedding Reception

4:00pm - 5:00pm

•

Traverse City, MI

June 2025

27

Friday

Fundraiser

5:00pm - 6:00pm

•

Elk Rapids, MI

22

Sunday

Wedding Ceremony

4:00pm - 6:00pm

•

Charlevoix, MI

December 2024

10

Tuesday

Christmas Party

11:30am - 12:00pm

•

Fife Lake, MI

November 2024

02

Saturday

Dinner Party

6:00pm - 7:00pm

•

Kingsley, MI

September 2024

18

Wednesday

Nonprofit Event

11:30am - 12:15pm

•

Kingsley, MI

August 2024

23

Friday

Cocktail Party

7:00pm - 9:00pm

•

Traverse City, MI

10

Saturday

Cocktail Party

6:00pm - 9:00pm

•

Traverse City, MI

April 2024

20

Saturday

Nonprofit Event

6:00pm - 7:00pm

•

Kingsley, MI

March 2024

14

Thursday

Nonprofit Event

11:30am - 12:30pm

•

Traverse City, MI

13

Wednesday

Holiday Party

11:00am - 12:00pm

•

Kingsley, MI

12

Tuesday

Nonprofit Event

11:30am - 12:15pm

•

Fife Lake, MI

August 2023

19

Saturday

Dinner Party

6:00pm - 9:00pm

•

Mackinac Island, MI

12

Saturday

Birthday Party

10:30am - 11:00am

•

Traverse City, MI

February 2023

21

Tuesday

Nonprofit Event

12:00pm - 1:00pm

•

Traverse City, MI

August 2022

27

Saturday

Wedding Reception

4:30pm - 5:30pm

•

East Jordan, MI

June 2022

25

Saturday

Cocktail Party

4:30am - 6:00am

•

Traverse City, MI

July 2021

25

Sunday

Cocktail Party

3:30pm - 5:30pm

•

Rapid City, MI

10

Saturday

House Party

6:00pm - 9:00pm

•

Glen Arbor, MI

March 2020

12

Thursday

Corporate Event

5:30pm - 6:30pm

•

Phoenix, AZ

06

Friday

Wedding Reception

7:00pm - 8:00pm

•

Chandler, AZ

November 2019

09

Saturday

Dinner Party

5:30pm - 7:30pm

•

Scottsdale, AZ

December 2018

15

Saturday

Cocktail Party

6:00pm - 7:00pm

•

Scottsdale, AZ

November 2018

10

Saturday

Wedding Ceremony

1:00pm - 1:30pm

•

Scottsdale, AZ

October 2018

13

Saturday

Corporate Event

9:30am - 11:30am

•

Chandler, AZ

May 2017

06

Saturday

Retirement Party

5:00pm - 8:00pm

•

Scottsdale, AZ

April 2017

22

Saturday

Nonprofit Event

9:00am - 9:15am

•

Phoenix, AZ

08

Saturday

Wedding Ceremony

4:00pm - 5:30pm

•

Scottsdale, AZ

February 2017

11

Saturday

Wedding Cocktail Hour

1:00pm - 3:00pm

•

Phoenix, AZ

January 2016

16

Saturday

Cocktail Party

7:00pm - 8:00pm

•

Glendale, AZ

December 2015

31

Thursday

Wedding Ceremony

9:00pm - 10:30pm

•

Phoenix, AZ

Set list

Here is just a sample of some of the groups and artists that I use in creating my play lists, but I have a larger list available.
Dave Koz
Spyro Gyra
Chuck Mangione
Kenny G
George Benson
Elton John
Van Morrison
The Eagles
Bill Haley
Huey Lewis & the News
Maroon 5
Creedence Clearwater Revival
Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons
Earth, Wind & Fire

Influences and inspiration

Spyro Gyra
The Crusaders
Chuck Mangione
Tower of Power
Huey Lewis and the News

Setup requirements

Electrical outlet