Featured

Jim Patterson

Top Performer

Traverse City, MI

$75 and up

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

19 reviews

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 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


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 Katelyn O.

Katelyn O.

December 11, 2024
Verified review

Another fabulous performance! Perfect for the holidays.

The Fife Lake Senior Center enjoyed another great performance from Jim! He arrived in plenty of time with everything he needed to play during our lunch time. Members so enjoyed it and it really added something special to the day. Looking forward to the next time we are able to have Jim out to play! He even went above and beyond and dressed to fit our "Flannel & Cocoa" theme.

Hired as: Saxophone Player

Small thumbnail image for Jim Patterson

Jim Patterson

Katelyn,
Thank you very much for your feedback! I am glad everyone enjoyed the performance.

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Booking information

Price range: $75 and up

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 2026

06

Sunday

Wedding Reception

5:00pm - 7:00pm

Petoskey, MI

12

Saturday

Cocktail Party

5:00pm - 7:00pm

Traverse City, MI

October 2026

03

Saturday

Wedding Cocktail Hour

5:00pm - 6:30pm

Omena, MI

Past booked events

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