Modest Orchestra

When you book Modest Orchestra, you can expect a seamless and sophisticated musical experience, tailored precisely to your event's needs. For over 30 years, I've honed the art of providing elegant, live background music that enhances the ambiance without ever overpowering conversation.

"Lovely experience. Super professional. Mike went above and beyond for my engagement proposal.” - Carmen C., San Francisco

"Mike was a highlight of our party! Not only did we enjoy great music, but we also felt like we had an extra friend at the party." - Olena K., San Bruno

Specializing in solo saxophone performances enhanced with high-quality backing tracks, I offer the rich, full sound of a band without the full band price or footprint. This unique setup ensures a professional and polished sound for any occasion, from intimate gatherings to larger corporate functions, all while being incredibly flexible and affordable.

I pride myself on being professional, punctual, and easy to work with from our first conversation to the last note played. You'll receive clear communication and a hassle-free booking process, so you can focus on enjoying your event.

Whether your crowd is small or large, I come equipped with a professional, compact sound system, including a wireless microphone and a small yet powerful Bose PA speaker, capable of seamlessly meeting the audio needs of your event. This speaker can even run on battery for an hour or two, offering maximum flexibility for various venues, indoors or out. An additional microphone is also available for any announcements or guest performances.

Be sure to check out my audio and video samples to hear the Modest Orchestra difference!

Ultimately, you'll get top-notch music that feels effortless and creates that perfect, memorable atmosphere.

Ready to set the perfect mood for your next event? Contact Modest Orchestra today for a personalized quote!

Mike grew up with Stan Getz, Johnny Hodges, Ben Webster, and Louis Armstrong playing in the background—so really, he never stood a chance at a normal career. With a sax-playing grandfather and older brother, it was only a matter of time before he picked one up himself.

He's a versatile performer with a rich background in jazz and blues. Mike has graced the stages of renowned venues like Stern Grove, Yoshi's, The Empress Theater, and has even brought his talent overseas to the Jazz Club Etoile in Paris. Domestically, he has performed at iconic spots like Sweetwater, The New Parish, The Chapel and The Sound Room. More recently, you can find him performing throughout the Bay Area with MJ's Brass Boppers brass band and the Mighty Mules blues band.

Oh, and did we mention he studied with the legendary Hal Stein for years? So yeah, the guy knows his way around a sax. Whether it’s sax or clarinet, Mike delivers a warm, inviting tone that channels his childhood heroes—except now, he’s the one setting the soundtrack.

Want to add some soulful, swinging, and downright infectious sax to your event? Mike’s your guy.

If the crowd size is small ~ medium I can bring the required equipment (see the list of equipment I bring under stage/setup requirements). If there is a larger crowd (250+) I can work with the venue's sound team to ensure proper sound reinforcement.

For events extending beyond two hours, a meal or light refreshments are greatly appreciated, especially given the time dedicated to setup, performance, and breakdown.