Avery Dixon Saxophone Extraordinaire
www.averydixon.com ~ www.averydixongracenotes.com ~ www.averydixononsax.com
Avery Dixon is an exceptional saxophonist who was a finalist on America's Got Talent and an All-Star runner-up on the same show. He has played alongside renowned musicians like Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, Troy Andrews, and Mike Philips. Avery has also showcased his skills in Spain, Morocco, and Portugal as an artist on the Dave Koz & Friends at Sea Cruise with multi-platinum-selling jazz icon Dave Koz, among many others.
Despite overcoming various medical conditions and being born weighing only 1lb 8oz, Avery overcame bullying and encouraged others to seek help if they were feeling depressed or hurt. Avery's great-grandfather, Saxophonist Maxwell Davis, widely known as the Father of West Coast R&B, who worked with several artists like Etta James, B.B. King, and Louis Armstrong, inspires him the most.
Avery is accomplished and committed to giving back to the community. He donates supplies to the NICU of a local hospital every month and aims to inspire others through his music. He believes that he tells a story and paints a musical picture every time he plays.
America’s Got Talent saxophonist Avery Dixon recently announced that he will be hitting the road overseas. Specifically, Dixon will perform as a featured guest in California-based musican Dave Koz’s upcoming tour.
Avery Dixon Set to Hit the Road This May
In a short video uploaded on Instagram, Dixon revealed that he recently communicated with multi-platinum selling jazz icon Dave Koz. Apparently, the conversation led the Atlanta saxophonist to secure a trip to Spain and an opportunity to show off his musicality to foreign audiences.
“I got the chance to connect with him through Instagram and he asked me to be a guest musician on May 2023, Dave Koz at Sea Cruise to Spain,” he said. “So I’d like to announce my official first trip out of the country.”
Seconds prior to his big announcement, Dixon admitted that he’s been a huge fan of Koz for a long time. Since he’s such a huge fan of the fellow musician, he considered this opportunity “over the moon.”
At the moment, all of the dates of Koz’s May tour are already sold out. Dixon will be performing on those dates in both Morocco and Portugal. It seems like this experience will be great for the young saxophone player, since the crowds will be completely filled.
Apart from the Sea Cruise tour, Dixon has also booked several gigs through his mom-slash-manager Lisa. Nonetheless, the saxophonist is still open for more offers, hoping to fill his calendar in the coming months.
He Performed ‘September’ During AGT All-Stars Finale
Back in season 17 of America’s Got Talent, Dixon landed in the Final show but nonetheless failed to secure the biggest prize. This year, he came back for AGT All-Stars more determined to pocket the prestigious title and prize money. The saxophonist recently performed as a finalist in the spin-off series, competing against 10 other remaining contestants.
Last Monday, Dixon captured the crowd when he played his own version of “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire. He went on stage with an accompanying band and completely energized the audience with their amazing act.
Upon witnessing the act, music mogul Simon Cowell called it “astonishing.” Meanwhile, Heidi Klum reflected how Dixon always manages to rise to the occasion while Howie Mandel stated that he was the “most improved” contestant in the show.
Next week’s Finale will reveal the winner of the first ever season of AGT All-Stars. If you want to see who will win the ultimate title of being the best of the best, be sure to tune in on the spin-off series next Monday on NBC, Peacock, or fuboTV.
Edward Segarra
USA TODAY
Saxophonist Avery Dixon clinches Golden Buzzer
Musician Avery Dixon secured himself a place in the “AGT” live shows with the brass of his instrument and his golden heart.
Dixon brought the judges and the audience to their feet with his soulful, melodic playing.
“When you play with your instrument, you play with your heart, and we feel it,” Klum said.
“Every time I hear a story about a kid being bullied at school, it breaks my heart,” Cowell said. “Any one of those idiots who bullied you now I hope is watching this audition. All of us were willing you to be good; I didn’t know you were gonna be great.”
Dixon’s story and performance floored host Terry Crews, who halted the judges’ voting to hit the Golden Buzzer, sending Dixon straight to Hollywood.
“You touched the heart of every human being in this building right now,” Crews said. “You’ve been bullied all your life, but you tell every bully that you have got a big brother named Terry Crews who is here, who’s got your back. All those bullies are gonna have to watch you succeed.”
https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/tv/2022/05/31/americas-got-talent-premiere-avery-dixon-saxophone-player-golden-buzzer/9990070002/
For Immediate Release
August 5, 2021
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ATL Partners with Atlanta Jazz Festival for Friday Music Series
ATL Entertainment Series will feature live performances by talented musicians
ATLANTA- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) today announced the start of the Friday Music Series. In partnership with the Atlanta Jazz Festival, the series will feature musical performances from various talented jazz artists in the Domestic Terminal atrium from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. every Friday for the month of August. This special installment of the ATL Entertainment series will serve as a kick-off to the annual Atlanta Jazz Festival, held in Piedmont Park on Sept. 5 - 6, 2021.
The lineup of featured artists to perform at the Airport includes: Our Legacy Media, Groove Centric, Kathleen Bertrand, Avery Dixon, Lu Olutosin, Mabu's Ark Band, Tony Hightower, Joe Gransden and Julie Dexter.
For more information about this year's Atlanta Jazz Festival, click here. For more information about the ATL Entertainment Series, click here.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL) is one of the world's busiest and most efficient airports. Owned and operated by the City of Atlanta, ATL provides nonstop service to 150 U.S. destinations and 70 international locations in more than 50 countries. ATL was the first airport in history to serve more than 100 million passengers in a calendar year and continues to top passenger totals worldwide. In response to the current pandemic, Hartsfield-Jackson has pivoted to focus on implementing heightened safety protocols while maintaining efficiency and financial stability. The Airport normally boasts a direct economic impact of $51.5 billion in metro Atlanta and a total direct economic impact of $82 billion across the Southeast. A frequent recipient of awards of excellence, ATL is recognized for its leadership in concessions, operations, sustainability, architectural engineering and construction. For more information, visit www.atl.com.
https://www.publicnow.com/view/0ECEF985908AF8FE806977CB28588DD40B699BFD
America’s Got Talent saxophonist Avery Dixon has just released his first ever studio album, One For The Red Bow Tie. This album Consists of several tracks, a complete playlist worth streaming this holiday season.
Avery Dixon Releases First Ever Instrumental Album
This AGT Golden Buzzer recipient is impressively making his way into the music industry with his first studio album. One For The Red Bow Tie is a product of Dixon’s genius musicality, containing 15 instrumental tracks. On Instagram, the saxophone player is evidently excited while announcing the news.
“THE TIME HAS COME TODAY MARKS THE RELEASE OF MY FIRST STUDIO ALBUM ‘One For The Red Bow Tie‘ it is available everywhere!!!” he wrote.
Fans can now stream his album on exclusively on Spotify. Meanwhile, fans can also buy a signed CD either through local stores or through mail sent by Dixon himself.
Dixon’s release is a collection of music originally sung by A-list artists. Some of the notable saxophone versions in the album are “Talking To The Moon” by Bruno Mars and “How Deep Is Your Love” by Bee Gees. The musician also included “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” by Frank Sinatra in One For The Red Bow Tie.
One For The Red Bow Tie Is An Emotionally Packed, Christmas-Infused Music
The album is heavily infused with Christmas vibes, with the first and ending tracks being Mariah Carey songs. Props to Dixon for coming up with a spectacular arrangement of all tracks. The best part of this album is that the young player performed the songs as if they were his own.
His musical adaptation of every song is a different yet captivating piece. My favorite portion of the album was going from track 12 “Joy To The World” to “I Have Nothing.” This was a brilliant and well executed emotional transition.
Overall, Dixon’s first studio album is an impressive debut. Consequently, this could be the beginning of his thriving career, a strong foundation to cement his promising talent in the music industry.
Atlanta Jazz Festival Announces Its Third Week of Atlanta Jazz Festival Sessions Schedule
Staff Report From Metro Atlanta CEO
Monday, May 18th, 2020
In an effort to provide in-home entertainment during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Atlanta Jazz Festival continues to celebrate 31 Days of Jazz with its third full week of virtual Atlanta Jazz Festival Sessions leading into Memorial Day Weekend, traditionally when the Atlanta Jazz Festival would have been held at Piedmont Park. The nightly performances continued to garner thousands of views on the Atlanta Jazz Festival and the Jazz Times Magazine Facebook pages.
The May 18 – May 25 lineup includes:
Monday, May 18 – Alexandra Jackson
Tuesday, May 19 – Mace Hibbard
Wednesday, May 20 – The Sweet Lu Quartet
Thursday, May 21 – Darren English (remotely recorded from South Africa)
Friday, May 22 – Gritz and Jelly Butter
Saturday, May 23 – Avery Dixon
Sunday, May 24 – Kathleen Bertrand
Monday, May 25 – Memorial Day performance by Melvin Jones
In light of the recent passing of Jay Edwards, WCLK Jazz 91.9’s announcer and friend of the Atlanta Jazz Festival, the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs is dedicating this coming week’s performances in his honor.
The performances, the majority of which were recorded at the Atlanta Music Project studios, will be posted at 9 p.m. on the Atlanta Jazz Festival’s and Jazz Times Magazine’s Facebook pages and also promoted on WJZA-FM. Each performance is also available on the Atlanta Jazz Festival website the following day.
The Atlanta Jazz Festival would like to thank the Atlanta Music Project, WJZA and PNC Bank for their support. Check the AJF website www.atlantafestivals.com frequently for performance updates, the new festival date and other events.
http://metroatlantaceo.com/news/2020/05/atlanta-jazz-festival-announces-its-third-week-atlanta-jazz-festival-sessions-schedule/
CANTON, Ga. (CBS46) -- Saxophonist Avery Dixon is bringing generations together through music.
“People listen to music to offset the pain they’re feeling a lot of times. For me, if I can just do that for one person then I am living what it is to be musician, I am living my dream,” said Dixon.
COVID-19 is keeping people separated but not a part.
“I’ve gone through polio and I was in World War II, but I’ve never seen something like this affect the entire world as much as this disease,” says veteran Earl Schneider.
Dixon said his message to the community is to, “stay strong. Because as the younger generation we are standing on their shoulders.”
His music is not only connecting people, but also leaving people with a smile.
https://www.cbs46.com/news/young-saxophonist-warms-the-hearts-of-those-who-need-it-most/article_3f78de2e-8515-11ea-861a-f7763444cfb9.html
ATLANTA (CBS46) Barmel Lyons - Amid the COVID-19 pandemic a 19-year-old saxophonist, Avery Dixon, is using his music to connect his family despite the distance.
“I want y’all to know we love all y’all, especially you Grandma, I love you.”
To bridge the gap of COVID-19, he surprised his grandmothers with a pop-up concert.
https://youtu.be/8bL-AqBbw2c
https://www.cbs46.com/news/teen-saxophonist-puts-on-a-concert-for-his-grandmothers/article_dd3001c0-8118-11ea-9dd1-ef2039ef0b88.html
(WASHINGTON)―Avery Dixon, saxophonist, from Riverdale, GA, is one of five young musicians named as winners of the 2019 VSA International Young Soloists Competition, a Jean Kennedy Smith Arts and Disability program of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
The program focuses on identifying, elevating, and celebrating the work of young musicians living with disabilities. The winning recipients, who each receive a $2,000 award, will spend July 24–26, participating in pre-professional development activities including rehearsals and roundtable discussions with music professionals. The two-day intensive culminates with a performance on the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage on July 26 at 6 p.m. This performance is free and open to the public and will be streamed online at kennedy-center.org/video/upcoming.
The festival, free and open to the public, took place in Atlanta’s Piedmont Park over Memorial Day weekend, and the Saturday (May 25) lineup was especially promising. It began at the Park Drive Stage, the smallest of the three, with Atlanta’s Avery Dixon, a young man who defied bleak medical odds (he weighed under two pounds at birth) to become a promising alto and tenor saxophonist with a David Sanborn-ish aesthetic. He had a band of pros, playing music steeped in R&B with a crossover sensibility.
https://jazztimes.com/reviews/live/live-review-atlanta-jazz-festival-2019/
The action culminates in the memorial day weekend (May 25 & 26), where some of the world’s best will take to the stages in Piedmont Park. For us at Qwest TV, the line up looks pretty much unmissable! In amongst legends of the game like Richard Bona, there will be music from young hotshots like Avery Dixon – Saxophone Extraordinaire.
https://qwest.tv/media/qwest-tvs-place-to-be-atlanta-jazz-festival/
Avery Dixon, a DeKalb Medical NICU graduate, has formed an organization called Grace Notes. His goal is to give back to NICU babies at the hospital where he was born. Avery was born at 24 weeks gestation, weighing just 1 pound and 8 ounces in October of 2000. At 18, Avery is a healthy and talented young man who is graduating high school in the spring. Although his lungs were underdeveloped and he required oxygen for the first three years of his life, Avery is now a gifted saxophone player.
Last week, Avery brought Grace Notes bags full of essential newborn items (clothes, diapers, blankets, wipes) to donate to NICU families in need.
https://www.dekalbmedical.org/news/2019/01/nicu-baby-now-18-returns-to-donate-newborn-supplies
K12-Powered Saxophonist Shines on Stage and In Online Classroom
Thanks to online learning, Georgia Cyber Academy student Avery Dixon regained his confidence in the classroom.
Emily Riordan, Neighbor
Posted Fri, Oct 5, 2018 at 3:08 pm ET
https://patch.com/georgia/atlanta/k12-powered-saxophonist-shines-stage-online-classroom
When Avery Dixon was born, he weighed just under two pounds. His prematurity led to various medical conditions throughout his life. One condition affects Avery's vocal chords. Because his voice doesn't sound like his peers, bullies singled him out. But once he found online school, Avery found strength he never knew he had.
When he first enrolled in Georgia Cyber Academy (GCA), Avery was sad, torn, and broken. He did not want to even participate in class. GCA's clubs and support for bullying victims boosted his confidence. After Avery started participating in various anti-bullying activities, his grades started to improve. He also gained a new perspective on life both in and out of the classroom. "GCA has helped to come out of my shell," Avery said. "By meeting people at social outings, I feel more comfortable when I participate in class."
Online school also gives Avery the freedom to pursue his passion: music. As a professional saxophonist, he's won many awards for his music, and even received a letter from President Barack Obama. With the support of his incredible teachers, Avery has even performed at GCA's graduation ceremonies. However, Avery believes that his greatest accomplishment is his willingness to encourage others and give back to his community. Avery is currently starting an organization that will help families with premature babies. He also volunteers in homeless shelters where he reads to young children. "Giving back has taught me humility and the act of being selfless," he said.
Thanks to his faith and perseverance, Avery has come out on the other side and is now an anti-bullying activist. His mission is to spread awareness to others who are suffering. He encourages students to get help if they are feeling depressed or hurt and to join a group of like-minded people with similar interests and goals. He says, "Being bullied is not your problem– it is a problem of the one who is doing the bullying. You should never feel embarrassed or ashamed." Avery aspires to continue pursuing music after he graduates next year. He hopes to attend college and study music performance. He's also interested in studying psychology because he wants to protect others from the pain he experienced throughout his childhood. Avery added, "Being bullied is not anything I would want anyone to go through, it is not OK, but it is not a problem that can't be fixed."
To learn more about Georgia Cyber Academy, visit https://gca.k12.com/.
Atlanta group to hold mock New Orleans-style funeral to educate teens
April 18, 2018
By Becca J. G. Godwin, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
https://www.ajc.com/news/local/atlanta-group-hold-mock-new-orleans-style-funeral-educate-teens/JhwWRXemMlK3sCbDFTUp9K/
The event is intended to let young people know “they don’t have to succumb to an early grave,” CCMA’s CEO and president Norma Joy Barnes said in a statement.
“Every day, young people are prematurely losing their lives as a result of homicide, suicide, automobile accidents, risky behavior, and poor choices,” Barnes said. “This trend should and can be reversed.”
The “powerful and provocative program will begin with a dramatization of the senseless death of a teenager,” according to a press release. The mock funeral includes a coffin; a symbolic funeral song performed by saxophonist Avery Dixon; a “positive hip-hop performance;” performances by the Tri-City High School Drama Guild and the Morehouse Glee Club Drummers; and a eulogy delivered by the Rev. Dr. Kevin Murriel, senior pastor of Cascade United Methodist Church.
Avery Dixon is a child prodigy, he goes to my church. He's a 15 year old saxophone player, and he's on a whole different level. I've been a musician my whole life and I've worked with a lot of well known music artist, I've worked with music artist that have won all kind of awards. So when I hear a super talented musician I can pick up on it right away.
Avery has been playing saxophone every since he was 8 years old, and by the time he was 10 years old he was already playing like a seasoned veteran. God gives some people a special gift and talent and Avery is one of those people. He sounds like he's been playing for over 50 years. He has great tone, and he has control, he has it all. Avery just recently performed at the Apollo Theater in New York, and he won first place in their Star of Tomorrow competition.
Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson started out about his age, and they were prodigies also.
https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/express_yourself/little-john-coltrane-t13580.html
Avery Dixon, Alto Saxophonist, provided entertainment for Gala attendees, which in the past have included luminaries such as Oprah Winfrey, Star Jones and Al Roker.
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/harlem-ymca-celebrates-business--community-leaders-and-youth-achievers-at-46th-annual-national-salute-to-achievers-in-industry-awards-ceremony-300241721.html
Freshman, Avery Dixon was inducted into the Soul Food Museum Hall of Fame at the 13th Annual Awards of Excellence Celebration held at the Georgia State Capitol inducted Avery as the youngest person into their Hall of Fame and presented him with the Award of Excellence in Music. This celebration honors the top 100 people throughout America and the World to show its appreciation to the local and national industry.
clayton.316.schooldesk.net/Portals/Clayton/Stillwell/docs/Newsletter__11_2015.pdf
http://thewebbuilder.com/SoulMuseum/event.html
Avery Dixon, age 14, was born weighing only 1lb 8oz. Despite his medical complications, he is beating all odds by playing the alto saxophone. Only playing for four years, he now uses those powerful lungs to serenade with an awesome talent comparable to artists twice his age.
http://amateurnight.org/contestants/avery-dixon
https://www.apollotheater.org/programs/2014-15-apollo-artists/835-amateur-night-holiday-special
While the speakers included Former United Nations Ambassador Andrew Young, renowned author of “The New Jim Crow” Michelle Alexander, poet/playwright Pearl Cleage and civil rights veteran Dr. C.T. Vivian, the audience’s only standing ovation was given to 13-year-old Avery Dixon whose saxophone spoke out from his young soul. Dixon, an eighth-grade home-schooled young man, was still basking in the light of being the finalist in the “Showtime at the Apollo” competition the week before.
Avery - Precious Lord Take My Hand - www.youtube.com/watch?v=MS6iBfQAq6Q
Read more here: http://www.machttps://www.macon.com/opinion/opn-columns-blogs/article30139497.html
To hit the mic were up and coming artists SolStar Band who rocked the stage as well as 13-year old saxophonist, Avery Dixon. Young Avery was born with a hole in his throat and was not expected to live. Now he is using those powerful lungs to serenade with an awesome talent comparable to artists twice his age. His performance was followed by Atlanta's own Keri Hilson.
https://disclosednativeblog.com/category/atlanta-events/
Avery Dixon age 13 Historically Black Colleges and Universities National Band Director's Consortium JAZZ JAM at the Airport Hilton played at HBCU Consortium.
Avery - Four by Miles Davis - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZIoEA8Os3o
www.averydixon.com
Congratulations for making it into the 2012-2013 G.M.E.A. District V Middle School Honor Band!
http://jcyband.net/congratulations/
He has a rare condition, but it hasn't stopped him one bit. Avery Dixon, 10, has trouble breathing, but life has hit a high note for him after discovering a love for music and an inspiring band mate.
Watch the report by FOX 5's Tacoma Perry for more on the up and coming musician.