Thank you for your contributions — donation for Ukraine coming soon . . .

Spring is here in Southeast Virginia, and Red Tenor Saxophone has enjoyed performing for the crowds in Merchants Square at Colonial Williamsburg, and meeting people from all over the United States and the world.  Since February, Red Tenor Saxophone has been opening each show with “Glory and Freedom for Ukraine Has Not Yet Perished”.  We are keeping a tally of contributions received during the anthem, and soon will donate the sum to one or more organizations that provide relief to those suffering in Ukraine.  Today, a Ukrainian family from Pennsylvania stopped to listen to the song, and said, “Thank you for supporting Ukraine,” and made a generous contribution.  Red Tenor Saxophone hopes that what he is able to donate will make at least some difference to those who need it at this time.  We will have an update soon on where to donate for this important cause.

Happy New Year . . . and an update on the F.I.S.H. donation

Happy New Year.  Thanks to the generosity of residents and visitors in Colonial Williamsburg during the Holiday Season, Red Tenor Saxophone was able to make a donation of $175.00 to F.I.S.H., Inc. (Friends In Service Helping), an all-volunteer not-for-profit agency providing help to residents of the greater Williamsburg area.  (You also can contribute to Red Tenor Saxophone online through PayPal; and to F.I.S.H. at their online donations page.)

It's never too cold for Classic Melodies on the Tenor Saxophone—Red Tenor Saxophone is looking forward to a splendid 2022!

Thanks for a great 2021 - Happy New Year!

Red Tenor Saxophone concluded 2021 on an unseasonably hot and humid December 29 in Merchants Square.  The sprinkles came early, and the crowds kept coming.

One young couple requested "It's Been a Long, Long Time", which sounds appropriate for the end of the year; and we even had a request and sing-along for "Stairway to Heaven"!  To be a rock, and not to roll...speaking of which: Red Tenor Saxophone has received chilled water, an orange, a chocolate coin, and an original drawing of himself by a teen artist, but this was the first painted rock that he received!

Red Tenor Saxophone is grateful for the generosity and support of residents and visitors in Colonial Williamsburg during 2021.  We will have a final tally on the F.I.S.H. donation some time next week.

Down here in the "Historic Triangle", we party like it's 1774 . . . Have a Healthy, Safe, and Happy New Year—and stay tuned for more Classic Melodies on the Tenor Saxophone in 2022!

Let the Sun Shine In!

Today was a splendid day with Classic Melodies in Merchants Square—Red Tenor Saxophone enjoyed meeting visitors to Colonial Williamsburg on yet another wonderful day of Sunshine and mild temperatures.  Once again, support has been so strong and enthusiastic that Red Tenor Saxophone is extending the F.I.S.H. holiday promotion for all performance days through to the end of December.  Red Tenor Saxophone will not have a New Year's Eve show this year, so the last performance is Wednesday, December 29 (tomorrow)—come on out around lunchtime (before the rain kicks in!).  Thank you for your generous support...we'll have a final tally on the F.I.S.H. donation probably in the first week of January 2022.  Have a Safe and Happy New Year—Red Tenor Saxophone will be back with all-new Classic Melodies!

Boxing Day in Merchants Square

Not since Independence Day has Red Tenor Saxophone seen crowds such as this in Merchants Square and Duke of Gloucester Street!  With late December temperatures soaring above 70, residents and visitors were eager to enjoy the beautiful day at Colonial Williamsburg.  Because of the strong support, Red Tenor Saxophone is extending the F.I.S.H. promotion for an extra day.  Thank you for your generosity!

 

Thank you for an excellent Holiday Season

Red Tenor Saxophone wrapped up the Holiday Season with a good Christmas late-afternoon hour in Merchants Square in Colonial Williamsburg.  Many people were out enjoying the unseasonably warm day.  We had an enthusiastic audience at the tables, with some good requests and much generous support—a portion of your contributions will be donated to F.I.S.H. (Friends In Service Helping), providing assistance to residents of the Williamsburg area.

Thank you for making this a special 2021 of Classic Holiday Melodies on the Tenor Saxophone!  Have a Happy and safe New Year.

Merry Christmas · Feliz Navidad · Joyeux Noël · Buon Natale

Classic Holiday Melodies with Red Tenor Saxophone . . .

Red Tenor Saxophone has enjoyed performing for visitors and residents in historic Merchants Square at Colonial Williamsburg during the “Holiday Season”—and your generosity is making a difference for families in the Williamsburg area: A portion of the receipts during the season will be donated to F.I.S.H., Inc. (Friends In Service Helping), an all-volunteer not-for-profit agency providing help to residents of the greater Williamsburg area.  (You also can contribute to Red Tenor Saxophone online through PayPal; and to F.I.S.H. at their online donations page.)  Stay tuned for an update on the final donation tally.  Weather permitting, Red Tenor Saxophone will wrap up the 2021 Classic Holiday Melodies with a late-afternoon performance on Christmas Day.  Make your plans now for 2022—choose Red Tenor Saxophone for your event!  Send an e-mail to RedTenorSaxophone@gmail.com.

Thank you—and Merry Christmas!

Candlelit Open House at Violet Bank

Red Tenor Saxophone enjoyed performing during Candlelit Open House at the historic Violet Bank house museum in Colonial Heights, Va. on Friday, December 10.  The audience contributed with their enthusiastic sing-alongs, and the museum staff were as gracious and cordial as always.  Red Tenor Saxophone had been scheduled to perform during the 2020 Holiday Season, but The Virus led to the unfortunate cancellation.  Violet Bank is fully reopen for visitation and events, and Red Tenor Saxophone was grateful for the opportunity to share Classic Christmas Melodies in this grand 1815 Federal-style setting!  There was the traditional reading of ’Twas the Night Before Christmas, and a visit from "Old Saint Nick".  A strong supporter of the Tri-Cities community, Violet Bank accepted non-perishable food donations to benefit the Colonial Heights Food Pantry.  Red Tenor Saxophone will see you in December 2022 at Violet Bank!

Christmas in July follow-up - your donations

Because of the generosity of residents and visitors in Colonial Williamsburg's Merchants Square, Red Tenor Saxophone's "Christmas in July" fundraiser for F.I.S.H. (Friends In Service Helping) was a big success—thank you!  Here is what your support provided:

27 boxes of whole-grain spaghetti; 2 boxes of whole-grain penne; 9 boxes of thin-wheat crackers; 18 boxes of raisin bran; 1 box of corn flakes; 5 six-packs of apple sauce; 5 boxes of scalloped-potatoes mix; 5 boxes of au-gratin potatoes mix; 9 boxes of macaroni-and-cheese mix; 37 packages of cheddar-and-broccoli-flavored rice mix; 14 bags of brown rice; 5 bottles of salad dressing; 22 cans of tomato sauce; 7 cans of black beans; 7 cans of chili beans; 2 cans of light-red kidney beans; 2 cans of dark-red kidney beans; 3 cans of black-eyed peas; 2 cans of garbanzo beans; 5 cans of triple succotash; 4 cans of fried apples; 7 cans of pear halves; 5 cans of sliced peaches; 10 cans of pineapple chunks; 4 cans of chopped spinach; 1 can of collared greens; 5 cans of mixed greens; 8 cans of sliced carrots; 6 cans of cut yams; 12 cans of whole-kernel corn; 8 cans of sweet peas; 8 cans of sliced beets; and 2 cans of vegetarian baked beans.

The groceries were delivered to Ascension of Our Lord Byzantine Catholic Church, in York County, which has been a supporter of F.I.S.H. for many years.

Again, Red Tenor Saxophone thanks you for your generosity—you are making a difference for families in the Williamsburg area.  Red Tenor Saxophone will be back with more "holiday favorites" in December!

Christmas In July - Thank You!

Christmas in July at Merchants Square in Colonial Williamsburg with Red Tenor Saxophone was a success—because of the generosity of residents and visitors, we came very close to goal of raising $100 each day Friday-Sunday, July 23-35, for donations of food and supplies to F.I.S.H. (Friends In Service Helping).  Thank you!  Red Tenor Saxophone is grateful for the support for F.I.S,H., the kind and encouraging comments, the appreciative audiences, the sing-alongs, and the good cheer.  Later this week we will have an update on the donations to F.I.S.H.  December is almost here—start planning now for your holidays with Red Tenor Saxophone!  Through the summer and fall, look for Red Tenor Saxophone in Merchants Square and elsewhere in Williamsburg, the Peninsula, and Southside Hampton Roads.

Christmas in July Day 2 - You Did It Again!

Red Tenor Saxophone was back on Saturday, July 24 for Christmas in July at Merchants Square in Colonial Williamsburg for an early-evening performance of "holiday favorites"—and once again, the generosity of residents and visitors brought us to the goal of raising $100 each day for F.I.S.H., Inc. (Friends In Service Helping)!  Thank you!  It was an enjoyable evening of music in Merchants Square, with a vocal chorus and a colonial fife-and-drum trio also sharing Christmas music.  Red Tenor Saxophone will be back again at around 5:00 tonight (Sunday)—and we'll see if we can meet today's goal!

Christmas In July Day 1 - You Did It!

It's Christmas in July at Merchants Square in Colonial Williamsburg . . . and Red Tenor Saxophone's Goal is to raise $100 each day this weekend (July 23-25) for donations of food and supplies to F.I.S.H., Inc. (Friends In Service Helping).  Tonight...Friday, July 23...You Did It!  In a little more than an hour, the incredible generosity of residents and visitors in Colonial Williamsburg surpassed today's goal!  Thank you!  It was an enjoyable summer evening sharing Christmas classics—and there were some enthusiastic singers who added to the musical entertainment!  Red Tenor Saxophone will be back in Merchants Square tomorrow, Saturday, July 24, starting at about 5:00 p.m. with more "holiday favorites" on the tenor saxophone.  We'll see you there . . . or you can contribute to Red Tenor Saxophone through PayPal, and to F.I.S.H., Inc. at their online donations page.  Merry Christmas!

Independence Weekend - update on your generosity

Due to the generosity of residents and visitors in Colonial Williamsburg during Independence Weekend, Red Tenor Saxophone made contributions of $36 each to these worthy organizations:

Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

Disabled American Veterans · 440 Merrimac Trail · Williamsburg, Virginia 23185

Tunnels to Towers Foundation

The Statue of Liberty—Ellis Island Foundation

Thank you very much for your support! Tonight begins "Christmas in July" at Merchants Square in Colonial Williamsburg. Red Tenor Saxophone's Goal: Raise $100 each day (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, July 23-25) for contributions of food and supplies to FISH, Inc. (Friends In Service Helping)—an all-volunteer not-for-profit agency providing help to residents of the greater Williamsburg area.

You can contribute to Red Tenor Saxophone online through PayPal; and to FISH at their online donations page.

Thank you—and Merry Christmas!

Independence Day - thank you for your support

Red Tenor Saxophone performed in Colonial Williamsburg's Merchants Square for a little more than an hour as the crowds enthusiastically made their way to a good spot for viewing the fireworks.  Thanks to the many generous residents and visitors who have contributed this weekend for these fine organizations:

Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

Disabled American Veterans · 440 Merrimac Trail · Williamsburg, Virginia 23185

Tunnels to Towers Foundation

The Statue of Liberty—Ellis Island Foundation

Red Tenor Saxophone will be back in Merchants Square tomorrow (Monday, July 5)—looking forward to seeing you there!

View of the fireworks finale from Richmond Road.

Independence Weekend - evening news and your generous support

Red Tenor Saxophone thanks the many visitors to Colonial Williamsburg who have contributed during his performances this weekend—a portion of your contributions will be donated to these worthy organizations:

Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

Disabled American Veterans · 440 Merrimac Trail · Williamsburg, Virginia 23185

Tunnels to Towers Foundation

The Statue of Liberty—Ellis Island Foundation

Earlier today (July 3), Red Tenor Saxophone was interviewed by Brett Hall of WAVY (Channel 10, Portsmouth, Va.) for their "10 On Your Side" evening news.  Watch the segment and read the story here.  Many thanks to WAVY and Mr. Hall for the coverage!

2021 is here . . .

Thanks to the few but enthusiastic and supportive visitors who were out in Merchant Square for New Year’s Eve – Red Tenor Saxophone enjoyed performing Classic Melodies, concluding at midnight with “Auld Lang Syne”.  Red Tenor Saxophone appreciated the kind remarks – especially from the young couple who said, “We could not have planned a more special New Year’s Eve.”  This is what makes performing such a great experience for a musician.  Here’s to more Classic Melodies in 2021!

Happy New Year

Red Tenor Saxophone thanks the many visitors to Merchant Square in Colonial Williamsburg who generously supported his Christmas performances during these recent weeks in November and December.  He enjoyed meeting and talking with people, and playing people's favorite songs during the unseasonably mild days.  In about two hours, Red Tenor Saxophone will be back on Duke of Gloucester Street as we anticipate the arrival of 2021.  Many blessings for you and your family and friends!

Independence Day

Red Tenor Saxophone enjoyed performing for the July 4 visitors to Colonial Williamsburg, one of the most historic locations in the U.S. Thanks to the many people who shared compliments and showed their support -- the donation from one visitor of a bottle of chilled water at the height of the heat was especially appreciated!

Red Tenor Saxophone spent about thirty minutes across from Merchants Square, at the intersection of Jamestown Road, Richmond Road, and Boundary Street near the College of William and Mary....

....and finished the show for about ninety minutes at Henry Street and Duke of Gloucester Street.

Red Tenor Saxophone is back on the streets . . .

The restaurateurs and merchants in Old Towne Petersburg, Virginia, came up with a great idea to serve customers during the "COVID-19" restrictions: They established a one-block traffic-free zone on Sycamore Street with tables so that patrons can enjoy their favorite fare while "dining out" in "Old Towne Square" instead of taking their orders home. Red Tenor Saxophone has enjoyed performing again on these lovely spring and summer evenings, and is grateful for the enthusiastic support from the audiences. Listen for Classic Melodies from Red Tenor Saxophone!

River Street Market is back . . .

The "re-opening" has allowed River Street Market to resume its Saturday morning schedule in historic Old Towne Petersburg, Virginia. Red Tenor Saxophone performed for about an hour across the street on May 2, and looks forward to participating in this popular local tradition throughout the summer and into the fall. We'll keep you posted on future dates with Red Tenor Saxophone.

Candlelit Open House at Violet Bank . . . Dec. 6, 8, & 15

Red Tenor Saxophone will be performing during Candlelit Open House at the historic Violet Bank house museum in Colonial Heights, Va. from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, December 6; Sunday, December 8; and Sunday, December 15.  Admission is free and open to the public.  Violet Bank will be accepting non-perishable food donations to benefit the Colonial Heights Food Pantry...and stop by for a visit with "Old Saint Nick".  This 1815 Federal-style mansion is located at 303 Virginia Avenue.  Enjoy Classic Holiday Melodies with Red Tenor Saxophone!

River Street Market - Today, October 19 · 9:30-11:00 a.m.

Red Tenor Saxophone will be back at the River Street Market in historic Old Towne Petersburg, Virginia this morning — Saturday, October 19 from 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. . . . corner of River Street and Cockade Alley — 30 River Street — plenty of free parking in the area (although downtown will be a little crowded with the Virginia State University Homecoming Parade) . . . followed by guitarist Don DeWolf . . . It’s going to be a lovely autumn morning — come on out and enjoy the many offerings from the top regional market vendors . . . and Classic Melodies from Red Tenor Saxophone!

River Street Market - Today, October 12 · 9:30-11:00 a.m.

Red Tenor Saxophone will be back at the River Street Market in historic Old Towne Petersburg, Virginia this morning — Saturday, October 12 from 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. . . . corner of River Street and Cockade Alley — 30 River Street — plenty of free parking in the area . . . followed by the father-son guitar-and-bass duo of Cole & Dave Alexander . . . It’s going to be a lovely morning — come on out and enjoy the many offerings from the top regional market vendors . . . and Classic Melodies from Red Tenor Saxophone!

This Friday . . . Art Works Gallery Opening and Reception

Red Tenor Saxophone returns to the popular “4th Friday” Art Shows and Opening Reception at Art Works . . . this Friday, September 27 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. · 320 Hull Street in Richmond (Manchester neighborhood—from I-95, take exit 73 “Maury Street” or the 14th Street Bridge or Manchester Bridge from downtown Richmond) . . . Art Works features 75 studios and 6 galleries with local and international artists . . . This is the “Sweet Sixteen” celebration at Art Works—enjoy the “4th Friday” reception on September 27 and listen to Classic Melodies from Red Tenor Saxophone!

* * * Parking Advisory * * *

The former parking lot between 4th Street and 5th Street is permanently closed.  Art Works has reserved spaces in four nearby lots (none more than three blocks away), and will direct you to those locations.  Click here for descriptions and a map.  Also, some street parking is available in the area.

Hot of the Press . . . Red Tenor Saxophone

Don’t miss the coverage of Red Tenor Saxophone in the Sept. 22 edition of The Progress-Index. Red Tenor Saxophone was profiled for his street performance during “Friday for the Arts!” a week earlier. Look near the end of the story for the write-up . . . and the third image in the slideshow at the top. Thanks to “The Social Butterfly” Kristi Higgins for sharing the story of Classic Melodies from Red Tenor Saxophone!

River Street Market - October 12 & 19, December 14

Red Tenor Saxophone returns to the River Street Market in historic Old Towne Petersburg, Virginia on Saturday, October 12 from 9:30 - 11:00 a.m.; Saturday, October 19 from 9:30 - 11:00 a.m.; and for a special holiday performance on Saturday, December 14 from 11:00 a.m. to noon . . . corner of River Street and Cockade Alley – 30 River Street – plenty of free parking in the area . . . Come on out and enjoy the many offerings from the top regional market vendors . . . and Classic Melodies from Red Tenor Saxophone!

Friday for the Arts! . . . Thanks for listening

Red Tenor Saxophone enjoyed seeing old friends and meeting new while performing Classic Melodies during September’s “Friday for the Arts!” in Old Towne Petersburg, Va. “Friday for the Arts!”is held on the second Friday of every month in historic downtown Petersburg, Virginia . . . Petersburg’s monthly comprehensive celebration of the arts, with twenty+ venues spreading the arts across many blocks . . . galleries, museums, restaurants, and shops take part. Mark your calendar for Friday, October 11 . . . and listen to Classic Melodies from Red Tenor Saxophone!

Tomorrow . . . River Street Market

Red Tenor Saxophone will be back at the River Street Market in historic Old Towne Petersburg, Virginia on Saturday, August 24, performing from 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. through the generous sponsorship of Pop’s Kettle Treats . . . corner of River Street and Cockade Alley – 30 River Street – plenty of free parking in the area . . . Come on out and enjoy Classic Melodies from Red Tenor Saxophone, followed by Cole & Dave Alexander . . . More than thirty vendors this week – farm produce, fresh flowers, baked goodies, desserts, beverages, arts and crafts, and more – along with Classic Melodies from Red Tenor Saxophone!

This Friday . . . Art Works Gallery Opening and Reception

Red Tenor Saxophone performs during the popular “4th Friday” Art Shows and Opening Reception at Art Works . . . this Friday, July 26 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. · 320 Hull Street in Richmond (Manchester neighborhood—from I-95, take exit 73 “Maury Street” or the 14th Street Bridge or Manchester Bridge from downtown Richmond) . . . Art Works features 75 studios and 6 galleries with local and international artists . . . enjoy the popular “4th Friday” reception on July 26 and listen to Classic Melodies from Red Tenor Saxophone!

* * * Parking Advisory * * *

The former parking lot between 4th Street and 5th Street is permanently closed.  Art Works has reserved spaces in four nearby lots (none more than three blocks away), and will direct you to those locations.  Click here for descriptions and a map.  Also, some street parking is available in the area.

Café Zata · This Sunday, July 14

Red Tenor Saxophone returns to Café Zata for a special Sunday Brunch performance this Sunday, July 14 . . . Café Zata is open on Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. – listen to Classic Melodies with Red Tenor Saxophone on July 14 from 10 to 2!  John and Joanna at Café Zata have a great brunch selection cooked to order . . . breakfast and lunch sandwiches, burgers, and omelets – plus bagels, gourmet pastries, salads, coffee, tea, and other beverages . . . spacious indoor and patio seating, and the upstairs lounge . . . 700 Bainbridge Street in Richmond (Manchester neighborhood—from I-95, take exit 73 “Maury Street”; or take the 14th Street Bridge or Manchester Bridge from downtown Richmond) . . . usually easy to find parking in the neighborhood . . . We’ll see you on Sunday, July 14 at Café Zata for Classic Melodies with Red Tenor Saxophone!

Independence Day +

Red Tenor Saxophone will be performing Classic Melodies . . . with an Independence Day flavor . . . in the Washington area during the holiday weekend . . . Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday · July 3, July 4, and July 5 . . . and beyond.  Look for Red Tenor Saxophone in Dupont Circle, Georgetown, Chinatown, Bethesda, Arlington, and other popular neighborhoods. Celebrate Independence Day with Classic Melodies from Red Tenor Saxophone!

River Street Market · Saturday, June 22, 11am-12pm

Red Tenor Saxophone will be back at the River Street Market in historic Old Towne Petersburg, Virginia on Saturday, June 22, performing from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. . . . Corner of River Street and Cockade Alley – 30 River Street – plenty of free parking in the area . . . Come on out and listen to vocalist and saxophonist Dennis Coleman at 9:30, Red Tenor Saxophone at 11:00, and vocalist Gil Edwards at 12:00 . . . Enjoy twelve farm vendors, fresh flowers, baked goodies, desserts, beverages, and more – along with Classic Melodies from Red Tenor Saxophone!

Café Zata · Returning on July 14

Thanks to everyone who came out for Sunday Brunch at Café Zata on June 16 . . . Red Tenor Saxophone greatly appreciates your support and compliments . . . Join us again on Sunday, July 14 . . . Café Zata is open on Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. – listen to Classic Melodies with Red Tenor Saxophone on July 14 from 10 to 2!  John and Joanna at Café Zata have a great brunch selection cooked to order . . . breakfast and lunch sandwiches, burgers, and omelets – plus bagels, gourmet pastries, salads, coffee, tea, and other beverages . . . spacious indoor and patio seating, and the upstairs lounge . . . 700 Bainbridge Street in Richmond (Manchester neighborhood—from I-95, take exit 73 “Maury Street”; or take the 14th Street Bridge or Manchester Bridge from downtown Richmond) . . . usually easy to find parking in the neighborhood . . . We’ll see you on Sunday, July 14 at Café Zata for Classic Melodies with Red Tenor Saxophone!

Café Zata for Sunday Brunch · June 16

Join Red Tenor Saxophone for Sunday Brunch at Café Zata on June 16 beginning at 10:00 a.m. . . . 700 Bainbridge Street in Richmond (Manchester neighborhood—from I-95, take exit 73 “Maury Street” or take the 14th Street Bridge from downtown Richmond) . . . They have a great selection of breakfast and lunch sandwiches, burgers, omelets, bagels, gourmet pastries, salads, coffee, tea, and other beverages, in a comfortable dining and lounge environment . . . We’ll see you on Sunday at Café Zata for Classic Melodies with Red Tenor Saxophone!

Red Tenor Saxophone at "Friday for the Arts!" June 14 . . .

Red Tenor Saxophone returns to “Friday for the Arts!” on June 14 at the Petersburg Area Art League’s “Music in the Art Park” . . . Red Tenor Saxophone will play a brief selection of classic melodies prior to June’s featured artist, the Bustin’ Loose Band . . . the show begins around 6:00 p.m. or thereabouts . . . at the “Art Park” next to the PAAL building . . . 7 East Old Street – plenty of free parking in the public lots and on-street . . . “Friday for the Arts!” is held on the second Friday of every month in historic downtown Petersburg, Virginia . . . click here for tickets to “Music in the Art Park” with the Bustin’ Loose Band . . . Red Tenor Saxophone will see you on Friday, June 14!