SHAWN RAIFORD - A GROWN AND SAXY AFFAIR

Get ready for an unforgettable night of soulful sophistication at the summer's most talked-about jazz event—A Grown & Saxy Affair! Experience the incredible talent of Shawn Raiford, the Bay Area’s leading force in contemporary jazz, as he delivers a powerhouse performance like no other. Shawn will take you on a melodic journey through his irresistible catalog of hits, fan-favorite covers, and his latest chart-topping single, “930 GRANT STREET.”

This is more than just a concert—it’s a vibe, a celebration, and an experience that promises to linger long after the final note. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this extraordinary evening. Tickets are selling fast, so secure yours now and let the music move you!

Presented by Mark Elliott & The A-List Musiq Circle & Kim Pruitt of KP Entertainment Connections.

Hosted by JAY KING of KDEE Radio Sacramento. 

SHAWN RAIFORD

After much success with his debut album, Man with a Horn, Raiford is on the verge of releasing his second solo project, The Next Step. 

Filled with catchy originals, tight hooks, and saxophone playing that is both passionate and sensuous, this release is already making waves in the smooth jazz world, pushing the idiom towards edgier sounds that reflect Shawn’s well-attended live shows. With the release of The Next Step, Shawn Raiford is poised to make a major stir in the contemporary jazz world, performing the type of irresistible soul jazz and R&B that he loves. High-energy and naturally talented, Shawn Raiford is a very appealing, emerging alto-saxophonist who plays accessible music that always has an infectious groove.

When asked to name some of his inspirations and influences, Raiford replied, “My Mount Rushmore would be Grover Washington Jr, Gerald Albright, David Sanborn, Kenny G, and Cannonball Adderley.” To his credit, Raiford has developed his own musical identity rather than copying his idols. He’s keenly aware of how to craft his live shows as well as crafting his recording projects, bringing all that energy to the stage every time.

Raiford formed the ‘Shawn Raiford Experience’ in 2011 when his band was the opening act for a comedy show each month, and that has been his main group ever since. Personnel include Ivan Johnson on double duty as Music Director & keys, additional keys by Javance Butler, Michael ‘Tiny’ Lindsey on bass, Vincent Cole Dutcher on guitar, and Jonathan Frazier on drums. Always willing to share his success, he credits his producer-manager Derrick “DOA” Allen, his early instructor Claude Roberson, and such mentors as Ron Moton, Eddie Mininfield, Andre Delano, Garrett Perkins, and Andrew Beal. “They were my heroes who helped me so much with my playing.”

SHAWN RAIFORD A few of the highpoints in Shawn Raiford’s career include performing at a sold-out show at Yoshi’s in Oakland, selling out Harlow’s in Sacramento, and playing the Hideout in Lafayette. Raiford has opened for or shared the stage with smooth jazz and R&B greats, Eric Darius, Jeff Ryan, Freddie Jackson, Teddy Riley, Pete Escovedo, Yolanda Adams, and many more and he’s just getting started. Rich, Pure, Dynamic Tones!shawnraifordsax.com 

ON STAGE In 2023, the Shawn Raiford Experience will be touring as the opening act for Chuckii Booker University 2.0. The saxophonist is very proud of his tight band, which plays together as one with a unified purpose, and always puts on exciting shows full of melodic and grooving music that gets the audience up on its feet and dancing.