Legendary Bobby Watson on the Saxophone    

After celebrating four successful weekends of top-notch jazz performances from renowned artists Diane Schuur, Tom Grant, Mel Brown’s B-3 Organ Group and Darrell Grant, the Oxford Hotel, in collaboration with G-2 Strategic, are preparing to welcome legendary saxophonist Bobby Watson to perform in the intimate club setting of the Oxford’s ballroom Friday, March 16 at 8pm and Saturday, March 17 at 5pm and 8pm.

Former musical director of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, saxophonist Bobby Watson has achieved legend status over a distinguished career.  While with the Jazz Messengers, Watson shared the bandstand with the great trumpeter Wynton Marsalis.  After 25 years based in New York City, Watson became the recipient of the first endowed chair at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music and Dance in 2000, he continues to serve as the Conservatory’s Director of Jazz Studies.  Watson has issued some 30 recordings as a leader and appeared on over 100 other recordings. Watson has recorded over 100 original compositions, including the soundtrack of A Bronx Tale, Robert DeNiro’s 1993 directorial debut.  

Numerous Watson compositions have become classics, including Time Will Tell, In Case You Missed It and Wheel Within A Wheel.  In Bend, Watson will be accompanied by a Portland-based rhythm section led by the great Mel Brown, pianist Gordon Lee, bassist Ed Bennett and trumpeter Derek Sims.  

Seating is limited so please visit www.bendticket.com to reserve your tickets.