The announcements keep coming in 2026. This morning, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association dropped its full 2026/27 Season of Symphony Center Presents programming — and for anyone who follows the saxophone world closely, there’s a lot worth paying attention to. For touring saxophonists and composers like Arthur White, seasons like this one don’t just reflect […]
Arthur White Jazz Saxophonist Blog
John Coltrane’s 100th Birthday & Why 2026 Is a Historic Year for the Saxophone
Some years just mean more than others. 2026 is one of them. This year marks the 100th anniversary of John Coltrane’s birth—a saxophonist whose influence on the instrument is so far-reaching that it’s nearly impossible to separate the two. The Coltrane estate recognized that, and responded accordingly. They’ve launched Coltrane 100, a year-long global celebration […]
NASA 2026 Biennial Conference at Ohio State
Every two years, saxophonists from across North America converge in one place to perform, teach, compete, and connect. This March, they’re going to Columbus, Ohio, and the 2026 edition of the North American Saxophone Alliance (NASA) Biennial Conference is shaping up to be one worth paying attention to. Event Details The NASA 2026 Biennial Conference […]
Alexander Skarsgård’s Saxophone Gag Lights Up SNL
During the opening monologue of Saturday Night Live’s milestone episode in January 2026, Alexander Skarsgård delivered an unexpected moment involving a saxophone. The bit was simple and self-aware. Skarsgård pretended to play the instrument on stage, clearly signaling to the audience that the sound was not coming from him. The joke landed instantly and became […]
A 104-Year-Old Veteran Delivers a Powerful Saxophone Performance
On a December night at UBS Arena, a pregame moment stopped the crowd. Before the New York Islanders faced the New York Rangers, a 104-year-old World War II veteran stepped forward with a saxophone and played the national anthem. The response was immediate. Fans rose to their feet. Chants of “USA” filled the arena. The […]