Introducing Chris, known on stage as "Sax Beast." At 25 years old, this self-taught saxophonist brings a unique blend of passion and talent to every performance. Born and raised in Maryland, with roots in Mexico and Guatemala, Chris’s vibrant Latino heritage infuses his music with an irresistible energy.
Chris’s musical journey began with the clarinet during his school years. However, after four years, he grew restless and considered switching to the trumpet. The turning point came when he heard a saxophonist play "Amazing Grace" at a nursing home. The profound and dynamic sound of the saxophone captivated him, and he decided then and there to make it his instrument of choice.
Now, with 12 years of experience under his belt, Chris has honed his skills through an unconventional approach—learning by ear from YouTube tutorials. This unique method has granted him an extraordinary ability to play along with any song the DJ spins, creating an intuitive musical experience without ever needing to read the notes.
Performing has been the most rewarding aspect of Chris’s career. As a full-time performer, he travels across the DMV area and takes on destination weddings, with memorable highlights including a stunning wedding in Lake Como, Italy, for a renowned sports news reporter. Each event presents a new adventure, and Chris thrives on engaging with the audience to ensure they have a night to remember.
Chris approaches each performance with meticulous care, ensuring he feels good and looks good for every occasion. His signature style includes sunglasses; he keeps a collection of five pairs of shades, choosing the perfect one based on the event's vibe.
A 2017 graduate of Seneca Valley High School, Chris briefly attended MC College in Maryland before deciding to fully commit to his music career. As a self-taught musician, he earned the position of first chair saxophone in his high school jazz band for two years. For him, music is more than just a job; it’s a calling. His genuine passion drives him to deliver exceptional performances, showcasing the saxophone’s versatility beyond just slow jazz and romantic tunes. Chris is dedicated to creating a vibrant and engaging atmosphere for every audience.
When the Spotlight’s Off
Outside of performing, Chris enjoys traveling, exploring the outdoors, and spending time with friends. On his way to gigs, he often listens to reggaeton, pop, or house music, while after a show, he prefers some quiet time. If he does listen to music afterward, it’s typically something relaxing.
Weddings are Chris’s favorite events, and he particularly enjoys when the dancing begins—that’s when the true magic of his performance unfolds. Although he acknowledges that "Mr. Brightside" is the most overplayed wedding song, he remains committed to making each wedding unforgettable. Whether it’s a grand wedding or a lively event, Chris’s mission is to ensure every guest leaves with a smile and a memorable experience.
We had the chance to ask Chris a few more personal questions about himself and some special wedding moments:
Tell me some interesting or unexpected facts about yourself.
“I can do some magic tricks with cards and props. I can also do a handstand but only for two seconds.”
What’s your favorite local wedding venue and why?
“I honestly don’t have a favorite, but I do like Bellevue. The venue is so elegant and the all white marble aesthetic makes it feel like a movie.”
If you were getting married this weekend, what would your first dance song be?
“I have thought about this before and I have heard too many good songs to choose from. It would have to be a mutual decision between my spouse and I. But it would probably end up being our song if we had one.”
What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever seen at a wedding?
“The craziest thing I’ve seen at the wedding is the father of the bride take his shirt off and danced the rest of the night like that!”
What’s the best “little kid moment” you’ve seen at a wedding?
“The best little kid moment was when two little boys walked down the aisle with sunglasses to hand their couple their rings.”
What’s one thing you wish people knew about working as a performer?
“I wish they knew the amount of effort that goes into blowing and walking around while playing. I may make it look easy but it takes work!”
Don’t miss out on creating a musical masterpiece with Chris for your upcoming event. Reach out today!
Published on:
Thursday, August 15, 2024
