Get to Know Eric Person, Curator of Summer Jazz Sensations

This summer, the streets of Lincoln Square are alive with the soulful sounds of jazz thanks to the exceptional curation of Eric Person. Since 2022, the acclaimed saxophonist and composer has brought his deep understanding and passion for jazz to the Lincoln Square BID's Summer Jazz Sensations concert series, creating an unforgettable experience for music lovers. Keep reading to learn a bit about the man behind the music at Dante Park every summer Wednesday at lunchtime.

With major skills on alto, soprano, tenor saxophones, and the flute, too, Eric Person acts as both a band leader and a sideman. He has collaborated with some of the biggest names in jazz, from Dave Holland to Chico Hamilton, as well as those outside the jazz world, such as Bootsy Collins and Ben Harper. With twelve CDs under his leadership, the latest being Rhythm Edge, Person’s sound is ever-evolving and shows creativity and technical skill.

After studying at the St. Louis Conservatory of Music, Person moved to New York City in 1982. He then spent decades touring all over the globe, including the United States, Europe, Japan, and South America. Then, in 1999, Person formed his own label, Distinction Records. One of his career highlights was being a featured soloist with the New York City Symphony at the infamous Apollo Theater in Harlem.

Person is not just a performer; he’s a teacher, too. He serves as an adjunct saxophone instructor at Bard College. Education is very important to Person. In 2015, he was selected to study orchestration at the Herb Alpert School of Music at UCLA, and in 2019, he received his bachelor’s degree in music from Empire State College. Whether he's performing live, recording in the studio, or teaching the next generation of musicians, his dedication to his craft is unwavering.

You can see Person’s artistry come through in the lineup of performers at Summer Jazz Sensations. Person has meticulously selected musicians and groups that showcase the diverse and dynamic nature of jazz. He has curated a program that celebrates this rich musical genre and the power of live music. If you're interested in attending another concert series curated by Person, check out the Grand Central Partnership's Pershing Square Sounds. 

If you haven’t been to Summer Jazz Sensations yet this summer, join us today at noon for a performance featuring the Steve Kroon Sextet with special guest Carla Cook. There will be light refreshments and snacks from Le Botaniste available for purchase at this concert, and the West Side YMCA will lead us in gentle stretches during intermission. The concert series will continue every Wednesday from noon to 1:30pm at Dante Park (Broadway and 64th Street) through September 18, with rain dates on Fridays. The concert series will close out on September 18 with a performance by Eric Person and his band, Rhythm Edge, featuring a performance of songs from his two latest albums, Rhythm Edge and Blue Vision.

Photo Credit: Carlos Alayo