Ron Blake
Saxophone
Multi-talented saxophonist Ron Blake inhabits many worlds. The origins of Blake’s tradition-honed eclecticism can be traced back to the Virgin Islands where he was born and raised. At age 8, Blake started guitar lessons; then, two years later, he began learning the alto saxophone in his elementary school band. He loved playing calypso and other music from the Caribbean. He graduated from Michigan’s Interlochen Arts Academy, and later matriculated into Northwestern University in Evanston, IL, where he was the recipient of the Presidential Award for Outstanding Artistic and Academic Achievement. During that time, Blake studied with renowned Classical saxophonist, Dr. Frederick L. Hemke. He was introduced by, and performed with jazz luminaries Dizzy Gillespie, Bobby Hutcherson, and Gary Bartz at the first Virgin Islands Jazz Festival in 1987.
Blake’s discography numbers more than 60 recordings as either a guest or sideman with leading artists. They include Roy Hargrove; Art Farmer; the Christian McBride Band; Spirit Music Jamia with Meshell Ndgeocello; Joey DeFrancesco, and the Grammy® nominated, Latin pop group, Yerba Buena. He is also the co-founder of the Dion Parson 21st Century Band, a Caribbean Jazz project. The multi-talented musician completed his 17th season as a member of NBC’s Saturday Night Live Band. He is the recipient of three Grammy® awards with the Christian McBride Big Band and four Emmy® Awards as a member of the SNL Band. He has released four recordings as a leader, three on Mack Avenue and his self released debut, UpFront and Personal, in 2000. New independent releases are forthcoming in 2022.
Blake has been a member of the Jazz Studies faculty at the Juilliard School since 2007, and completed a Master’s Degree from NYU in 2010. He currently produces scores and sound design for A Bedtime Project podcast, streaming on all major platforms.
“It is in my humble opinion that BAAMS could have a pronounced effect on North Adams, Berkshire County, and the surrounding area. The social and creative development made available through this program would create a positive and lasting effect for students and be very impactful for education in the community as well. I would like to thank Mr. Boulger for the opportunity and look forward to working with the program in the future.”
— Ron Blake
Faculty, The Juilliard School
NBC’s Saturday Night Live Band
Composer/Sound Design: A Bedtime Project (on streaming platforms)
IG: @ronblakemusic
Parents' Impressions
“Thank you again for a life-changing week at camp for Dai! He's still on a high from the experience," — Candice Constantine
"Jane and Alex had an incredible time and the progress they made was staggering. What a great show, too!" — Ian Bergeron