I was thrilled to chat with out-and-proud sax man Dave Koz this past spring during his appearance with the legendary Bob James—a pairing so smooth, it could have been served over ice. Now, Koz is back at Seattle’s Jazz Alley for four shows over two nights starting August 12, and this time he’s throwing what he calls “the ultimate summer party”—five men blowing their horns and one twin brother doing the crooning. It’s part concert, part cardio, and all groove. Over the years, Koz has teamed up with just about everyone with a pulse and a platinum record: Burt Bacharach, Ray Charles, Natalie Cole, Celine Dion, Stevie Wonder, Barry Manilow, Valerie Simpson, Gloria Estefan, Luther Vandross, Shelby Lynne, Kenny Loggins, U2, Michael McDonald, Rod Stewart—even the Foo Fighters. If you’re breathing and famous, chances are Dave’s sax has been within six feet of your microphone.
Here are the highlights.
On the Summer Horns Tour:
“Well, Summer Horns started a number of years ago—I think our first project was in 2013. It was a chance for some horn player friends of mine and myself to celebrate the music we grew up listening to: the classic horn bands from the late ’60s to late ’70s—Earth, Wind & Fire, Chicago, Tower of Power, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Kool & The Gang.
I mean, there were so many of these horn bands, and I loved that music—and I wasn’t alone. So we made that first record in 2013, and it did really well. We did a couple of tours behind it. We made another record with more tours, and over the years, I think there have been four different incarnations of Summer Horns. This is our fifth. This time, it includes a bunch of young players who are killing it—and kicking me in the butt, which is exactly what I need.
We’ve got a full horn section: baritone sax (Leo P.), trombone (Jeff Bradshaw), trumpet (Evan Taylor), and two saxophone players (myself and Marcus Anderson), plus an incredible vocalist—Marcus’s twin brother, Marcel. We’ve made some new music too, including a new version of ‘Vehicle’ by The Ides of March, which drops in a few days. Marcel is an incredible singer. And here’s something cool we didn’t even realize going in: Evan’s in his 20s, Leo’s in his 30s, the Anderson brothers are in their 40s, Jeff’s in his 50s, and I’m in my 60s. So yeah—we’re keeping it going. It’s fun. The idea behind the show is
that it’s the ultimate summer party. And with everything going on in the world—the daily craziness—this show is our antidote. It’s a one-night escape. Come and enjoy. Let the music wash over you. Let it make you feel good.”
After Coming Out in 2004, Have You Found Love?
“Going back to that moment—I didn’t think I would ever come out, honestly. I was a very shy kid. I grew up in a time when… I don’t know your age, but we’re probably close. When I was a young gay kid, you had to hide who you were. That’s just how it was—especially if you had a public-facing career.
I told myself I would never, ever share that side of me. But something changed in 2004. I realized I was no longer willing to be two halves of one person. I needed to feel whole. So I said, ‘I’m willing to risk it. If my career ends, so be it.’ But not only did my career not end—everything got better. The real change happened inside me. I could finally be a whole person.
It brought so much love into my life. Over 20 years later, I look back and realize it was the best decision I ever made. The best gift I’ve ever given myself. And now, coming out isn’t even necessary anymore. Being closeted is almost the new out. You don’t have to explain who you are. You can be one thing today and another tomorrow. I love how authenticity is
now in each person’s hands—shared when and how they choose. I’m so grateful I made that transition. If I hadn’t, I think I would’ve looked back and felt like I missed something. Now, being exactly who I am on stage—there’s tremendous
freedom in that, musically and otherwise.”
A Possible Collaboration with Gay Crooner Spencer Day:
“I would always welcome the opportunity to work with Spencer. He’s a regular on our cruises, and whenever he’s aboard, we find ways to collaborate. I think he’s amazing. There was an album he made—not his first, but the first one I heard—called Vagabond. I wore that thing out.
This was back when we had CD players in our cars. Someone at our label handed it to me and said, ‘Check out this kid.’ I was driving from LA to San Francisco—six hours—and I listened to it the entire way. The CD never left the player. That’s how good it was. I honestly can’t remember the last time I did that.”
What’s Next?
“We just finished a cruise to Iceland, and it was fantastic—almost 5,000 people over two weeks. The next one is in September, through the South of France and the French Riviera. After that, we’ll do our annual Christmas tour, which has been going strong for 28 years.”
What Pride Means to Him:
“Now more than ever, Pride is an opportunity for people—especially those who feel different—to connect, to be seen. Our country is in a weird place right now, and I hate talking politics, because I don’t think it helps. I’m about bringing people together. Music can do that.
Pride events, and any event that celebrates the uniqueness of a person or community, should be cherished. For me, as a gay man, Pride is a chance to reconnect with who I am at my core. Anyone who feels different deserves to celebrate that difference, not hide it. We have to stay vigilant. Anything that encourages self-love, identity, and community should be protected and honored.”
Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley welcomes Dave Koz and Friends Summer Horns 2025: The Ultimate Summer Party for two nights and four shows. Band members are: Dave Koz (saxophonist), Marcus Anderson (saxophone), Jeff Bradshaw (trombone), Leo P (baritone sax), Evan Taylor Trumpet), Marcel Anderson (vocals), Nathaniel Kearny Jr. (bass), Randy Jacobs {guitar), Nile Hargrove (keys), Demetrice Everett (drums) and Sedar Jones (percussion). Show times Tuesday, 8/12 and
Wednesday, 8/13 at 7:30pm and 9:30pm. Doors open at 6:00pm each night.
For Tix to show and dinner reservations, go to Jazzalley.com.
