Meet the Musician: JR Denson, Saxophone Player and Vocalist

This post profiles JR Denson, a Flashband member who plays all five saxophones (but only owns an alto) and sings lead and/or back-up vocals. He’s not currently in a band, but has participated in six Showcases. 

In a work hard-play hard city like DC, it’s important for me to have hobbies that help “recharge my batteries," get some temporary reprieve from the stresses of life and have some fun. 

That’s where Flashband comes in. It connects me with amazing musicians when I want to play a show, but I don't have to commit to a full band.

My first Flashband was great. We don’t play together full-time, but two years later we’re still hanging out at happy hours and such. With Flashband, I found exactly what I was looking for: A low-pressure opportunity to play fun music and meet cool people. Flashband is perfect for my fear of commitment!

Take it from me, the guy who’s played in six Showcases: Don’t be too hard on yourself or worry that your set wasn’t perfect. I know that sounds super cliché, but it’s real. The Flashband community is incredibly supportive. If you flub a note (or two, if you’re me), the other musicians and the crowds that come to hang are very forgiving. 

There are so many fun places to play and a crazy amount of talented people in this city. What’s not to love about being a musician in DC?

The first Flashband event I did; November, 2013