Saxofonist

Dave Koz, who received a 2023 Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award from President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, was born and raised in Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley. He initially saw the saxophone as a way to gain entry into his big brother’s band. What began as a ploy became a lifelong obsession. After graduating from UCLA with a degree in mass communications, Koz decided to become a professional musician. Within weeks of that decision, he was recruited as a touring member of singer Bobby Caldwell’s (“What You Won’t Do For Love”) band. It was during this time that Koz befriended keyboardist Jeff Lorber, who invited Koz to play on one of his tours. That stint was followed by a 14-month tour with pop singer Richard Marx.

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Dave Koz And Friends 28th Annual Christmas Tour

Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts

In the 28th anniversary edition of the world’s longest-running jazz-based Christmas tour, saxophonist Dave Koz and his musical friends will perform fresh renditions of timeless Christmas classics – as well as a Chanukah medley – along with hits from their respective catalogs. In a recording career that spans nearly three decades, Koz has racked up honors and achievements including nine Grammy nominations, 11 No. 1 albums on Billboard’s Current Contemporary Jazz Albums chart, and a 2023 Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award.

Dave Koz & Friends

Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts

Dave Koz returns to the Music Center with special guests for the 28th-anniversary edition of the longest-running jazz-based Christmas tour. Beginning the next era of this rich musical tradition, Koz and friends celebrate the holiday season with fresh renditions of timeless Christmas classics, alongside a Chanukah medley and hits from their extensive catalogs. The tour reunites Koz with long-time musical partner, guitarist/singer Jonathan Butler, and features vocalist Haley Reinhart, vocalist/bassist Casey Abrams, and Kayla Waters on keys.

Dave Koz and Friends Christmas Tour 2025

The Music Center at Strathmore

Clearwater Smooth Jazz Jam returns to Ruth Eckerd Hall for the 3rd annual two night Jazz and R&B event of the summer starring Dave Koz, Brian McKnight, Peabo Bryson, Jonathan Butler, Peter White, Keiko Matsui & more!

Clearwater Smooth Jazz Jam

Ruth Eckerd Hall

An intimate evening of songs and stories with two living legends of instrumental music In support of their brand new unprecedented duet album, "Just Us".

Alluvion Presents: Bob James & Dave Koz - Just Us

Commongrounds

Join us for an unforgettable evening of holiday cheer and exceptional music at the Music Hall Detroit, as we present the "Dave Koz and Friends Christmas Tour 2024." This highly anticipated event will take place on December 15, 2024, at the iconic MAIN STAGE, starting at 7:30 pm.

This year's tour features the incredible talents of Jonathan Butler, along with special guests Vincent Ingala, Adam Hawley, and Rebecca Jade. Dave Koz, a saxophonist with a remarkable recording career spanning nearly three decades, has earned nine GRAMMY nominations, achieved 11 No. 1 albums on Billboard’s Current Contemporary Jazz Albums chart, and delighted fans around the world with his numerous world tours and sold-out Dave Koz & Friends At Sea cruises. Known not only for his musical prowess but also for his humanitarian efforts, entrepreneurship, and advocacy for instrumental music, Koz has performed for multiple U.S. presidents and has been honored with a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The "Dave Koz and Friends Christmas Tour 2024" promises to be a night filled with festive spirit, incredible music, and performances that showcase the talents of some of the most respected artists in contemporary jazz. Don't miss your chance to experience this magical holiday tradition.

Tickets are available now. Secure your spot for an evening that celebrates the joy of the season through the power of music.

Dave Koz And Friends Christmas Tour 2024

A popular annual tradition at LBC, Dave Koz’s holiday concerts feature stellar special guests, performing fresh, lively arrangements of seasonal favorites in a high-energy show for the entire family. The saxophonist and bandleader has earned nine Grammy® nominations and sent nine albums to the top of Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz Albums chart.

Dave Koz and Friends

Luther Burbank Center for the Arts

A holiday tradition returns to the McCallum as Dave Koz and Friends Christmas Tour brings together a magical combination of musicians to celebrate this special season. Celebrated saxophonist Koz will be joined by four special guests performing their hits and jamming on fresh, lively arrangements of season favorites in a high-energy show for the entire family.

Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour 2023

McCallum Theatre

Join Dave Koz and Friends for a special holiday treat! In a recording career that spans nearly three decades, saxophonist Dave Koz has racked up an astoundingly impressive array of honors and achievements: nine GRAMMY® nominations, 11 No. 1 albums on Billboard’s Current Contemporary Jazz Albums chart, numerous world tours, 13 sold-out Dave Koz & Friends At Sea cruises, performances for multiple U.S. presidents, a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and appearances on a multitude of television shows, including “Good Morning America,” “The View,” “The Tonight Show,” “Entertainment Tonight” and more. A Platinum-selling artist, Koz is also known as a humanitarian, entrepreneur, radio host and instrumental music advocate.

Dave Koz And Friends Christmas Tour 2023

Playhouse Square

With Special Guests Keiko Matsui, Rick Braun, Peter White, and Rebecca Jade.

Dave Koz and Friends 25th Anniversary Christmas Tour

Music Hall Center

Beginning the next era of this rich musical tradition, Koz and Friends will perform fresh renditions of timeless Christmas classics — as well as a Hanukkah medley — and hits from their respective catalogs.

Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts

Dave Koz and Friends announce the 26th anniversary edition of the longest-running jazz-based Christmas tour. Beginning the next era of this rich musical tradition, Koz and Friends will perform fresh renditions of timeless Christmas classics – as well as a Chanukah medley – and hits from their respective catalogues. The tour reunites Koz with long-time musical partner, guitarist/singerJonathan Butler and will feature special guests, saxophonist/flutist Marcus Anderson making his debut, and vocalist Rebecca Jade, marking her third time with the tour. Traversing 25 cities over one month on the road, the tour will also introduce musical prodigy Justin-Lee Schultz, a 16-year old South Africa-born, U.S. based pianist/guitarist/vocalist and social media sensation.

Dave Koz and Friends Christmas Tour 2023 Featuring Jonathan Butler

Florida Theatre

Sail in for a beautiful summer evening dedicated to all things smooth, silky, and laid-back. This year’s edition is headlined by multiplatinum saxophonist Dave Koz along with the funky soul stylings of Morris Day & The Time. More artists to be announced.

Smooth Summer Jazz, Dave Koz and Friends, With special guests Candy Dulfer, Eric Darius and Maysa & Morris Day & The Time

Hollywood Bowl

In a career that spans more than three decades, saxophonist Dave Koz has racked up an astoundingly impressive array of honors and achievements: nine GRAMMY® nominations, nine No. 1 albums on Billboard’s Current Contemporary Jazz Albums chart, numerous world tours, playing for multiple presidents, a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and more. Joining Koz this year will be Candy Dulfer and Eric Darius.

Dave Koz and Friends Summer Horns Live

A holiday tradition returns to the McCallum as Dave Koz and Friends 25th Anniversary Christmas Tour brings together a magical combination of musicians to celebrate this special season. Celebrated saxophonist Koz will be joined by four special guests performing their hits and jamming on fresh, lively arrangements of season favorites in a high-energy show for the entire family.

Join Dave Koz and Friends for a special holiday treat! In a recording career that spans nearly three decades, saxophonist Dave Koz has racked up an astoundingly impressive array of honors and achievements: nine GRAMMY® nominations, 11 No. 1 albums on Billboard’s Current Contemporary Jazz Albums chart, numerous world tours, 13 sold-out Dave Koz & Friends At Sea cruises, performances for multiple U.S. presidents, a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and appearances on a multitude of television shows, including “Good Morning America,” 

Dave Koz’s saxophone styling has won him Grammy® nominations, audiences with presidents, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and his integration of soul, quiet storm, and R&B with jazz has made him a Bowl favorite for years. The bright and brassy horns of Oakland’s Tower of Power blasted to the forefront of funk and soul in the 1970s, and made them a go-to collaborator for artists like Elton John, Santana, Huey Lewis & The News, and more. Fifty years into their career, they’re still bringing East Bay Grease to stages around the world.

Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns

Beginning the next era of a rich musical tradition, David Koz and Friends will perform fresh renditions of timeless Christmas classics – as well as a Chanukah medley – and hits from their respective catalogues. The tour reunites Koz with long-time musical partner, guitarist/singer Jonathan Butler, and will feature special guests, Haley Reinhart, Casey Abrams, and Kayla Waters.

Saxofonist

Dave Koz

Events

Upcoming events

Dec 23, 2025

Dave Koz and Friends: Christmas Tour 2025 · Luther Burbank Center for the Arts

Past events

Dec 13, 2025

Dave Koz And Friends 28th Annual Christmas Tour · Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts

Dec 12, 2025

Dave Koz & Friends · Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts

About

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