The Tiptons Saxophone Quartet & Drums

The Tiptons Saxophone Quartet & Drums are an internationally renowned all-female saxophone quartet with drums, celebrating over 30 years as a band. Formed in 1988 in Seattle, WA by Seattle Jazz Hall of Fame member Amy Denio (alto sax, clarinet, voice), she is joined by co-leader Jessica Lurie (soprano/alto/tenor sax, voice), Sue Orfield (tenor sax, voice), Tina Richerson (baritone sax, voice), and Rick Wabbies (drums, percussion).

The Tiptons' material ranges from micro-Big Band to Gospel, Bluegrass to Balkan, whimsical Chamber Jazz, and nocturnal Funk to Free Jazz Improvisation using saxophones, clarinet, their voices, drums, and inventive percussion to create a genre-busting ‘world soul’ sound. The band takes its name in honor of Billy Tipton, a female-born saxophonist who lived their life as a man in the 20th century to realize their dreams as a professional musician. Like Billy, the Tiptons have developed a personal, eclectic approach to their musical vision, creating some of the freshest sounds on the jazz/world/pop music scene today. They will be performing music from their latest release, “Wabi Sabi,” as well as brand new music for a 2026 release!

All members of the band are composers, bandleaders and experienced improvisers. Their dynamic and playful performances always feature high-energy interaction between these virtuosic musicians and their audiences. The Tiptons have received multiple commissions and grants to compose, produce multimedia performances, and collaborate with international artists. The ensemble has performed at festivals worldwide since 1993, and led educational improvisation and composition workshops around the world to people of all ages and musical abilities. They have scored soundtracks for film, modern dance, radio and television internationally; most recently their signature sound was featured on an episode of the Norwegian TV series 'The Oil Fund.'

“… More than 30 years along, the Tiptons Saxophone Quartet and Drums are sounding better than ever. Inspired by countless memorable collaborations with musicians from around the world, this group is setting a high bar for arrangements and compositions featuring multiple horns. Their powerful, confident sound combines jazz and classical music with funk and folk music from the broad reach of humanity.” - Abe Beeson, KNKX Seattle Public Radio

“... Entrancing beats with luscious tones and harmony stacks big enough to climb.” - All About Jazz

"The Tiptons blow up a mess of Balkan, Second Line, and carnivalesque lines, joyful, wry, and well-traveled … a hard blowing, rhythm-driven bunch of reeds." - The Seattle Stranger

Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door general admission; $`15 for students with ID. Children under 12 are free. Advance tickets are available here, or if the show is not sold out, you may purchase your tickets at the door before the show.

Doors open one half hour before show time. We accept cash or Venmo only at the door.

The Back Room is an all-ages, BYOB (for those 21+) space, dedicated to (mostly) acoustic music of all kinds. You are welcome to bring your own food and beverages. The venue is ADA accessible. If you need more information or have any questions, please call us: #510-381-1997.

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Thank you for your support!

Please note: Although masks are no longer required, we strongly encourage their use to keep everyone safe in our intimate space.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The Back Room, 1984 Bonita Avenue, Berkeley, United States