Elevate your Holidays with Jazz Saxophonist Will Donato at Sound Bites Grill

Will Donato is one of music’s most dynamic performers, gifted with the ability to bond and connect with his audiences. On Tuesday, December 29 at 6pm, Will returns to the Sound Bites Grill Stage in celebration of his latest CD Release “Elevate” with hit singles “The High Road” and “You Got This”.

A saxophonist, composer, and producer, Donato has performed with some of the best-known musicians of the groove / smooth jazz genre, namely Al McKay of Earth Wind and Fire, Richard Elliot, Bruce Conte of Tower of Power, Steve Reid of The Rippingtons, Brian Simpson, Steve Oliver, Gregg Karukas and Nick Colionne. He has worked in the pop music genre as well - most notably with Gerald Levert, Wynonna Judd, Toni Childs, and superstar Richard Marx. He was nominated by Coachella Valley Weekly for their annual CV Music Awards in the categories of, “Best Jazz Instrumentalist” & “Best Instrumental Performance".

Will is a cancer survivor who truly celebrates each day and each person he meets and has headlined or shared the stage as a special guest at several world class music productions and venues including the Blue Note in New York City, The Seabreeze Jazz Festival, The Algarve Groove International Jazz Festival in Portugal, The Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival, Humphrey’s By The Bay in San Diego, The Capital Jazz Cruise, and Rick Braun’s New Year’s Eve.

“Will Donato is a ‘must-see’ show” – Newjazz.com

Donato’s music can be heard on the number one Contemporary Jazz Legacy Hit from Steve Oliver, “High Noon”, as well as on the soundtracks from several movie scores including Thelma and Louise, The Wedding Planner, Under the Boardwalk, and No Man’s Land. Newjazz.com says “Will Donato is a ‘must see’ show”.

In January 2019, his radio single “Infinite Soul” was released and dedicated to his hero father Joseph, a retired military man. Will’s inspirational wife, Diana, reached the coveted #1 spot on the Billboard smooth jazz airplay charts!

Performing with Donato at Sound Bites will be Eddie Reddick on bass, and a special guest appearance by vocalist, Vivian Sessoms. Known as “funky thumbs”, bassist Eddie Riddick is a producer, vocalist, songwriter, and bass player. His latest release is entitled, “Bass Matters”. This release is filled with funky instrumental songs that tout an old school flavor. Eddie has been working in the LA Area for over thirty years. He has performed with many artists such as Chaka Khan, Billy Cobham, Roy Ayers, & The Art of Sax, among others. Eddie shares, “that it doesn’t matter anymore where his performances might be. People are beautiful wherever they are”.

Hailed by Rolling Stone and Billboard as an “exquisite” singer, Vivian Sessoms has performed all over the world with some of the biggest names in music. Opening for Marvin Gaye at the age of 9, she’s worked with legendary artists like Michael Jackson, Cher, Stevie Wonder, and many others throughout the course of her multi-faceted career.

This is a ticketed event, and Dinner Reservations are required to sit in the showroom.

Call for reservations at 928-282-2713. For more information visit SoundBitesGrill.com.

Sound Bites Grill practices mandated Covid-19 safety protocols – for a list of their procedures check out the website.

Sound Bites Grill is located at The Shops at Pinon Pointe in uptown Sedona - 101 N SR 89A (across from the Hyatt Residence Club). They serve Breakfast Wed-Sun starting at 8a with an All-Day menu starting at 11a, a Sunday Jazz Brunch from 8a-12p, and a Plant Based Menu is also available. You have the option of dining on the outdoor patio with heaters or in the main dining room where tables and seating are social distanced. Hours are Wed & Thurs 8:00a – 9:00p; Friday & Saturday 8:00a-10:00p, and Sunday 8:00a-9:00p. Closed Mon & Tues, with exceptions for special events.