Foundation Gala

Performer of the Night: Rob Dixon

Growing up in Baltimore, Maryland, until the age of 11 and then in Atlanta, Georgia, until age 18, Rob Dixon was always surrounded by music. His parents, both lovers of the arts, instilled in him a love for jazz at a young age. It was no surprise when he decided to pursue a degree in music at Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia, where he honed his skills on the saxophone.

After graduating, Dixon's musical journey took him to Indiana University, where he studied under the legendary jazz educator David Baker. It was here that Dixon indeed found his voice as a saxophonist, and he soon found himself working for jazz icons like Illinois Jacquet, Bill Lee, Jonah Jones, and Rufus Reid in the vibrant jazz scene of New York City in 1996

Despite the allure of New York's bustling jazz clubs and music scene, Dixon felt the pull to return to his roots in Indianapolis in 2002. He started Owl Records with Al Hall in 2006 and then became the artistic director of the Indy Jazz Fest in 2009, helping to showcase the talents of local jazz musicians and bring world-renowned artists to the city.

Dixon's career has taken him around the globe, with tours in Greece, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Canada, England, Russia, Ghana, and France, where he has shared his passion for jazz with audiences from all walks of life. But it was back home in the United States where Dixon truly made his mark, founding the Indianapolis Jazz Collective in 2014, frequently performing with the Smithsonian Jazz Master Works orchestra in Washington DC, touring the United States often with 8-string guitarist Charlie Hunter and subsequently going to the studio with Charlie Hunter and drummer Mike Clark in 2019 and making the Rob Dixon Trio record “Coast to Crossroads.”

Inspired by Indianapolis's vibrant music scene, in 2022, Dixon created the "From the 317" recording project, showcasing the diverse talents of local musicians and celebrating the city's rich musical history. The project met with critical acclaim, has been played on radio stations in 70 different markets in 14 different countries, and has solidified Dixon's reputation as a leading figure in the music community.

In addition to performing five nights a week and being the artistic director of Indy Jazz Fest, Rob Dixon is also the Jazz ensemble director at Indiana University Indianapolis, the inaugural Artist in Residence for the Center for Africana Studies and Culture at Indiana University Indianapolis, an Artist in Residence at Butler University, and the Jazz Saxophone Lecturer at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois.

Through his dedication to his craft and his commitment to promoting jazz in his hometown, Rob Dixon has become a beacon for aspiring musicians and jazz enthusiasts alike. His passion for music and his tireless work ethic have not only shaped his career but have also helped to elevate the Indianapolis music scene to new heights. With every note he plays, Dixon inspires and uplifts audiences worldwide, leaving a lasting legacy in music.