BJ Simmons

BJ Simmons is a musician, composer, band leader, producer, team player and collaborator. He is also a fourth generation Washingtonian who began studying music at the age of nine. His studies on the saxophone and clarinet provided him the opportunity to become a member of the DC Youth Orchestra Program. He is a graduate of Norfolk State University (Norfolk, VA) and has obtained a Master’s degree in Entertainment Business from Full Sail University (Orlando, FL) BJ has a passion for impacting people through the medium of sound. In fact, BJ’s most recent professional achievement was releasing his debut Jazz album, “Acronyms”

BJ has had the opportunity to study under, and gain masterclass instruction by: saxophonists Kirk Whalum, Stephanie Sanders, Bruce Williams, Frank Foster, Bob Mintzer, Trombonist Slide Hampton and the Legendary Calvin Jones. In 2001, while attending NSU, BJ Simmons earned the Outstanding Jazz Soloist Award at the UNC-W Jazz Festival in 2001. BJ has performed at the DC Jazz Festival, J Dilla DC Benefit Concert, The Youth Inaugural Ball for President Obama 2008, Macy’s “Shop For A Cause”, East Coast Jazz Festival, and the AFRAM Festival. BJ Simmons has made musical appearances with: Ray Goodman & Brown, Rapper, WALE, Victor Wooten, Fife of Tribe Called Quest, Millie Jackson, Yahzirah, and the Washington Jazz Arts Institute Big Band under the direction of Davey Yarborough, Wildflower, and the Hubie Blake Big Band (Baltimore, MD).

BJ has also made multiple television appearances on CBS with former White House Executive Chef, Charlie Reddin, and Youth For America (World-wide Broadcast with Hip-Hop Artist Fatso). He has recorded with Andre Alexander and Andre’s World (2009), Yamama’nym (2002), (neo-soul band) Charles Butler & Trinity (2010), and Subtle Thoughts (2010). His television appearances also include and a Bobby Jones Gospel appearance on BET with Ricky Dillard. BJ has also performed with vocalist, Robert Murat on Paul Brunson’s “LoveTown USA” which aired on Oprah Winfrey’s OWN Network. He has also performed for political notables such as: Governor Mark Warner (D) Virginia and Mayor Adrian Fenty. He was also recently featured in the Hill Rag Newspaper as well as East of The River Magazine in Washington, DC.