A Conversation with Jazz Saxophonist Dan Wallace (Part One)

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🎷 In this captivating first installment of another epic two-parter, host Sara J. is joined by Baltimore-area jazz saxophonist Dan Wallace for a raw, real, and wide-ranging conversation—true to Dropped Among This Crowd form.

Things leap off with Dan sharing the absolutely fascinating story of local legend Daryl Davis—a blues pianist who, through conversation and courage, convinced dozens of white supremacist leaders to denounce their ideology and leave their hate groups behind.

From there, Dan reflects on the ironic tension of being a professional musician and how it sometimes interferes with actually making music. The conversation shifts to the evolving state of outdoor festivals, the economy, and environmental factors that may threaten their future entirely in the next 5–10 years.

Sara and Dan dive into jam bands, the undeniable magic of Red Rocks (and how it’s always freezing no matter the season), and his almost-career as an opera singer. He shares how a scroll through his now-vintage iPod Classic helped him pivot fully toward jazz saxophone—and what that shift looked like.

They also go back to the beginning: Dan’s childhood love of music, his beloved piano teacher Ms. Karen, and the lasting foundation she helped build. He talks about reconnecting with his elementary music teacher—who he now performs with—and shares how an administrative error almost cost him a spot at a performing arts middle school, until his mother’s persistence saved the day.

Dan recounts joining jazz band early in 7th grade, being introduced to Charlie Parker, the mix CD that changed his life, and working his way through the Charlie Parker Omnibook.

He also opens up about his social struggles growing up—and how being involved in music and starring in school musicals gave him a sense of belonging and helped him feel like maybe he wasn’t “the biggest weirdo in the world.”

Such a thoughtful and fun conversation—you won’t want to miss it.

🎧 Tune in next week for the compelling conclusion in Part Two!

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