Emerging from the woods and mountains of North Carolina, Saxsquatch – the saxophone-playing bigfoot – made a stop here in Music City last Wednesday, February 19th. The viral cryptid sensation sold out The Basement East on his country-wide Footprints Tour. Hailing from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Saxsquatch blends saxophone covers of nostalgic millennial staples and blaring techno beats. Toeing the line between irony and cringe, Saxsquatch bobs behind the stage bathed in dazzling lasers, sporting pit viper sunglasses, and his long, shaggy hair blowing in the wind. After gaining traction on social media back in 2020 with his captivating gimmick, Saxsquatch has now amassed millions of followers across platforms, by playing music that people know and love with a comedic twist.
Featuring opening sets from DJs Newhaven and Frank Samuel, the Basement East’s single room was packed to the brim with excited fans from seemingly all generations, with clothes ranging from suits to fuzzy cat ears to those of a middle school teacher. The flashing lights and spilled drinks began early in the night, as the crowd was loving each new track. Saxsquatch performed mainly covers of iconic yet pesky earworms that everyone knows the words to, like “September” and “Careless Whisper,” which energized the crowd. Other notable covers include Daft Punk’s “One More Time,” a particularly enthusiastic rendition of “Carry on My Wayward Son,” and, most memorably, the Star Wars “Cantina Band.” By creating loops and playing the saxophone live on stage, Saxquatch curates a vibe that is casual, spontaious, and energetic. For fans of throwbacks and dance tracks, this musical Bigfoot is for you.
- Lindsey Simpson
Photos Courtesy of Cheyanne Parkans (For Bell Music Magazine)
