About

Alain Sullivan is a 23-year-old saxophonist, woodwind instrumentalist, composer, and arranger from Grand Rapids, Michigan. HE began his musical studies at the age of ten on the clarinet, before learning saxophone starting at eleven. By high school, he began to study jazz. He graduated from the University of Michigan, with a Dual Degree in Jazz Studies and Biomolecular Science. There, Alain performed with the University of Michigan Jazz Ensemble throughout the country. Alain has studied with Andrew Bishop, Ellen Rowe, Robert Hurst, Benny Green, Dennis Wilson, and many others, who have had a profound influence his music and career. 

Alain is also a 2018 YoungArts Honorable Mention Winner in Jazz and placed 3rd in the 2020 North American Saxophone Alliance Collegiate Jazz Competition. He performed on a 2022 Downbeat Magazine Student Award Winner, Addison Tharp's "L's Bop" Big Band Arrangement.

Well versed in many styles and aspects of jazz, R&B, funk, and pop, Alain has performed in a variety of settings across the country and internationally, and in established jazz institutions, such as the newly minted jazz club GRNoir, Blue Llama in Ann Arbor, Cliff Bells in Detroit and Smalls Jazz Club in NYC, New York. He has also performed at the Detroit Jazz Festival on several occasions as part of headline groups. Alain has been fortunate to perform with artists such as Regina Carter, Charles McPherson, Steve Wilson, Aaron Diehl, Scotty Barnhart, Stanley Jordan, Dick Oatts, as well as the Ann Arbor-based funk group, Sabbatical Bob. Currently, Sullivan regularly performs with the Holland Concert Jazz Orchestra, Big Band Nouveau, and the Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra, as well as the Bluewater Kings Band.

Alain performs with a deep sensitivity and vulnerability, blending a mix of melodicism and technique in a way that is unique and authentic. No matter the situation, Alain aims to perform in a way that is undeniably himself, and leave his listeners with a profound experience. A very open musician, he takes great pleasure in incorporating his love of many genres into his performances.

Alain is currently applying to and plans to attend medical school in the future, alongside continuing his professional work as a musician.