Fostina Dixon-Kilgoe

Can women play jazz? While this controversy may seem hopelessly outdated in an era of such commanding female jazz performers as saxophonists Fostina Dixon, its effects linger like a haunting refrain. Women who play jazz on saxophone, brass instruments still encounter befuddled reception to their very presence: “I've never seen a woman do that!” or the ubiquitous, “You play good for a girl!” or “You play like a man!” Commentary about women in jazz still sticks at fundamental questions: Do they exist? Are they serious? Can they play?

Can women play jazz? While this controversy may seem hopelessly outdated in an era of such commanding female jazz performers as saxophonists Fostina Dixon, its effects linger like a haunting refrain. Women who play jazz on saxophone, brass instruments still encounter befuddled reception to their very presence: “I've never seen a woman do that!” or the ubiquitous, “You play good for a girl!” or “You play like a man!” Commentary about women in jazz still sticks at fundamental questions: Do they exist? Are they serious? Can they play?

In the case of baritone saxophonist Fostina Dixon, “she sure the hell can!”

Dixon and her group The Winds of Change, have appeared at the Kansas City and Kool Jazz Festivals, will performed a benefit for New York Women Against Rape. Dixon's Winds of Change jazz Orchestra entertain festival goers with the snazziest saxophone this side of St Louis. Rated in the top 10 female artists in the country, Ms. Dixon whips our rhythmic sycopations with a blues flavor that engulf every soul within its reach. Supported by an all star cast of musicians, “Winds” capture the heart of jazz lovers.

Fostina Dixon-Kilgoe is the founder and artistic director of the Wilmington youth Jazz Band. The program also includes a staff of successful professional musicians who have the heart to help the youths in the City of Wilmington. This staff includes Fostina Dixon-Kilgoe/woodwinds, James Dixon/brass [Board President of WYJB], Vernon James Sr. [piano/brass]. Aaron Walker, Todd Kilgoe, Calvin 'Atiba' Fields, Dill McDaniel as some instructors who have participated with the WYJB.

She formed an ensemble called Inner-City Youth Jazz Band in Wilmington, Delaware, to instruct and give performing experience to youth in grades 4-12 who are interested in jazz. Dixon-Kilgoe was one of the winners of the 2003 Berklee alumni grants, sharing in a total of $42,000 in grant monies, Fostina Dixon-Kilgoe received $2,500 for her jazz education program in Delaware.

Awards

2009 Christie Award Winner. October of 2009 awarded by the Board of Education in Delaware for Outstanding Art Educator.Awarded Outstanding Contributor to the World by Council of Jazz Advocates 2006. Nominated International Woman of the Year, 2001. Honoreee of Afro-American Historical Society of DE, 1999. Awarded Eubie Blake Award by Dr. Billy Taylor. Featured in numerous books: Black Women and Music:More than the Blues, Black Women in America Bands and Orchestras, The Genuine American Music, American Women in Jazz and more...