Gary Pickard

Gary Pickard was born in Mastic Beach, Long Island in 1981. He's been playing music since he first picked up a saxophone at the age of 8. Since then, Gary has become proficient in playing all saxophones, clarinets, flutes, guitars, basses and drums. He is also a singer, songwriter, composer, arranger, teacher and producer. Gary moved from Long Island to New York City in 1999 and earned his BA in Jazz and Contemporary Music Performance from The New School Jazz Program. While there, Gary studied with teachers including Billy Drewes, Gerard D'Angelo, Reggie Workman, Bobby Sanabria, Billy Harper and Rory Stuart to name a few. Gary has also studied with Sonny Dallas, Lee Konitz, Ranny Reeve and Mark Gatz. Professionally, Gary has played with many different groups playing various musical styles including The Lonnie Plaxico Group, The Junior Mance Quartet, Jay Vilnai's Vampire Suit, The Kitsune Ensemble, Black Cat Bone, The Sly Geralds Band, Carlton J. Smith, The Straightjackets, Pamela Betti, Creations featuring Kim Sozzi and MK Groove Orchestra. He is currently musical director for the Ashley 1st Band and for rock poet Lauren O. He also leads his own rock band, nevereven, and jazz organ trio, The Groove.