| Originally from Chillicothe, Illinois, Nate Heffron started playing saxophone at the young age of nine. Before leaving Central Illinois to study music at Northern Illinois University, Nate made a name for himself throughout the Peoria area. Playing regularly with the Central Illinois Jazz Society (CIJO) House Band and Big Band; for years, Nate found himself alongside veteran musicians of Central Illinois. He even found time to lead his own 15 member big band and jazz quintet that gigged regularly throughout the Peoria area at such places as the Fine Arts Fair, Hub Ballroom, the Fireworks Spectacular at Glen Oak Amphitheater and Martini's. His years in Central Illinois awarded him with two appearances at the Illinois All-State Convention, recognition in the Peoria Journal Star as a top area performer, and a scholarship to the nationally ranked Northern Illinois University Jazz Program. As a member of NIU Jazz Ensemble, Nate has performed with legends such as Wynton Marsalis, Bobby Shew, Dennis Mackrel, Byron Strippling, and Red Hollaway. He also recently returned with the Ensemble from a trip to the 2004 Lima, Peru International Jazz Festival. Currently, Nate performs regularly with and helps manage Concerned Citizens, a jazz quartet focusing on original composition and creative improvisation. This group combines original music with talented players from NIU. The Concerned Citizens, aside from just playing gigs, are involved with clinicing many high school/grade school jazz bands. Nate has and continues to study with Larry Harms and Steve Duke. Any questions should be directed to NateHeffron@hotmail.com |
