• Brian Jenkins/3rd Stone Images

Dave Grippo — The alto saxophonist and his Grippo Funk Band got their start in 1999, performing every Monday night at Red Square ... for seven years. Also a music teacher shaping the next generation of players, Grippo is simply da man.

Other Finalists

• Paul Asbell
• Jay Ekis
• Peter Krag
• Bob Wagner
• Seth Yacovone