Air Force musician keeps busy as civilian

How to go

What: Saxophonist Grant “King” Koeller

When: 8 p.m. Saturday

Where: Jazz Central, 2931 E. Third St., Dayton

Cost: $5

More info: (937) 254-8130 or www.jazzcentral dayton.com

After 23 years of service in U. S. Air Force bands, saxophonist Grant “King” Koeller recently retired, but the tempo of his life hasn’t slowed down.

“If anything, it’s speeding up,” he said.

A native of Moline, Ill., and a third-generation military musician, Koeller began playing saxophone at age 9. He has worked as a roofer, vacuum cleaner salesman, radio announcer, bicycle mechanic and gas station attendant. “None of those jobs ever panned out,” he said. “But playing the sax has never let me down.”

During his career, Koeller performed for presidents and potentates, and shared the stage with a wide range of entertainers, such as Jerry Lewis and Bob Hope, the Platters and Four Tops, Helen Reddy and Crystal Gayle, Lionel Hampton and Roy Hargrove, the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra and the Boston Pops.

“I was really blessed to be a part of the Air Force music program,” Koeller said. After arriving at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base about five years ago, he became heavily involved in the local music scene.

“I’m part of this network where I’m in several different bands,” he said.

“But now that I’ve retired, I actually have the time to break out and be a leader.”

On Saturday, Koeller will lead his own band in a show at Jazz Central on East Third Street. “That place is the real deal, jazz wise,” he said. “It’s such a great place to play because there’s so much history there.”

Discussing the program for his upcoming show, Koeller described it as his tribute to the great American songbook, a collection of show tunes and popular songs from the 1920s through the 40s.

“I’m taking it back to the stuff I heard growing up,” he said. “It’s a chance for people to hear the great American standards.”

Now that he’s retired, Koeller plans to remain in the Dayton area, where he hopes to begin a recording project and continue to improve his musicianship.

“I feel like I’m just starting to scratch the surface,” he said. “As a 50-year-old man, I realize that I’ve got a lot left to learn.”

Adam Alonzo is a contributing writer for the Dayton Daily News. He can be reached by email at music@adamalonzo.com.