WHAT'S THE STORY
Justin Ward has gained notoriety with his street performances throughout the world and his covers on YouTube that are soulful, “too sexy to handle,” often leaving audiences transfixed, viewers “falling in love,” and the comment section poppin’ off.
Justin’s passion for music started at the young age of four while playing the piano and violin. He later picked up the sax and would practice for hours in his bedroom, sometimes even expanding his performances to the bathroom. Though he drove his mom and everyone in the house crazy using their suburban Chicago home as his personal stage, he attributes his hard work and drive to his single mom and his modest upbringing. Justin went on to study at DePaul University’s School of Music before moving to Santa Barbara with no real plan...just a love of music, living in his Jeep with fifty bucks and a dusty sax. To overcome his fear of performing, Justin began playing on the streets and quickly made a name for himself. He eventually found his way to San Francisco, where he’s currently based. From hair flips to big tips, people know him. You could say he’s kind of a big deal. Dude's got over 50 million views on YouTube.
Combining his classical and jazz training with his unique, soulful R&B style, Justin is a versatile performer. This can be seen in his work while opening for acts like Earth, Wind & Fire and Maroon 5, touring with EDM superstar Sam Feldt, collaborating with some of hip-hop’s biggest names like Snoop Dogg and Tyrese, and even writing music for an Emmy-nominated commercial for the Golden State Warriors, in which he also served as the creative director. Justin has performed all over the world - at Coachella and Ultra music festivals, throughout Europe, Asia, Brazil, Africa, and, let’s not forget, Toledo, Ohio.
Justin has become a mainstay of the local San Francisco music scene, playing regularly with many Bay Area bands and DJs. He’s incredibly grateful to be doing what he loves and brings an energy to every performance that leaves his clients and crowds electrified. You could say he leaves his paw print wherever he goes; just ask Jamimah, one of his huskies and toughest critics. Justin will never forget his humble beginnings performing on the streets and memorizing every item on the 500-page menu while waiting tables at The Cheesecake Factory. And, while Justin isn't one to toot his own horn, he is saxy and he knows it.
