Deon Yates

Deon Yates holds a Master???s in Communications and Public Relations and
is a featured lecturer on mediaWriting and Design, Video and Storytelling
and the History of Jazz Music in Detroit. A longtime innovative presence on
his hometown???s jazz scene and two time Emmy Award nominee (2001
& 2015), he brings a fresh and unique perspective on the subjects.
With numerous accolades under his belt including Runner Up in the 2009
Capital Jazz Challenge, the number 1 most added single on Billboard
in October 2015, GHP Radio Award for Best Smooth Jazz Male Artist in
2014, being featured on the U.S. Smooth Jazz Compilation CD ???Jazz
Infusion Vol. 1??? in 2010 and endorsement by Sax Dakota, Theo Wanne ???
this is just the start of the curriculum for the multi-talented composer and
saxophonist.
He performed as a special guest in concerts and recordings with
contemporary jazz and R&B greats like Nick Colione, Brian Simpson, Nils,
Maysa, Marion Meadows, Rick Braun, Richard Elliot, Ronnie
Laws, Comedian Sinbad, Gerald Veasley, Kem and Dwele, he was
working with legendary groups like The Floaters, The Contours and various
incarnations of The Temptations. Yates also played keyboards for various
blues bands, including Danny Blue and has played flute for the Detroit
Symphony Civic Orchestra. In addition, Family Circle Productions, the
event company he runs with his wife, offers media services for small
businesses and emerging artists and produces concerts of which a portion
of the proceeds go to a variety of charities, including domestic violence,
homeless shelters and local food banks.