Full Name: Pablo Duque
Thanks for your time. So tell us, in what part of the First Coast do you reside now, and how long have you lived there?
My band and I currently reside in Jacksonville, FL. I moved here from Destin, FL, in August 2020 to start school at UNF (yes, during the COVID pandemic as crazy as it sounds).
When did you know you had an interest in music?
Most of my childhood, really. I grew up singing to myself first before playing any instruments, and, fun fact, I was shy about it to the point where if I knew someone was listening, I would just go silent! Next thing you know, I’m in 3rd grade singing for my school’s talent show, and I auditioned three years in a row at that.
Did you start with any specific instrument and migrate to other instruments?
Singing came first as I was growing up, but in 4th grade I heard the saxophone for the first time and fell absolutely in love with it. It wasn’t until starting middle school that I was able to learn to play it.
Are you currently in a band (or bands)?
Besides MR. DINOSAUR, I have a Jazz quintet I lead called “Reeds Out Loud!” and booked a mini-tour last summer. I am also the saxophonist for AR Production House, a local company that puts on original Vegas-styled cabaret shows like their “Velvet Underground Show” and “A Very Merry Christmas Ball”.
Who is your favorite musician or what musician influenced you the most?
This is such a tough question to answer because there are a ton that I admire! If I had to choose one, I would have to say Ben Wendel; he is an incredible NY-based saxophonist and composer, and bandleader of Kneebody, one of my all-time favorite bands.
Are there any specific memories or highlights of your career that you would like to tell us about?
For me personally, and this falls within the classical side of things, in 2024 I
What area bands or musicians are at the top of your list to go out to hear?
They recently disbanded, but LPT was a top choice when they were still active! All musicians were Jax-based, and they played original salsa music and had such high energy. I have some great friends that have a band called the Fellas, which falls in the same vein as us but maybe with more of a lean towards funk/fusion standards. They were just part of the Sing Out Loud Fest’s Artist Showcase, too.
Do you have a favorite venue that you enjoy playing locally?
The Blue Jay Listening Room will forever have a place in my heart!
Do you have any gigs coming up to tell our readers about?
I’m thrilled to announce that MR. DINOSAUR was invited to play PorchFest 2026! This will be our first time performing for a festival, and we’ll be kicking things off November 7th at 12:30 pm. Aside from that, AR Production House’s “A Very Merry Christmas Ball” is returning for three weekends in December at the Assembly Room in Arts n’ Motion. You can find tickets on arproductionhouse.com
What is the best way for musicians to network?
Go to the jam sessions and other musicians’ gigs! This is how I’ve met basically nine out of ten musicians/talent buyers/business owners I know now.
Are there any local venue owners/managers that you would like to rave about?
Cara Murphy with Blue Jay, Meghan Waters with PorchFest (not a venue per se, but she is handling SO much and deserves a shoutout!), Ernest Gonzales with Tigre Island Room, and I can’t think of their names now, but also those who manage Jax Parks and Prohibition Kitchen!
If you had a question you would like to ask another musician, what would it be?
I think I would ask about their origin story, how they found their way into music.
Personal hobbies or interests? Family?
I picked up an interest in artisan coffee last March, and billiards last summer! My family is still in the panhandle, but I visit them almost every major holiday.
What’s the best thing for you about living on the First Coast?
Hands down, this was one of the best places for me to really start my journey as a musician. The scene here is truly incredible, larger than one might expect, and not to mention the music FESTIVAL scene is amazing too. Jax Jazz Fest, Sing Out Loud, FL Fin Fest- this list goes on!
Where and how can folks learn more about you and/or your band? Links to your website?
You can find us on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook! Website TBA.
Is there anything else that you want to tell everyone reading this?
We’re recording an album at the end of the year, with an expected release in mid-spring 2027! We’re excited to put our music out there for you all.
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
Glenn is the founder and publisher of First Coast Life. He is also a wonderful storyteller. Born on the 4th of July, he spends his spare time taking his camera and exploring everything beautiful this region offers with his rescue dog Callie by his side. He loves meeting new people and capturing the many beautiful moments and amazing local stories that showcase the true spirit of the area.
