Christopher Byars, born November 2, 1970, in New York City, is an American jazz saxophonist who began his career as a child opera singer, performing with the New York City Opera, Metropolitan Opera children's choir, and New York City Ballet. He transitioned to jazz at age 13, studying bebop and performing his first set as a leader in 1989 at the Angry Squire. In 1990, he co-founded Across 7 Street with Ari Roland, performing original compositions inspired by the bebop era at Smalls Jazz Club. Since 2006, Byars has toured internationally as a jazz ambassador for the U.S. State Department, collaborating with local musicians and incorporating elements of their musical traditions into jazz.
