STATEN ISLAND — On Thursday, Oct. 9, at approximately 8:05 p.m., Staten Island native Matt Berman took the field at MetLife Stadium to perform the national anthem ahead of the New York Giants’ primetime matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.
“Giants Stadium was high energy and very supportive when Matt stood on the podium—there was a lot of cheering,” said Ron Berman, Matt’s father, who watched his son perform “The Star-Spangled Banner” on his saxophone on the field. Matt’s mom, Margaret, and his sister, Courtney, were also in attendance.
The adrenaline was running high for both father and son, who “nailed the national anthem,” said Ron. The crowd’s response (which is audible in the video below) oozes approval.
“It was truly an honor to be chosen to perform the national anthem for the Giants—especially during such a high-profile, primetime matchup against the Eagles,” said Matt Berman. “As a lifelong Giants fan, it was incredibly gratifying to play in front of the team and such an amazing crowd.
“The Giants organization was so welcoming and accommodating. I’m truly grateful to have been a part of that unforgettable night.”
The Giants then beat the Eagles, the defending Super Bowl champions, 34-17.
For those unfamiliar, Matt Berman, who hails from Bulls Head, became the lead saxophonist in Bobby Sanabria’s Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra in 2012 and Charli Persip’s Supersound Big Band.
In 2013, he started his own group, Monroe. While writing and releasing original music under Monroe, Berman was featured as a guest artist on Grammy Award winner Al Walser’s album “Al Walser Comes 2 Life.”
He also performed as a featured saxophonist at Walser’s pre-Grammy Awards events in 2013, 2014 and 2015.
On Thursday, October 9, Staten Island native Matt Berman took center stage at MetLife Stadium to perform the national anthem ahead of the New York Giants’ primetime matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, broadcast live on FOX 5. (Courtesy Ron Berman)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn SantosMore About Matt Berman
Matt Berman’s professional career began while he was attending Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School for Music & Art, where he became the youngest member of the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz High School program.
At age 15, he went on his first tour playing alto saxophone alongside saxophonist Bobby Watson, vibraphonist Stefon Harris, and Thelonious Monk Jr.
He continued studying saxophone at The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music in New York City, where he learned from notable musicians including Reggie Workman, Gerald Clayton, Roy Hargrove, Michael Wolff, Bobby Sanabria, Bernard Purdie, Ben Wendel, Vincent Herring and more.
In 2015, Berman joined Brandon Flowers (The Killers) as tenor saxophonist and keyboard player on the “Desired Effect” world tour.
He toured with Flowers through 2017, performing at venues including the Royal Albert Hall, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Life Is Beautiful Music Festival, Terminal 5 in New York City, The O2 Arena and more.
In 2017, Berman was featured twice in “Billboard” magazine for his work with Snoop Dogg’s Doggystyle Records, and appeared with CyHi the Prynce on the track and music video for “Long Damn Time.”
He was also featured with Techrow Records, contributing alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, vocals and production on their remixes of Tupac’s “Hit ’Em Up” and “2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted.”
On Thursday, October 9, Staten Island native Matt Berman took center stage at MetLife Stadium to perform the national anthem ahead of the New York Giants’ primetime matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, broadcast live on FOX 5. (Courtesy Ron Berman)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
That same year, his group Monroe played its first major show, opening for Ingrid Michaelson and Steve Augeri (Journey) in New York.
In 2019, Berman opened for Justin Timberlake on the “Man of the Woods” tour and Aaron Carter on his “Love” tour.
For more on Matt Berman, visit mattbermanmusic.com. Follow him on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.
On Thursday, October 9, Staten Island native Matt Berman took center stage at MetLife Stadium to perform the national anthem ahead of the New York Giants’ primetime matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, broadcast live on FOX 5. (Courtesy Ron Berman)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
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