Marcus Anderson grew up in a jazz household, the youngest of seven children who would go on to study the genre at North Carolina Central University. Since, the saxophone player has released eight CDs, played festivals across the world, made many TV appearances and graced the stage with numerous celebrity musicians.

Anderson is a big name in musical circles and on Friday night, he’ll play at the Turnage Theatre.

“It wouldn’t surprise me that not many people in eastern North Carolina have heard of him, but the people who do know about him, call the theater really excited and ask if there are still tickets left,” said Joey Toler, executive director of Arts of the Pamlico. “He played in Chicago about a month ago and he filled up an arena. He’s booked all the time.”

Anderson has also been in the news lately because of his association with Prince Rogers Nelson, who died of unknown causes April 21 at his Paisley Park recording studio and home in Chanhassen, Minnesota. Anderson was the featured saxophonist of Prince’s New Power Generation, and played with him during his last concert in Atlanta.

Toler said Anderson’s experience performing with the music legend will likely make an appearance at Friday’s concert at the Turnage Theatre.

“He really valued that time he was with Prince. He considered it an education. I’m sure he’ll talk about it — I’d be surprised if he didn’t,” Toler said.

Toler met Anderson last November at Arts Market, a showcase of acts of all genres for presenters across the state, and quickly decided to book Anderson for a Turnage show. A combination of Anderson’s musicianship and engagement with the audience during his performance made him stand out from the crowd, Toler said.

But it’s always a balancing act, deciding which acts are worth the higher price tag, he added.

“We do try to bring in some big name acts and as we do that, we also increase our risk — if we don’t sell enough tickets, we lose more money,” Toler said.

Community-based programming is a safer bet, he said. However, even if the audience is larger, tickets to those events sell at a much lower price.

“We have to measure the quality by how it costs and how the community responds to it,” Toler said. “Obviously, our community loves bluegrass, but we also have people always asking us to bring in something different. … There’s no secret ingredient. I wish there was.”

With influences like Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, Michael Jackson, the BeeGees and Maroon 5, added to the fact he also plays flute, sings, writes, dances, produces and arranges music, Anderson, as the last big act of the Turnage season, is a different caliber of performer than Arts of the Pamlico usually presents, Toler said.

“He’s really amazing,” Toler said.

Tickets are $20 each and can be purchased in advance by calling 252-946-2504 Tuesdays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets will also be available at the door. Curtain time is 8 p.m. For more information about this event and other AOP programs, visit us online at artsofthepamlico.org.