The Final Note for 'Saxy Sady'

For nearly two decades, the walk toward the Rogers Centre ticket stalls was defined by the sound of an alto saxophone. Tessi Perrier, known to the community as "Saxy Sady," has officially retired from busking outside the stadium, playing her final set following a 3-1 Toronto Blue Jays victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Thursday, according to blogTO.

Beginning her tenure in 2009, Perrier established a ritual of playing before and after games on the hill outside the SkyWalk from Union Station. blogTO reports that for the first 15 years, Perrier rarely missed a home game, performing through rain and heat. Her presence became so integral to the fan experience that Perrier noted fans would protect her corner and drive away intruders.

Perrier's path to the saxophone began after being told she was too old to be a female vocal lead for a band. She purchased a cheap, "ugly" instrument from the former Richmond's Trading Post on Church St. and began busking at the former Captain John's Harbour Restaurant, blogTO reports.

In recent years, family obligations impacted her schedule. Perrier missed games in 2021 following the death of her 94-year-old mother, who had Alzheimer's disease. She spent the team's road trips in Windsor caring for her father, who passed away from bone cancer in September 2025 at age 98, blogTO reports.

Perrier's retirement follows that of another longtime fixture, Rockin' Rick Donaldson, who retired last season after 36 years of drumming between Gates 5 and 6. While stepping away from the stadium, Perrier told blogTO she intends to stay connected to the team, noting a particular fondness for infielder Ernie Clement.