If there is an event in downtown Aiken, listen for a saxophone.

"It's great to come out and play on the street," said Hyland Brooks, the man behind the music.

On Oct. 26, Mr. Brooks sat in front of the Sweet Cow Creamery playing tunes that included Behind Closed Doors, Georgia on My Mind and What a Friend We Have in Jesus.

Passers-by dropped money in his jar and complimented his playing.

"Play something for me," said one man, who stopped long enough to drop a bill into the jar. When Mr. Brooks asked what song, the man replied, "Play your favorite," and continued down the sidewalk.

Mr. Brooks paused and began to play Misty.

A native of Aiken, Mr. Brooks started playing the saxophone in 1968, when he was 12 years old.

"I tried to do everything my big brother did," he said. "He brought a saxophone home. I wanted to play. He was a lifeguard. I wanted to be a lifeguard."

The lifeguarding didn't last, but his interest in the saxophone did. He went to the University of South Carolina, where he majored in music and spent several years as a band director.

"That's a young man's game," he said. "You have to keep up with buses and uniforms and summertime marching band practices."

Mr. Brooks also spent time in the Army, where he played for the 7th Infantry Division Band at Fort Ord, Calif., and the 298th Army Band, also known as the Berlin Brigade Band.

He moved back to Aiken in 2000. He regularly performs at West Lake Country Club in Martinez and Woodside Plantation Country Club. He also works as a substitute teacher.

Mr. Brooks started playing on the streets of downtown Aiken a few years ago. He was invited to play during the Christmas holidays in front of Lionel Smith Ltd., and the Aiken Downtown Development Association hired him to play for a few of its events.

In April 2007, Mr. Brooks acquired a business license and police permits. He's licensed to set up in The Alley, but if he's invited by a business owner he can set up in front of a shop, he said.

Mr. Brooks said he likes to play music most people can recognize.

"I like to play something people can enjoy without taking a jazz-appreciation class," he said. "I play some Coltrane. I really like (In a) Sentimental Mood. I play that one. I also play Willie Nelson and The Beatles."

Mr. Brooks said he does have one dream with his music he hasn't fulfilled yet.

"My dream is to put out a gospel recording," he said. "Studio time is so expensive."

Reach Charmain Brackett at charmain.brackett@augustachronicle.com.