You live in Rock & Roll Saxophone land. It's where it started and you have the tradition. I still try, at age of 68, travel for just to say "Hi" and have a a talk with R&R saxophone players. The trouble is that we venue places and festivals have been reduced.
I am 80 so I was there when it started. It was very much so back in the day and still is in some cities.
"Smooth Jazz" has been a large factor in recent years for many sax players, especially the younger ones. Since Clarence has passed away many players no longer hear the big roof raising Rock & Roll Sax sound. Music and times change. "Smooth Jazz" is fine. All styles have a lot to offer the people. But come on......Rock & Roll Sax has some high powered energy that the dancers and some bands realllly love
Likewise regarding concerts and clubs it depends on the area that one lives if you will hear a lot of old time blasting Rock & Roll Sax.
And in some cases it is a matter of finances. Delbert McClinton had a 4 piece horn section years ago with Don Wise on lead tenor. Joe Bonamassa normaly has a 3 piece horn section but came to Macon this month with no horns but had 3 female singers (duh).
Most local (Macon) club bands make $300-$400 a night so with a 3 or 4 piece band of drums, one or two guitars and bass they can't afford a sax some people say. But I say add a "good" Rock & Roll sax and you will hear the difference. I stay way busy so no complaints. My "wedding band" does much better dollar wise so no problem. I really enjoy both!
I moved from Atlanta to Macon back in the 80's for my wife's new job. I was told by several local musicians that Macon is a "guitar town" even though Otis, James Brown and Little Richard were from the area. 20,000 guitars playing Southern Rock and Blues in every club and concert and no saxes to be found on stage in this town. What a shame, not for me but for the crowds.
It is interesting because when I play my "old school" style the dancers appreciate it so there are audiences everywhere for some roof raising sax if we can just promote more everywhere.
They sure loved it in the 50's and 60's with the sax sound on every jukebox, the airwaves, Top 100 hits (both here and in the UK according to my research and free PDF file) and in the many bands. And the crowds can love it again! And they still do enjoy it in many locations.
Just glad I got the into it in 1956 during the heyday. I have had many fun times!! And still at it