Based in the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, Wilkins performs leading groups at regional venues - Smalls Jazz Club, Miller Symphony Hall, Deer Head Inn, Chris’ Jazz Cafe, The Lafayette Bar, Vic’s Jazz Loft, Kennett Flash Jazz Festival, Ice House Jazz Festival, Musikfest, and COTA Jazz Fest.
Wilkins tours in Europe as well with his father, pianist Skip Wilkins, in the Czech Republic, Germany and Greece.
Wilkins’ album ‘Moonglow’ released on Deer Head Records in Spring 2024, featuring his personal touch on arrangements of well known jazz repertoire, ranging from the Great American Songbook, Charlier Parker and Monk to Leonard Bernstein. The group features veteran drummer Bill Goodwin, pianist Jon Ballantyne, and bassist Adrian Moring w/ guest trumpeter Chris Rogers, and bass clarinetist Griffin Woodard.
In 2021, Wilkins and his collaborator, pianist James Collins released a self-titled album with Horizons Quartet on PM Records, featuring eight of Wilkins’ original compositions, joined by esteemed bassist Gene Perla and drummer Byron Landham. https://pmrecords.com/HorizonsQuartet.shtml
Additionally, Wilkins has shared the stage with many distinguished musicians including trumpeters Benny Benack III, John Swana, and Josh Lawrence, drummers Adam Nussbaum, John Riley, Jeff Hirshfield, Jimmy Macbride, and Joe Peri, bassists Tony Marino, Scott Lee, and Daryl Johns.
In May 2025 released his first album leading a group pianist, titled ‘Oceans Beyond the Sky’ which released on the Each and Only record label. The album features six of Wilkins originals, plus one arrangement, with bassist Joe Michaels, drummer Hugh Kline, as well as guitarist Mike Bono on three of the compositions. https://www.eachandonly.com/artists-dan-wilkins
Wilkins graduated from Manhattan School of Music with a BM in 2013, and teaches collegiately at Kutztown University, Moravian University, Lafayette College, and Muhlenberg College. He also maintains a private studio for musicians of all ages.
