Bienen Ensembles

Northwestern University Jazz Orchestra

Thursday, March 12, 2026 at 7:30pm CDT

Galvin Recital Hall

Derrick Gardner, conductor; Ron Blake, saxophone

The Jazz Orchestra welcomes saxophonist and alumnus Ron Blake (‘86) for their second winter concert. Previously a member of Roy Hargrove and Art Farmer’s ensembles, Blake co-founded the 21st Century Band and the Tahmun record label with drummer Dion Parson. A member of the Emmy-winning Saturday Night Live Band and the Grammy-winning Christian McBride Big Band, he has appeared on more than 60 recordings as a guest or sideman. His August 2025 release, Ron Blake Scratch Band, is a reflection on his childhood memories of local bands from his birthplace of the Virgin Islands.

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Tickets are $8 for the general public and $5 for students with valid ID.

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Mary B. Galvin Recital Hall

Address

70 Arts Circle Drive
Evanston, IL 60208
United States

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About

Located in the Ryan Center for the Musical Arts, this 400-seat hall features a 40-foot glass wall offering views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. Undulating walls of Forest Stewardship Council–certified wood, covered with a thin layer of African moabi wood, provide optimal acoustics, and the hall is equipped with state-of-the-art sound and video equipment for recording.