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.
Tickets are $8 for the general public and $5 for students with valid ID.
Sold OutProgram
Ron Blake (arr. Alex Brown), RE: Evaluation
Ron Blake (arr. Alex Brown), Tom Blake
Ron Blake (arr. Vicky Yang), Beyond Yesterday’s Tomorrows
Lenny Pickett (arr. Rich Shemaria), Kathy
Ron Blake (arr. Lynn Speakman), Sonic Tonic
Ron Blake (arr. Alex Brown), Chasing the Sun
Ron Blake (arr. Vicky Yang), Waltz for Gwen
Cedar Walton (arr. Frank Foster), Firm Roots
Mary B. Galvin Recital Hall
Address
70 Arts Circle Drive
Evanston, IL 60208
United States
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.
