Evanston Jazz: “Donovan’s Garage” presents the Dmix ECM Quintet

Start: Tuesday, April 29, 2025 7:00PM
End: Tuesday, April 29, 2025 9:00PM

The April show in Evanston’s popular “Donovan’s Garage” jazz series will feature top Chicago jazz artists playing Post Bop Jazz inspired by the ECM Records label. ECM, renowned for its intricate blending of jazz, classical and avant-garde influences has shaped the music of artists such as Keith Jarrett, Jan Garbarek, and Bill Frisell. But wait! There’s more. It has been five years since Covid restrictions led to the first “Donovan’s Garage” shows being staged in the studio/garage behind jazz guitarist Donovan Mixon’s Evanston home, with neighbors gathering in the alley to listen. To capture the spirit of those early shows, the April event will feature photos of the work of Evanston Muralist Teresa Parod, whose large scale murals can be seen on garage doors throughout Evanston! (Doors open at 6 for the mural exhibit, music at 7.) Performing in the newly named AKAR AUDITORIUM@The Church on Tuesday, April 29 will be: Brian Gephart— saxophone. A prolific performer and composer, Chicago-based Gephart plays tenor, soprano, and Alto saxophophones and leads the Brian Gephart Group. Christopher Dammann—Bass. A Chicago-based composer and bassist who creates music for games, TV, and film, Dammann is a 2025 Illinois Arts Council Creative Catalyst Grant recipient and teaches as the People’s Music School. Dave Gordon—Piano. The most recent iteration of this popular member of the Chicago jazz scent is the Dave Gordon Quintet, matching him with other Chicago players Dushun Mosely, Brian Sandstrom, and Jack Gallagher. Jeff Stitley—Drums. A jazz drimmer and percussionist, Stitely has performed with artists such as Chick Corea and Wynton Marsalis and earned recognition for his work with the Jeff Stitely Quartet. Donovan Mixon—jazz guitar. The founder of the “Donovan’s Garage” project and a self-described citizen of the world. Mixon’s artistic journey included an 18-year residency in Europe, primarily in Italy and Turkey. He performs widely throughout the Chicago region. Admission to the “Donovan’s Garage” events are free, with donations gratefully accepted. The doors will open for the Teresa Parod mural exhibit at 6pm with the jazz performance at 7pm. The newly named AKAR AUDITORIUM@The Church is located at 716 Hurd Avenue in Evanston.