“Donovan’s Garage” jazz brings all-star quintet of Chicago jazzmen to the 6th Ward

Name: “Donovan’s Garage” jazz brings all-star quintet of Chicago jazzmen to the 6th Ward
Start: 2026-04-14T19:00:00-05:00
Location: AKAR Auditorium, 2715 Hurd Ave., Evanston

Schedule

Tue, 14 Apr, 2026 at 07:00 pm

UTC-05:00

Location

AKAR Auditorium, 2715 Hurd Ave., Evanston | Evanston, IL

You won’t want to miss the “Donovan’s Garage” jazz event on Tuesday, April 14 at the AKAR Auditorium.
Headlining is the acclaimed Chicago Jazz bass player Frank Russell, the official bassist for the legendary South African group Ladysmith Black Mambazo. He is currently recording an album featuring Ladysmith and many of Chicago’s finest jazz musicians including Robert Irving III, Howard Levy, Bobby Broom, Jahari Stampley, Corey Wilkes and more. (You might recognize a few of those names from earlier “Donovan’s Garage” shows.)
This is a “Donovan’s Garage jazz event that you don’t want to miss. Go to www.donovanmixon.com to read about each of the players.

Your host, Donovan Mixon, is labeling this show “In the ‘Lab’ with Frank Russell,” a nod to the way these shows bring the audience into the process of jazz. It will be Tuesday, April 10 at the AKAR Auditorium, 2715 Hurd Ave. in Evanston. (Across the street from Willard School.) As with all “Donovan’s Garage” jazz events, the show is free and families are welcome. Doors open at 6 for an exhibit of the work of Evanston artist Angela Williams. The music starts at 7.
This is going to be an amazing show. Here is a bit about each of the players who will round out this quintet of Chicago jazz artists.
* Tim McNamara on sax and flute: He’s performed with jazz luminaries such as Benny Carter, Roy Hargrove, Branford Marsalis, Doc Severinsen and Clark Terry. Tim has toured with major pop, R&B, and Broadway productions and leads the jazz group Level 4.
* Kevin O’Connell on piano: He’s recorded with Clifford Jordan and Vernel Fournier, performing with Philly Joe Jones, Billy Hart, Cab Calloway and many other jazz giants. In Chicago since 1993 he’s played all the local jazz clubs like the Jazz Showcase and the Green Mill. Now he’s adding “Donovan’s Garage” to the list.
* Tyrone Blair on drums: Tyrone has toured internationally and across the United States with numerous jazz, gospel, and contemporary artists. He has contributed to recordings, film and television soundtracks, and major concert performances including the Chicago Jazz Festival.
* Donovan Mixon on jazz guitar: Donovan lives in Evanston and is well-known in the Chicago jazz scene. He’s just released a new album, “Finding Center.” Donovan is the Founder of the “Donovan’s Garage “ jazz events, dedicated to bringing great Chicago jazz to Evanston.
(If you wonder what “Donovan’s Garage” jazz is all about, here’s a bit of backstory. Donovan is on a mission to bring great Chicago jazz to Evanston. Over the past three years, more than 80 of Chicago’s finest jazz players have accepted his invitation to come to Evanston for these free performances at the AKAR. Imagine what you’d pay to go into the city to see a group like this. The gift of these free shows to Evanston is why Donovan was awarded the 2025 Mayor’s Award for the Arts in Evanston.)
Read more about the players and sign up for Donovan’s newsletter at www.donovanmixon.com.