The Arts Council's Evenings of Intimate Jazz series will continue Saturday with a performance by the Kevin Bales Trio.

Jazz pianist Kevin Bales has performed all over the world with dates in Scotland, China and England. He has graced stages with jazz legends Wynton Marsalis, Eddie Daniels and Louie Bellson.

His first CD, "The First Day," was released in 1996. The trio will be rounded out by Marlon Patton on the drums and Neal Starkey on bass. Both Starkey and Patton are Atlanta-based artists.

Patton recently completed full-length recordings with Takana Miyamoto, Tyrone Jackson and Trey Wright. Starkey is regularly featured in the W.C. Handy Music Festival in Alabama.

The jazz series began in November and features monthly performances by various artists. It will conclude in May with a performance by Steve Cunningham and Friends.

Sasha Masakowski and Musical Playground will perform in March. The Morgan Guerin Quintet is scheduled for April.

The Kevin Bales Trio performance will begin at 8 p.m. at the Smithgall Arts Center, 331 Spring St., Gainesville.

Tickets are $30 per person and can be ordered online at or by calling 770-534-2787.

The Arts Council is a nonprofit organization that strives to "enhance, educate, and expand public interest in the arts in Northeast Georgia."

The group offers a variety of programs throughout the year, including Movies on the Green, Summer MusicFest and the Independent Film Series.