The Evan Christopher Trio will perform Saturday as part of the Arts Council’s Evenings Of Intimate Jazz series.

The concert begins at 8 p.m. at Smithgall Arts Center in Gainesville.

The combo plays New Orleans-style jazz, led by clarinetist Evan Christopher and his unique brand of contemporary jazz. Performing with him are Atlanta musician Dave Frackenpohl on guitar and Robert Dickson on jazz bass.

Since leaving his native California for New Orleans in 1994, Christopher worked with Al Hirt, the Nightcrawlers and Galactic before joining the Jim Cullum Jazz Band in 1996. For nearly three years, he appeared nightly as featured clarinetist and recorded several of the group’s syndicated radio programs, “Riverwalk: Live from the Landing.”

Christopher has recorded with such Big Easy artists as Big Al Carson, Duke Heitger, Narvin Kimball, Uncle Lionel Battiste and Tom McDermott. After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, he traveled continuously, and formed the groups the JazzTraditions Project and Django à la Créole. The latter released its debut CD, “Django à la Créole” in 2008 and a second, “Finesse,” in 2010.

Since returning to New Orleans in 2008, he has taught part-time at the University of New Orleans and coached an ensemble that has performed with guest mentors such as Lucien Barbarin and Marcus Roberts. When not touring, he appears with groups such as the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra and is a charter member of jazz composer guild, NOLA ArtHouse Music.

In July 2010, he debuted his “Treat It Gentle Suite,” the first concerto written for clarinet and jazz band in the New Orleans style, with the Minnesota Orchestra.

Tickets are $30 per person or $25 each with the purchase of six or more tickets. For tickets call 770-534-2787 or visit www.TheArtsCouncil.net.

A free coffee and refreshment bar will be available. Patrons may bring their own beverages; glasses and ice will be provided.

Other performers in this series include the Annie Sellick Trio on April 13 and Joe Gransden & Kenny Banks on May 18.