WWOZ will broadcast a performance by John Ellis and Double Wide live from Blue Nile on Saturday April 3.

The North Carolina native saxophonist’s first stint in New Orleans included gigs with Ellis Marsalis and Walter Payton — and that was before he moved to New York City and graduated from the New School’s jazz program. He spent 6 years as a member of guitarist Charlie Hunter’s group before forming his own band, Double Wide, around New Orleans sousaphonist Matt Perrine.

In the past year, Ellis has accompanied musicians ranging from Sting and Mos Def to Cuban drummer Ignacio Berroa and John Patitucci. In 2009 he also debuted “The Ice Siren,” an hour-long through-composed narrative composition for string quartet, tuba, percussion, guitar, vibes, winds and singers.

Double Wide’s latest album, Puppet Mischief, features Ellis on tenor saxophone and bass clarinet, Jason Marsalis on drums, Matt Perrine on sousaphone and Brian Coogan on organ.