Northwestern students can get their post-Dillo Day funk on with an old friend this Saturday at the Wise Fools Pub, 2270 N. Lincoln Ave. Nearly four years since its modest beginnings in Willard Residential College, Buddha’s Belly has rocked the Midwest and, more recently, the national scene with their self-dubbed “Crime Jazz,” a blend of jazz, funk and classic rock.

Since its members graduated from NU last year, Buddha’s Belly has performed more than 70 live shows as a headliner or supporting act for artists such as Umphrey’s McGee, Granian and the Virginia Coalition.

The Belly especially has extended its fan base in the Midwest.

“We have a big circle around the Chicago area that we try to frequent every few months,” says guitarist and vocalist Dan Golden.

Recently, the four-piece outfit has taken a place in the national limelight, headlining shows at New York’s famed Elbow Room and Chicago’s House of Blues.

Members play at least one Chicago show every other month and currently are in town in support of their second studio release, “The Governator,” an EP of fan favorites with a two-track appearance from Liquid Soul’s Grammy-Nominated trombonist, Johnny Showtime.

You can also see Buddha’s Belly on Friday, June 4 at Nevin’s Live, 1450 Sherman Ave., with Freekbass and The Foster-Walker Complex.

— Alex Niederman