Knox College will host the 46th annual Rootabaga Jazz Festival May 5–9, featuring performances by student groups, regional high school bands and professional musicians at venues across Galesburg.
The festival is part of Knox College’s Jazz Year programming.
The weeklong festival includes a mix of free and ticketed events, with performances scheduled at United High School, Smokin’ Willies BBQ and the Orpheum Theatre.
Tuesday, May 5
7 p.m. | Free
United High School
• Doug Stone Rootabaga School Tour Band
Wednesday, May 6
6–10 p.m. | $3
Smokin’ Willies BBQ, 161 N. Cherry St.
• 6 p.m.: Galesburg Junior High Big Band
• 6:30 p.m.: Canton High School Big Band
• 7 p.m.: ROWVA High School Big Band
• 7:30 p.m.: Jammers Big Band
• 8 p.m.: Cherry Street Combo with Doug Stone
Thursday, May 7
7–10 p.m. | $5
Smokin’ Willies BBQ, 161 N. Cherry St.
• Faculty and Friends Band featuring Mason Boore, Jason Brannon, Andy Crawford, Jim Curless, Steve Jackson, Corey Kendrick, Joel Linscheid, Manuel Lopez, Nikki Malley, Dick Mathias, Semenya McCord, John Miller, Derel Monteith and Zoë Rose
Friday, May 8
6–10 p.m. | $10
Smokin’ Willies BBQ, 161 N. Cherry St.
• 6 p.m.: Galesburg High School Big Bands
• 7 and 9 p.m.: Alyssa Allgood Sextet with Victor Garcia and Greg Ward
• 8 p.m.: Cherry Street Combo with Doug Stone
Saturday, May 9
6:30 p.m. | Free admission
Orpheum Theatre, 57 S. Kellogg St.
• 6:30 p.m.: Rootabaga High School All-Stars Big Band
• 7 p.m.: Knox Jazz Ensemble
• 8 p.m.: The Baga Big Band, performing the music of Justin Haynes with special guests Victor Garcia, Greg Ward, Doug Stone and Alyssa Allgood
Additional information is available at knox.edu/jazzyear.
