Faculty and Friends Concert: Knox-Rootabaga Jazz Festival

Start: Thursday, May 7, 2026 7:00PM
End: Thursday, May 7, 2026 10:00PM

Since 1995, the Knox-Rootabaga Jazz Festival has kicked off the weekend early with the Knox Faculty and Friends Combo Jam Session. This gathering of musicians reflects the vibrant live jazz scene in central Illinois, featuring Knox jazz faculty alongside professional performers from the Quad Cities, Galesburg, Peoria, and surrounding communities. Bringing so many outstanding regional artists together on one stage is a rare treat, and this annual event never fails to inspire audiences while celebrating the rich musical culture of our hometowns. For more than four decades, the Knox Rootabaga Jazz Festival—known to fans as “’Baga”—has been a hallmark of the Galesburg community, made possible through a unique collaboration among schools, businesses, and local supporters. World-class jazz artists from around the globe have graced Rootabaga stages. Schedule, tickets, and donation information: www.knox.edu/jazzyear Complete Schedule Knox-Rootabaga Jazz Festival Tuesday, May 5th 7pm | Free United High School Doug Stone Rootabaga School Tour Band Wednesday, May 6th 6pm-10pm | $3 Smokin' Willies BBQ (161 N Cherry St) Area High School Big Bands Cherry St Combo with Doug Stone Thursday, May 7th 7-10pm | $5 Smokin' Willies BBQ (161 N Cherry St) Faculty and Friends Band: The Faculty and Friends performance features Knox's accomplished jazz faculty and local jazz musicians from the vibrant live music community of central Illinois. Friday, May 8th 6-10pm | $10 Smokin' Willies BBQ (161 N Cherry St) 6pm: Galesburg High School Big Bands 7pm & 9pm Alyssa Allgood Sextet w/Victor Garcia and Greg Ward 8pm Cherry St. Combo w/ Doug Stone Saturday, May 9th 6:30pm | Free Admission to all thanks to the generosity of NAEIR Orpheum Theatre Rootabaga High School All-Stars Big Band (6:30pm) Knox Jazz Ensemble (7pm) The Baga Big Band (8pm) The music of Justin Haynes with special guests: Victor Garcia, Greg Ward, Doug Stone, & Alyssa Allgood