Knox-Rootabaga Jazz Festival:

Start: Wednesday, May 6, 2026 6:00PM
End: Wednesday, May 6, 2026 10:00PM

Join the Knox-Rootabaga Jazz Festival for an evening celebrating outstanding student jazz musicians from across the region. Featuring: Galesburg Junior High Big Band — Joanna Sieczka, director Canton High School Big Band — Bethany Herink, director ROWVA High School Big Band — Garrett Sprinkle, director Also appearing: Doug Stone with the Cherry St Combo, directed by Andy Crawford Guy McEntarffer (piano), Jude Reed (bass), Maya Kaufman (alto sax), Eileen Sheetz (tenor sax), Maddie Goss (trumpet), Dylan Poniewaz (percussion), Isabella Maldonado (vocals), Ian Catanzaro (drums) Smokin’ Willies BBQ 6:00–10:00 PM Admission: $3 For more than four decades, the Knox Rootabaga Jazz Festival has brought world-class jazz to Galesburg through a unique collaboration of schools, businesses, and the community. 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