Knox-Rootabaga Jazz Festival

Start: Saturday, May 9, 2026 6:30PM
End: Saturday, May 9, 2026 9:30PM

Knox-Rootabaga Jazz Festival: Big Band Night! The evening opens with the Rootabaga Jazz All-Stars at 6:30 PM—a select ensemble of regional high school musicians nominated by their band directors—under the direction of Justin Haynes. The concert continues at 7:00 PM with the Knox Jazz Ensemble, followed by the Baga Big Band at 8:00 PM. The Baga Big Band is a professional ensemble performing the music of Justin Haynes, featuring special guest artists Victor Garcia, Greg Ward, Doug Stone, and Alyssa Allgood. Schedule: 6:30 PM – Rootabaga Jazz All-Stars 7:00 PM – Knox Jazz Ensemble 8:00 PM – Baga Big Band Orpheum Theatre Free admission to all, thanks to the generosity of NAEIR For more than four decades, the Knox Rootabaga Jazz Festival—known to fans as “Baga”—has celebrated the unique spirit of the Galesburg community through a nationally recognized collaboration among schools, businesses, and local supporters, bringing world-class jazz artists to local stages. Schedule, tickets, and donation information: www.knox.edu/jazzyear