Knox-Rootabaga Jazz Festival: May 5th-May 9th. Baga Big Band & the Alyssa Allgood Sextet

Start: Saturday, May 9, 2026 6:30PM
End: Saturday, May 9, 2026 9:00PM

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 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) Galesburg Junior High Big Band — Joanna Sieczka, director Canton High School Big Band — Bethany Herink, director ROWVA High School Big Band — Garrett Sprinkle, director Jammers Big Band — Jeff Davis, Director 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 6:30pm — Rootabaga High School All-Stars Big Band 7pm — Knox Jazz Ensemble 8pm — The Baga Big Band: The music of Justin Haynes with special guests: Victor Garcia, Greg Ward, Doug Stone, & Alyssa Allgood