Knox-Rootabaga Jazz Festival

Each year, Knox College and the city of Galesburg host the Knox-Rootabaga Jazz Festival. 'Baga, as it is affectionately known by band members, features performances by big name guest artists such as Kurt Elling, Benny Green, and the Artie Shaw and Woody Herman bands. Knox faculty and alumni, and the Knox Jazz Ensemble, also perform.

In addition to bringing top-notch jazz to Galesburg, the Knox-Rootabaga Jazz Festival gives Knox musicians the unique opportunity to interact with guest artists. Visiting musicians typically give lessons and master classes, perform with the big band or combo and hang out with the band after-hours at The Jazz House or local restaurants.

The Knox-Rootabaga Jazz Festival represents a unique partnership between Knox College, the Galesburg business community, and area music lovers and arts supporters. Few communities can boast a jazz festival with such rich history and such continued success.

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History of the 'Baga

The Knox-Rootabaga Jazz Festival was initiated by Galesburg community members Mona and Tom Tourlentes at Carl Sandburg College in 1980. It began as the Rootabaga Jazz Festival, named after a series of children's stories by writer Carl Sandburg, who intentionally misspelled 'rutabaga' for the book's title. Scott Garlock, who is now on the music faculty at Ashland University, brought the festival to Knox and downtown Galesburg in 1992.

The festival has brought big name performers including: Matt Wilson, the Noah Preminger Group, the Ben Allison Quartet, Greg Osby, Julian Lage, the Youngblood Brass Band, Ted Sirota's Rebel Souls, Happy Apple, Mose Allison, Kurt Elling, Joey DeFrancesco, and Benny Green.