Jazz Combos at Knox

Knox College is known in musical circles for its jazz combos and performances. Whether you're a jazz musician or just enjoy listening to their music, the combos at Knox are constantly performing either on campus or in the community of Galesburg.

There are usually five combos on campus, including:

• The Cherry Street Combo can be seen each Thursday night playing at Jazz Night at McGillacuddy's restaurant downtown, within walking distance from the campus. Students who play in this combo also tour regularly, with a recent tour in Barcelona during spring break
• The Knox Jazz Ensemble, one of the college's main jazz attractions, plays each year with other colleges like Notre Dame, Western Illinois University, and the University of Wisconsin. They perform standards as well as student written compositions. The group recorded one compact disc, Y is a vowel in Spy and they are featured on Mr. B-Natural. This ensemble also hosts a three-day event called the Rootabaga Jazz Festival and plays with the Cherry Street Combo at Jazz Night
• Beginning groups learning improvisational techniques

All combos meet weekly. Membership is open to any player or singer willing to learn improvisation. Groups are formed at the beginning of each term according to ability. The Cherry Street Combo is by audition only, but all combo members are encouraged to regularly sit in on Thursday nights.

Each year, Knox College and the City of Galesburg host the Knox-Rootabaga Jazz Festival. The 2012 event featured performances by the Noah Preminger Group, Ted Sirota's Rebel Souls, Knox College Jazz Ensemble, Knox Alumni Big Band, and Knox Faculty and Friends Combo. View photos from the event