Knox-Rootabaga Jazz Festival

Best of the 'Baga: Featured Artists

Each year in March, Knox College and Galesburg host The Knox-Rootabaga Jazz Festival (named after a collection of short stories by the famous poet and Galesburg native Carl Sandburg, who intentionally misspelled 'rutabaga' for the title of the book). 'Baga, as it is affectionately known by band members, features performances by big name guest artists (Kurt Elling, Mose Allison, Benny Green, many others -- see below), Knox faculty, and the Knox Jazz Ensemble.

In addition to bringing top-notch jazz to Galesburg, the Knox-Rootabaga Jazz Festival gives Knox musicians the unique opportunity to interact with the 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.

2008
The Hilario Duran Trio
The Renegades
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2007
The Ben Allison Quartet
Happy Apple
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2006
Jim Rotondi
Eric Alexander
Ashanti
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2005
Matt Wilson's Arts & Crafts
Youngblood Brass Band
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2004
Greg Osby Four
Doug Wamble Quartet
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2003
Mose Allison
Zach Brock and the Coffee Achievers
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2002
Joey DeFrancesco Trio
Tony Monaco Trio

2001
Kurt Elling Quartet
Orbert Davis
Zach Brock

2000
Benny Green
Pat Harbison
Mike Lee
Matt Wilson

1999
Rob McConnell
Bobby Shew
Mark Vinci
Orquesta Jazz y Salsa Alto Maiz

1998
The Hornheads
Jae Sinnett Trio
Orquesta Jazz y Salsa Alto Maiz
Mike Pagan
Rich Shanklin

1997
Curtis Fuller
Brad Goode
Mike Smith
Gene Parker
Kevin Hart Latin Jazz Quintet

1996
The Hornheads
Charlie Kohlhase Quintet

Earlier Guest Artists
Frank Mantooth
Orange then Blue
Tiny Prairie Landscape
Tim Hagans
The Oddbar Trio
John Fedchock
Ernie Krivda
Kate Prather
John Fremgen

Jim Rotondi