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 Festival Details...
2007 The Ben Allison Quartet Happy Apple Festival Details...
2006 Jim Rotondi Eric Alexander Ashanti Festival Details...
2005 Matt Wilson's Arts & Crafts Youngblood Brass Band Festival Details...
2004 Greg Osby Four Doug Wamble Quartet Festival Details...
2003 Mose Allison Zach Brock and the Coffee Achievers Festival Details...
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
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