Jazz Year

Fall Jazz Series

The Fall Jazz Series brings dynamic jazz voices from across the region and beyond to Galesburg.  Throughout Fall term, different guest artists will hold workshops/conversations with the attendees at the Galesburg Community Arts Center followed by a performance at Jazz Night with the Cherry St Combo.  6pm-10pm

Thursday, October 2rd: Jake Hawrylak '13 and Chicago-based band Maiden King

Thursday, October 16th: NYC-based drummer Matt Wilson

Jerome Mirza Jazz Residency
Shadowlands with John Raymond and S.Carey
January 19-23, 2026

The Jerome Mirza Jazz Residency is designed to benefit Knox students, jazz practitioners, and audiences of jazz lovers from the Galesburg and surrounding communities by bringing world-renowned jazz artists to campus for a week of intensive and collaborative jazz activities, culminating in a free public concert. The Jerome Mirza Foundation supports programs in education and the arts and was created by a bequest from Jerome Mirza, an attorney who served as president of the Illinois State Bar Association and Illinois Trial Lawyers Association. Mirza was a passionate jazz aficionado, and Knox College is pleased to have this opportunity to honor his memory by sharing the love of jazz with the campus and Galesburg communities. Mirza's daughter, Candace Mirza of Wilmette, Illinois, is a 1981 Knox graduate.

Rootabaga Jazz Festival
May 5-9, 2026

Mark your calendars for the 2026 Knox-Rootabaga Jazz Festival artists to be announced.

2025 Digital Festival Program

The Knox-Rootabaga Jazz Festival is a five-day event that partners Knox College, the Galesburg community, and local artists and musicians, and has been a part of the Knox's Department of Music for over 40 years. The festival boasts performances by the Knox Jazz Ensemble, faculty, alumni, and guest artists. The festival focuses on collaborations between guest artists and students, and performances in various venues around the community. 

Support Rootabaga Jazz Festival