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Jazz Year

The Knox Jazz Ensemble plays at the Orpheum Theatre.

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. It brings world-renowned jazz artists to campus for a week of intensive and collaborative jazz activities with Knox College students, culminating in a free public concert at the historic Orpheum Theatre.

A quartet of azz musicians play at the Rootabaga Jazz Festival.

Rootabaga Jazz Festival

May 5-9, 2026

Founded in 1980, the Knox-Rootabaga Jazz Festival is a five-day celebration that brings together Knox College, the Galesburg community, with internationally acclaimed performers and local musicians. The festival features performances by the Knox Jazz Ensemble, faculty, alumni, and guest artists across a variety of community venues.

Four trumpeters play  their instruments during a concert; they are framed by purple lights.