Events Calendar

Faculty and Friends Concert with guest vocalist Mar Vilaseca: Rootabaga Jazz Festival

May 08 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Galesburg Community Arts Center

$5/Free for Knox Students

This event is open to the public.

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Since 1995, the Knox-Rootabaga Jazz Festival has kicked off the weekend early with the Knox Faculty and Friends Combo Jam Session. This collection of musicians represents the vibrant live jazz scene in central Illinois, showcasing the world-class talents of Knox jazz instructors and professional jazz performers from the Quad Cities, Galesburg, Peoria, and many points between. It is a rare pleasure to bring so many area performers together on one stage for this annual event, and the group never fails to inspire audiences, reminding us of the rich musical culture we have right here in our hometowns. Featuring:Justin Haynes, Joel Linscheid, Steve Jackson, Zoë Rose, Semenya McCord, Jason Brannon, Nikki Malley, Andy Crawford, Whitney Ashe, Jim Curless, Corey Kendrick and More!

 

All ages are welcome. There is a full bar and you can bring food from any of our fantastic local restaurants, some within walking distance. (No outside beverages are allowed.)

The Galesburg Community Arts Center is located at 349 E Main Street (the northwest corner of Main and Seminary Street. Look for the open sign.)

 

For over four decades,the Knox Rootabaga Jazz Festival, or “‘Baga” as it’s known to fans, has been a true celebration and affirmation of the unique spirit of the Galesburg community— a “small'' community that has achieved the rare accomplishment of sustaining and growing an annual jazz festival of national renown. The festival reflects a unique collaboration between schools, businesses, and the Galesburg community. The greatest jazz artists from around the world have graced the stages of Rootabaga.   Schedule, tickets and donation information is available at www.knox.edu/jazzyear. 

 

Complete Schedule

Knox-Rootabaga Jazz Festival

May 6-10, 2025

Galesburg IL

www.knox.edu/jazzyear

 

May 6, 2025

The Mar Vilaseca Quartet School Tour group

United HS

7:00p.m.

Free and open to the public

 

The Mar Vilaseca Quartet featuring Derel Monteith, Jason Brannon and Andy Crawford will perform a concert as part of the Rootabaga Jazz School Tour. On Tuesday, May 6th and Wednesday, May 7th, the group will tour six area schools performing for elementary, junior high, and high school students.

 

May 7, 2025

Galesburg Junior High Big Band

Canton High School Big Band

ROWVA High School Big Band

Jammers Big Band

Cherry St Combo with guest Mar Vilaseca

Galesburg Community Arts Center 

6:00p.m.-10:00p.m.

Admission: $3, Knox Students free with ID

Tickets will be purchased at the door

 

May 8, 2025

Faculty and Friends Combo with guest Mar Vilaseca

Galesburg Community Arts Center 

7:00p.m.-10:00p.m.

Admission: $5, Knox Students free with ID

Tickets will be purchased at the door

 

The Faculty and Friends performance features Knox's accomplished jazz faculty and local jazz musicians from the vibrant live music community of central Illinois.

 

May 9, 2025

Galesburg High School Big Bands

6:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m.

 

Juan Pastor's Chinchano

2 sets 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Knox Alumni Big Band 

8 p.m.- 9 p.m.

 

Galesburg Community Arts Center

Admission: $10/Knox Students free with ID

Tickets will be purchased at the door

 

May 10, 2025

Rootabaga Kids: Juan Pastor's Chinchano

Galesburg Public Library

10:00a.m.

Free and open to the public

This free family friendly event promises to be a very engaging and entertaining experience for the whole family.

May 10, 2025

DC & the Love featuring Greg Ward and Mar Vilaseca

and the Knox Jazz Ensemble 

Orpheum Theatre, 57 S. Kellogg St., Galesburg

7 p.m.

Free Admission to all thanks to the generosity of NAEIR.