Knox College is known in musical circles for its jazz combos and performances. Whether you're a jazz musician or just enjoy listening to their music, the combos at Knox are constantly performing either on campus or in the community of Galesburg.
There are usually multiple combos on campus, including:
The Cherry Street Combo can be seen each Thursday night playing during Jazz Night at Smokin’ Willies BBQ (161 N Cherry St), within walking distance from the campus. Students who play in this combo also tour regularly. Most recently, the combo released a professionally recorded album, Chameleon, in 2024 available on all streaming services
Beginning groups learn improvisational techniques
Themed combos, often including a vocal jazz combo,
All combos meet weekly. Membership is open to any player or singer willing to learn improvisation and play in a group. Groups are formed at the beginning of each term according to ability. The Cherry Street Combo is by audition only, but all combo members are encouraged to regularly sit in on Thursday nights.
In addition to the jazz combos, The Knox Jazz Ensemble, one of the college's main jazz attractions, hosts the Knox Jazz Year, a year-round programming of concerts and educational outreach in the Galesburg Community.
