The Knox College Department of Music is proud to announce the 2025–26 Knox Jazz Year, a season filled with acclaimed guest artists and student performances.

A major change this year is a new home for Thursday Jazz Nights, featuring the Cherry St. Combo. Beginning September 18, Smokin’ Willies BBQ (161 North Cherry Street) will host Jazz Night every Thursday while Knox College is in session. A Galesburg tradition for more than 30 years, Jazz Night is free and open to all ages. Smokin’ Willies also hosts Knox Rocks and the Knox-Rootabaga Jazz Festival, expanding its role as a hub for live music in Galesburg.

Fall Jazz Series
The season opens with the Fall Jazz Series, bringing artists from across the country to Galesburg. Each event hosted at Smokin’ Willies includes a 6 p.m. workshop followed by a performance with the Cherry St. Combo.

October 2
Jake Hawrylak ’13, Chicago-based multi-instrumentalist

October 3
Maiden King Knox Rocks Residency
Following their Fall Jazz Series performance, Hawrylak’s experimental indie rock band, Maiden King, will host a two-day residency at Knox College, including a free public concert at Smokin’ Willies on Friday, October 3, at 7 p.m. Known for their energetic blend of rock, Americana, cinematic orchestrations, and textured ambient sounds, Maiden King has performed sold-out shows across Chicago and the Midwest.

October 16 
Matt Wilson D.F.A. ’19
New York-based drummer and Knoxville, IL, native, returns to Galesburg for a hometown performance.

November 6
Scott Garlock
Garlock is a trombonist, former Knox associate professor of music, and director of the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra.

Winter Jerome Mirza Jazz Residency

January 19–23, 2026
Each year, this residency brings world-renowned artists to campus for a week of collaborative workshops, rehearsals, and performances with Knox students. This year’s 13th annual residency concludes with a free public concert on Friday, January 23 at 7 p.m. at the historic Orpheum Theatre. This year’s residency artists are Shadowlands, a project from John Raymond and S. Carey (Bon Iver).

Spring Knox-Rootabaga Jazz Festival

May 5–9, 2026
The season concludes with the 46th Annual Knox-Rootabaga Jazz Festival Founded in 1980, Rootabaga has become a cornerstone of the region’s cultural calendar, showcasing internationally acclaimed musicians and area student ensembles in a community-wide celebration of jazz.

Visit the Knox College website for more information on the Knox Jazz Year. The entire Knox College Music Department calendar can be found here.