Knox Welcomes Grammy Winner S. Carey and John Raymond for Jazz Residency
The Mirza Jazz Residency runs from January 19-23
Knox College will host the 13th annual Jerome Mirza Jazz Residency from January 19 to 23.
The residency connects Knox students and the Galesburg community with world-class jazz artists for a week of workshops and collaborative activities, culminating in a free concert at the historic Orpheum Theatre.
“We’re fortunate to host artists of this caliber. I aim to bring in new perspectives for students and the community each year,” said Andy Crawford, managing director of the Knox College music performance program.
This year’s artists-in-residence are John Raymond, a Grammy-nominated trumpeter celebrated for his innovative approach to jazz, and S. (Sean) Carey, a versatile, multiple Grammy Award winning, multi-instrumentalist best known for his dynamic work with Bon Iver. The duo are co-leaders of the group, Shadowlands, a band that melds indie folk, forward-thinking jazz, lush pop, and atmospheric electronic textures into a truly one-of-a-kind musical experience.
“Both John and Sean have interesting careers; students can get a lot from different perspectives, seeing all the different possibilities of making a life in music from these two guys,” Crawford said.
The duo will host workshops from Monday to Wednesday, culminating in a pair of special performances—the first on Thursday evening as part of Knox College Jazz Night at Smokin’ Willies BBQ from 7-10 p.m., and the second on Friday by their group, Shadowlands, at the Orpheum Theatre at 7 p.m. The workshops and concerts are free and open to the public.
“I try to cater Mirza towards what the artists are passionate about, so it’s not just this cookie-cutter thing. Every year, it’s going to be different because every artist brings different things they’re passionate about,” Crawford said.
The topics and schedules for the workshops are:
Monday, January 19, 7:30 p.m.: "The Musician’s Journey: Careers, Choices and Practical Guidance."
Tuesday, January 20, 4:00 p.m.: "Health and Wellness for Artists."
Wednesday, January 21, 7:30 p.m.: “Collaborative Composition and Improvisation.”
All workshops are open to the public and will be held at the Jay Rehearsal Hall in the Center for the Fine Arts at Knox College.
Along with the workshops, Carey and Raymond will visit multiple classes and rehearse with the Knox Jazz Ensemble and the Cherry Street Combo to prepare for their performances.
On Friday, the Orpheum Theatre will host a free performance by Shadowlands,the Knox Jazz Ensemble and the Cherry St Combo. Shadowlands features Carey on drums and vocals, Katie Ernst (Chicago) on bass and vocals, Romain Collin (New York/France) on piano, Dave Devine (Denver) on guitar, and Raymond on trumpet, flugelhorn, and synthesizer. Each member brings their own instrument and uses synthesizers, adding a unique textural element.
This residency is made possible by a grant from the Jerome Mirza Foundation.
The Jerome Mirza Foundation was created by a bequest from Jerome Mirza. He was an attorney and served as president of the Illinois State Bar Association and the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association. The foundation supports programs in education and the arts. Mirza was a passionate jazz aficionado. Knox College is pleased to honor his memory by sharing jazz with the campus and Galesburg communities. His daughter, Candace Mirza of Wilmette, Illinois, graduated from Knox in 1981.
Published on January 12, 2026
Scott Holland, Knox College Office of Communications