Music, Artists, and performances make Rootabaga 2026 one for the ages

The 46th annual Knox-Rootabaga Jazz Festival returned to Galesburg, running from May 5 through May 9, with nearly a week of dynamic performances. The festival united a diverse lineup, featuring renowned national and international touring artists, musicians connected to Knox College, the Midwest, and Galesburg, as well as promising young jazz talents.

The week peaked Saturday night at the Orpheum Theatre. There, The Baga Big Band joined guest artists Victor Garcia, Greg Ward, Doug Stone, and Alyssa Allgood to perform works by Justin Haynes ’04, who directs both the Knox Jazz Ensemble and the Knox-Galesburg Wind Ensemble.

“Saturday was pretty special, phenomenal,” said Andy Crawford ’00, managing director of Knox College’s music performance program and Rootabaga organizer. “Justin went above and beyond with the music, much of which he wrote for this show. The writing was strong and varied, and it was especially exciting to hear it for the first time as an audience member.”  During the concert, Haynes directed the 18-piece band, allowing the artists to shine and showcasing his original music to the audience. Reflecting on the week of Rootabaga, Haynes expressed his enthusiasm not just for the artists but for the festival as a whole.

"It was fantastic. I think it was one of the best festivals I’ve attended," Haynes said. "We developed the idea in October or November. After committing, I was eager to start. I composed most of the music within a month. We performed 11 pieces at the concert. When everything was finalized, I shared the music with the band in early February, giving them about three months to prepare."

Haynes knew early on Saturday that the show was going to be a special one, and the musicians and band did not disappoint.

“We all just met one time on Saturday for two-and-a-half hours. We ran through everything and played the show, and that was it. That was literally the best collection of musicians you can find anywhere. If that band rehearsed just once a week, they would be as good as anybody in the world,” he said. “This is the third project I’ve done. I have two other albums, and each one has gotten better. Nothing beats having a professional band play your original music; it still gives me goosebumps.”

Saturday night’s headlining show built anticipation as the Rootabaga High School All-Stars Big Band and the Knox Jazz Ensemble energized the crowd. The groups collaborated with the festival’s featured artists, deepening the performance’s sound.

“Our amazing guest artists performed with both the High School All-Star Band and Knox Jazz Ensemble, and their energy was electric, especially Doug Stone,” Crawford said. “The students responded to him, which eased the stage atmosphere, and that was obvious.”

Stone was a busy man, playing for and interacting with people around town all week. He was the featured musician for the Rootabaga Jazz School Tour, playing at various schools all week. Stone blended his own performances while also showcasing and bonding with younger musicians and with those taking in the performance. 

“Doug’s really special. He’s got a ton of experience teaching, so it’s not a new thing for him,” Crawford said. “He’s used to working with students of that age. He was the most natural school tour person that we’ve ever had. I don’t know how I’m going to top it. He was so good.” 

The Alyssa Allgood Sextet, featuring Garcia and Ward, performed their own set Friday night, then joined The Baga Big Band on Saturday. Alyssa’s group typically works as a quartet or quintet, so she arranged her music especially for Rootabaga since it featured a sextet with two horns.“Alyssa’s band on Friday was great. I’ve heard them multiple times before and knew they would be,” Crawford said. 

Thursday night’s Faculty and Friends Band jam session at Smokin’ Willies was another high point, drawing familiar faces back to town and the stage. The event delivered a stellar performance and sparked ideas for future reunions.

“Thursday was special because that was the biggest group we’d ever had,” Crawford said. “I counted 19 people playing, including some I hadn’t seen since the old days of Jazz Night in the mid-90s. It felt like a reunion of musicians from this area. Some met for the first time that night, which was cool; it was all about community, no egos, just having fun and making good music.”

With the energy of this year’s Rootabaga still lingering, Crawford has already shifted focus to planning next year’s jazz schedule, with particular excitement for Rootabaga 2027.

“I’m already thinking about next year and how we can make it better, but this year is going to be tough to top,” Crawford said.

To view more photos from Rootabaga, visit the Knox College Flickr page.