The Knox-Rootabaga Jazz Festival is back once again, featuring Grammy-nominated trumpeter Victor Garcia from May 14-18, 2024. 

Renowned for his versatility and creativity, Garcia has performed alongside a wide array of artists, including Aretha Franklin, Arturo Sandoval, and Wynton Marsalis. His debut album, "The Grind/The Groove," released in 2018, received critical acclaim.

The Knox College Jazz program is excited to announce the receipt of an Illinois Arts Council ArtsTour grant for its 2024 festival. This grant, a first for Rootabaga, will provide vital funding for the event's extensive educational outreach and performances.

"This grant makes hosting a festival of this scale, with such a focus on educational outreach, possible," Managing Director of Knox College's Music Performance Program Andy Crawford said. "I think everyone attending is in for a truly unique experience."

The festival will feature Garcia performing with three different jazz groups throughout the week, along with performances by the Knox Alumni Big Band, the Faculty and Friends Combo, the Knox Jazz Ensemble, and area junior high and high school big bands. Additionally, the festival will showcase the Rootabaga Jazz All-Stars, a group of talented high school students nominated by their band directors.

Event Schedule:

• May 14, 2024 - Victor Garcia Quartet School Tour group at United High School, 7:00 p.m. (Free and open to the public)
• May 15, 2024 - Galesburg Junior High Jazz Band, Canton, Knoxville, and ROWVA High School Jazz Bands, and the Cherry St Combo featuring Victor Garcia at the Galesburg Community Arts Center, 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. (Admission: $3, Knox Students free with ID)
• May 16, 2024 - Faculty and Friends Combo at the Galesburg Community Arts Center, 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. (Admission: $5, Knox Students free with ID)
• May 17, 2024 - Performances by Galesburg High School Big Bands, Knox Alumni Big Band, and Victor Garcia Latin Sextet at the Galesburg Community Arts Center, 6:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. (Admission: $10, Knox Students free with ID)
• May 18, 2024 - Rootabaga Kids: Victor Garcia Latin Sextet at the Galesburg Public Library, 10:00 a.m. (Free and open to the public)
• May 18, 2024 - The Victor Garcia Organ Quintet ft. vocalist Jill Katona, Knox Jazz Ensemble, and Rootabaga Jazz All-Stars at the Orpheum Theatre, 6:30 p.m. (Tickets available at galesburgorpheum.org/events)

The Knox-Rootabaga Jazz Festival began over four decades ago as a unique collaboration between Knox, Galesburg, and surrounding schools and businesses. It serves as the culmination of the Knox Jazz Year, a year-long series of concerts and educational experiences encompassing dozens of live events.