Since 1995, the Knox-Rootabaga Jazz Festival has kicked off the weekend early with the Knox Faculty and Friends Combo Jam Session. This gathering of musicians reflects the vibrant live jazz scene in central Illinois, featuring Knox jazz faculty alongside professional performers from the Quad Cities, Galesburg, Peoria, and surrounding communities. Bringing so many outstanding regional artists together on one stage is a rare treat, and this annual event never fails to inspire audiences while celebrating the rich musical culture of our hometowns.

For more than four decades, the Knox Rootabaga Jazz Festival—known to fans as “’Baga”—has been a hallmark of the Galesburg community, made possible through a unique collaboration among schools, businesses, and local supporters. World-class jazz artists from around the globe have graced Rootabaga stages.

Schedule, tickets, and donation information: www.knox.edu/jazzyear