The Western Illinois Museum, in partnership with the Western Illinois University (WIU) School of Music, invites jazz fans to an intimate evening with trumpeter Curtis Taylor on Friday, November 7th. He will take the Museum’s Our Front Porch stage with the HAT Trio for two sets at 5:30 pm and 6:30 pm, with doors and bar opening at 4:30 pm. The night concludes at 7:30 pm with a performance by WIU students. A $5 suggested donation is requested at the door.

Award-winning trumpeter, composer, and educator Curtis Taylor brings his acclaimed artistry to Our Front Porch with a dynamic performance blending jazz tradition and innovation. Dick Metcalf, Editor of Contemporary Fusion Reviews, describes Taylor’s sound as deliciously different jazz. Known for his virtuosic playing and international acclaim, Taylor has performed at iconic venues and festivals worldwide and continues to inspire audiences with his engaging performances and deep musical insight.

Joining Taylor is the HAT Trio: WIU jazz faculty Matt Hughes (bass), George Turner (guitar), and Whitney Ashe (piano). This performance is part of the Music on Our Front Porch series, which presents world-class jazz and classical musicians in the Museum’s cozy, one-of-a-kind garage space, offering a rare chance to experience locally accomplished musicians up close.The series continues on December 5th with Tuba Christmas. This program is supported in part by grants from the Illinois Arts Council and the WIU Performing Arts Society.

The Western Illinois Museum is a non-profit organization celebrating and nurturing the history, culture, and traditions of McDonough County. It is a vibrant community hub that features exhibits, an open collection area, lectures, music, and other programs in a historic building. The Museum is located at 201 S. Lafayette Street, one block south of Macomb’s Courthouse Square, and is fully accessible.

A full schedule of events can be found at wimuseum.org or follow on social media @wimuseum. For further information, call 309-837-2750, text 309-837-2613, or email info@wimuseum.org.