Knox-Rootabaga Jazz Festival: Big Band Night!
The evening opens with the Rootabaga Jazz All-Stars at 6:30 PM—a select ensemble of regional high school musicians nominated by their band directors—under the direction of Justin Haynes. The concert continues at 7:00 PM with the Knox Jazz Ensemble, followed by the Baga Big Band at 8:00 PM.
The Baga Big Band is a professional ensemble performing the music of Justin Haynes, featuring special guest artists Victor Garcia, Greg Ward, Doug Stone, and Alyssa Allgood.
Schedule:
6:30 PM – Rootabaga Jazz All-Stars
7:00 PM – Knox Jazz Ensemble
8:00 PM – Baga Big Band
Orpheum Theatre
Free admission to all, thanks to the generosity of NAEIR
For more than four decades, the Knox Rootabaga Jazz Festival—known to fans as “Baga”—has celebrated the unique spirit of the Galesburg community through a nationally recognized collaboration among schools, businesses, and local supporters, bringing world-class jazz artists to local stages.
Schedule, tickets, and donation information: www.knox.edu/jazzyear
Complete Schedule
Knox-Rootabaga Jazz Festival

Tuesday, May 5th
7pm | Free
United High School
Doug Stone Rootabaga School Tour Band

Wednesday, May 6th
6pm-10pm | $3
Smokin' Willies BBQ (161 N Cherry St)
Area High School Big Bands
Cherry St Combo with Doug Stone

Thursday, May 7th
7-10pm | $5
Smokin' Willies BBQ (161 N Cherry St)
Faculty and Friends Band: The Faculty and Friends performance features Knox's accomplished jazz faculty and local jazz musicians from the vibrant live music community of central Illinois.

Friday, May 8th
6-10pm | $10
Smokin' Willies BBQ (161 N Cherry St)
6pm: Galesburg High School Big Bands
7pm & 9pm Alyssa Allgood Sextet w/Victor Garcia and Greg Ward
8pm Cherry St. Combo w/ Doug Stone

Saturday, May 9th
6:30pm | Free Admission to all thanks to the generosity of NAEIR
Orpheum Theatre
Rootabaga High School All-Stars Big Band (6:30pm)
Knox Jazz Ensemble (7pm)
The Baga Big Band (8pm)
The music of Justin Haynes
with special guests: Victor Garcia, Greg Ward, Doug Stone, & Alyssa Allgood