The Rootabaga Jazz Festival with Matt Wilson and the Knox Jazz Ensemble! Matt has assembled a star-studded cast for this show featuring Jeff Lederer (sax), Dawn Clement (piano and vocals), Ben Allison (bass) and Tia Fuller (sax), who was the featured saxophonist in Pixar movie Soul. Matt Wilson has released thirteen albums as a leader, appeared on more than 400 others as a sideman and has played with an impressive array of some of the most legendary names in jazz, including Wynton Marsalis, Lee Konitz, Joe Lovano, Pat Metheny, Dewey Redman, Charlie Haden, John Scofield, Joanne Brackeen and Herbie Hancock, just to name a few.
Wilson was named 2018 Musician of the Year by the Jazz Journalists Association and his album, Honey And Salt (Music Inspired by the Poetry of Carl Sandburg), won the JJA’s Album of the Year Award. That recording and his previous, Beginning of a Memory, accomplished the rare feat of an artist receiving consecutive 5-star (masterpiece) reviews from DownBeat magazine.
Wilson’s commitment to jazz goes far beyond his skills as a drummer and bandleader. Also a renowned educator, he is on a tireless mission to foster a lively and deep connection between music and people, whether they are playing or listening to it. To that end, he is extremely passionate about bringing jazz to new audiences and inspiring students to be as individualistic and imaginative as possible. This project is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts. More information at www.knox.edu/jazzyear May 3, 2022 Matt Wilson and Jeff Lederer School Tour group United High School • 7:00pm • Free and open to the public May 5, 2022 Faculty and Friends Combo Galesburg Community Arts Center • 7:00pm-10:00pm • Admission: $5 May 6, 2022 Galesburg High School Big Band, Knox Alumni Big Band, Matt Wilson Group Galesburg Community Arts Center • 6:00pm-11:00pm • Admission: $10 May 7, 2022 Rootabaga Kids: Matt Wilson Group Galesburg Public Library • 10:00am • Free and open to the public May 7, 2022 Knox Jazz Ensemble and the Matt Wilson Group Orpheum Theatre • 5:00 p.m. • Free floor & balcony seats • $20 reserved mezzanine