Galesburg native and Chicago-based bassist John Tate brings his group featuring rising star saxophonist Lenard Simpson to headline the Friday night of the Rootabaga Jazz Festival.

The Galesburg High School Jazz Bands will open the evening followed by a crowd favorite: the Knox Alumni Big Band. Representing over 20 years of Knox jazz alumni, the alumni big band is a celebration of the jazz community at Knox. Returning players assemble for a brief rehearsal on Friday afternoon, and though most ensemble members have not played together since last year’s festival, the camaraderie, enthusiasm, and talent of the jazz alumni never fail to produce a high-energy, raucous performance.

For over four decades,the Knox Rootabaga Jazz Festival, or “‘Baga” as it’s known to fans, has been a true celebration and affirmation of the unique spirit of the Galesburg community— a “small'' community that has achieved the rare accomplishment of sustaining and growing an annual jazz festival of national renown. The festival reflects a unique collaboration between schools, businesses, and the Galesburg community. The greatest jazz artists from around the world have graced the stages of Rootabaga. Schedule, tickets and donation information is available at www.knox.edu/jazzyear.

Complete Schedule
Knox-Rootabaga Jazz Festival
May 9–13, 2023
Galesburg IL

Tuesday, May 9
Lenard Simpson and the John Tate Trio School Tour group
Knoxville High School
7:00pm
Free and open to the public

As part of the Rootabaga Jazz School tour, rising star saxophonist Lenard Simpson and the John Tate Trio will perform a joint concert with the Knoxville bands.

Wednesday, May 10
Galesburg Junior High Big Band
ROWVA High School Big Band
Canton High School Big Band
John Tate Solo Set
Cherry St Combo

Galesburg Community Arts Center
6:00pm–10:00pm
Admission: $3

Thursday, May 11
Faculty and Friends Combo
Galesburg Community Arts Center
7:00pm–10:00pm
Admission: $5

The Faculty and Friends performance features Knox's accomplished jazz faculty and local jazz musicians from the vibrant live music community of central Illinois.