Events Calendar

Join in a Galesburg tradition that is 30+ years strong, now at a brand new venue!

Come hear the Knox Cherry Street Combo on Thursday’s from 7-10 pm at Smokin’ Willies BBQ. This is a free event and all ages are welcome. Full bar and the best barbeque around!

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

The evening begins at 6:00 PM with performances by the Galesburg High School Silver and Gold Jazz Bands, directed by Dena Baity and Matt Welch, showcasing the next generation of outstanding jazz musicians.

At 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM, enjoy two sets by the Alyssa Allgood Sextet, featuring:

Alyssa Allgood – voice
Victor Garcia – trumpet
Greg Ward – alto sax
Julius Tucker – piano
Ethan Philion – bass
Jon Deitemyer – drums

About the Artists
Alyssa Allgood is a Chicago-based vocalist known for her expressive sound, thoughtful interpretations, and dynamic stage presence. A DownBeat Vocal Jazz Soloist Award winner, she has toured internationally and is also a respected educator.

Victor Garcia is an acclaimed grammy nominated trumpeter, composer, and bandleader whose work blends modern jazz with global influences. Based in Chicago, he has performed worldwide and is known for his bold, lyrical playing.

Greg Ward is a highly regarded saxophonist and composer recognized for his inventive voice and genre-spanning collaborations. His work has earned critical acclaim, including recognition from DownBeat and the Jazz Journalists Association.

For over 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

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

Looking for some mid-week excitement? We got you covered EVERY Tuesday from 6:30-8:30

Come build with LEGO blocks to your heart's content. Open to kids of all ages; kids under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. No registration required.

Join in a Galesburg tradition that is 30+ years strong, now at a brand new venue!

Come hear the Knox Cherry Street Combo on Thursday’s from 7-10 pm at Smokin’ Willies BBQ. This is a free event and all ages are welcome. Full bar and the best barbeque around!

Fort Madison is long known for quality karaoke, and THURSDAY NIGHTS come join the party with southeast Iowa's FAVORITE Charging Rhino Productions Karaoke at Rail Yard Sports Bar!

You know us, you love us, and you have a hard time singing without us. Music starts at 9pm ... BE THERE!

Fresh from Keith Urban's The Road, Nashville native Jenny Tolman is your “ride or die” kind of artist. Billboard artist and nationally recognized country performer, her songs make audiences laugh, cry, stomp their feet, clap their hands & shake their heads in wonder at her incisive, story-like lyrics. With a razor-sharp wit & a throwback sound, she is this generation’s Roger Miller- just as funny, just as flashy, but from a decidedly feminine perspective.

Looking for some mid-week excitement? We got you covered EVERY Tuesday from 6:30-8:30