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 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)

Galesburg Junior High Big Band – Joanna Sieczka, director

Canton High School Big Band – Bethany Herink, director

ROWVA High School Big Band – Garrett Sprinkle, director

Jammers Big Band – Jeff Davis, Director

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 and 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

6:30pm – Rootabaga High School All-Stars Big Band

7pm – Knox Jazz Ensemble 

8pm – The Baga Big Band: The music of Justin Haynes with special guests: Victor Garcia, Greg Ward, Doug Stone, and Alyssa Allgood

URL:

Website: https://go.evvnt.com/3524618-0?pid=1909

Category: Festivals | Live Music

Date and Time: 9th May 2026 at 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm

Venue details: The Orpheum Theatre, 57 South Kellogg Street, Galesburg, Illinois, 61401, United States