Rootabaga Kids
At the Galesburg Public Library, Peruvian percussionist brings his energetic latin quartet to celebrate the 45th Annual Knox-Rootabaga Jazz Festival. This annual event turns the library into a jazz club for the whole family.
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 6-10, 2025
Galesburg IL
www.knox.edu/jazzyear
Digital Program
https://www.knox.edu/2025rootabagaprogram
May 6, 2025
The Mar Vilaseca Quartet School Tour group
United HS
7:00p.m.
Free and open to the public
The Mar Vilaseca Quartet featuring Derel Monteith, Jason Brannon and Andy Crawford will perform a concert as part of the Rootabaga Jazz School Tour. On Tuesday, May 6th and Wednesday, May 7th, the group will tour six area schools performing for elementary, junior high, and high school students.
May 7, 2025
6pm Galesburg Junior High Big Band
6:30pm Canton High School Big Band
7pm ROWVA High School Big Band
7:30pm Jammers Big Band
8pm-10pm Cherry St Combo with guest Mar Vilaseca
Galesburg Community Arts Center
6:00p.m.-10:00p.m.
Admission: $3, Knox Students free with ID
Tickets will be purchased at the door
May 8, 2025
Faculty and Friends Combo with guest Mar Vilaseca
Galesburg Community Arts Center
7:00p.m.-10:00p.m.
Admission: $5, Knox Students free with ID
Tickets will be purchased at the door
The Faculty and Friends performance features Knox's accomplished jazz faculty and local jazz musicians from the vibrant live music community of central Illinois.
May 9, 2025
Galesburg High School Big Bands
6:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m.
Juan Pastor's Chinchano
2 sets 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Knox Alumni Big Band
8 p.m.- 9 p.m.
Galesburg Community Arts Center
Admission: $10/Knox Students free with ID
Tickets will be purchased at the door
May 10, 2025
Rootabaga Kids: Juan Pastor's Chinchano
Galesburg Public Library
10:00a.m.
Free and open to the public
This free family friendly event promises to be a very engaging and entertaining experience for the whole family.
May 10, 2025
DC & the Love featuring Greg Ward and Mar Vilaseca
and the Knox Jazz Ensemble
Orpheum Theatre, 57 S. Kellogg St., Galesburg
7 p.m.
Free Admission to all thanks to the generosity of NAEIR.
You may also like the following events from Knox College Music Department:
- This Saturday, 10th May, 07:00 pm, Knox-Rootabaga Jazz Festival: DC & the Love, Knox Jazz Ensemble with Mar Vilaseca in Galesburg
- This month, 20th May, 07:00 pm, Knox-Galesburg Chamber Winds and Chamber Brass Spring Concert in Galesburg
- This month, 22nd May, 07:00 pm, Knox Jazz Ensemble Spring Concert in Galesburg
Also check out other
Music events in Galesburg,
Entertainment events in Galesburg,
Festivals in Galesburg.
