The Western Illinois Museum, in partnership with the Western Illinois University (WIU) School of Music, invites jazz fans to an intimate evening with legendary trombonist Jim Pugh on Friday, November 7th. Known as a “musician’s musician,” Pugh has performed with Steely Dan, Chick Corea, Yo-Yo Ma, and more. He will take the Museum’s Our Front Porch stage with the HAT Trio for two sets at 5:30 pm and 6:30 pm, with doors and bar opening at 4:30 pm. The night concludes at 7:30 pm with a performance by WIU students. A $5 suggested donation is requested at the door.
Jim Pugh is a world-renowned trombonist, composer, and educator whose genre-defying artistry has graced thousands of recordings, Broadway albums, and film scores. He is the sole recipient of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences Virtuoso Award for Tenor Trombone and has been Steely Dan’s solo trombonist since 2000. His original compositions have premiered at Lincoln Center, on NPR, and at the Tony Awards, reflecting a career that blends virtuosic performance with innovation and mentorship.
Joining Pugh is the HAT Trio: WIU jazz faculty Matt Hughes (bass), George Turner (guitar), and Whitney Ashe (piano). This performance is part of the Music on Our Front Porch series, which presents world-class jazz and classical musicians in the Museum’s cozy, one-of-a-kind garage space, offering a rare chance to experience locally accomplished musicians up close.
This program is supported in part by grants from the Illinois Arts Council and the WIU Performing Arts Society.
The Western Illinois Museum is a non-profit organization celebrating and nurturing the history, culture, and traditions of McDonough County. It is a vibrant community hub that features exhibits, an open collection area, lectures, music, and other programs in a historic building. The Museum is located at 201 S. Lafayette Street, one block south of Macomb’s Courthouse Square and is fully accessible.
A full schedule of events can be found at wimuseum.org or follow on social media @wimuseum. For further information, call 309-837-2750, text 309-837-2613, or email
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About Jim Pugh
Jim Pugh is a world-renowned trombonist, composer, and educator whose virtuosic skill and genre-crossing versatility. His career spans decades of performance, recording, and innovation, from touring with the Woody Herman Band and Chick Corea to becoming a top-call session player in New York City. Pugh’s trombone has been featured on thousands of recordings, collaborating with legendary artists including Yo-Yo Ma, Steely Dan, Barbara Streisand, Paul Simon, and Pink Floyd. His solo work appears on major film soundtracks, such as A League of Their Own and Meet Joe Black, as well as Broadway cast albums including Fosse and Victor/Victoria. Since 2000, he has served as the solo trombonist for Steely Dan, performing worldwide and contributing to their Grammy-winning recordings.
Pugh is the sole recipient of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences Virtuoso Award for Tenor Trombone, following five consecutive years as MVP as voted by New York’s recording community. His original compositions and arrangements have been featured on National Public Radio, in film scores, commercial jingles, and the Tony Awards broadcast. His acclaimed piece Lunch with Schrödinger’s Cat premiered at Lincoln Center with Marin Alsop and the Concordia Chamber Orchestra and was later performed by Sinfonia da Camera at the Krannert Center. His Concerto for Trombone and Orchestra debuted in 1992 with the Williamsport Symphony and received its New York premiere with soloist Joseph Alessi and the New York Philharmonic under Leonard Slatkin.
As an educator, Pugh has shaped the next generation of jazz trombonists at the University of Illinois, where his ensembles have won national honors. A sought-after guest artist and clinician, he also contributes to brass instrument and mute design, reflecting his lasting impact on the evolution of the trombone.
About the HAT Trio
The HAT Trio brings a fresh approach to the classic piano, guitar, and bass ensemble, blending influences from jazz and classical music to explore new musical territory. Guitarist Dr. George Turner has performed across various genres, including traditional jazz with established Illinois musicians, contemporary jazz with the Bloomington-based Kevin Hart and the Vibe Tribe, Brazilian music with Champaign-based Samba Soul, and a poly-stylistic approach with the Almost “A” Quintet. Bassist Matt Hughes, a veteran of jazz legend Betty Carter’s working band, has performed with Elvin Jones, Jack DeJohnette, Jimmy Heath, Max Weinberg, and the Duke Ellington Orchestra. Pianist Whitney Ashe has worked with jazz luminaries like Vincent Herring, Eric Alexander, and Tommy Igoe. He has also composed for the Capitol Saxophone Quartet, Christopher Creviston, and The Rivertown Duo. The trio began performing together in Macomb while teaching at Western Illinois University.
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