Join the Western Illinois Museum, in collaboration with the Western Illinois University (WIU) School of Music, for another intimate evening of jazz with world-class saxophonist Reggie Lewis and the HAT Trio on Friday, October 3rd. Doors and bar open at 4:30 pm, with two sets of music scheduled at 5:30 pm and 6:30 pm. The evening will conclude with WIU students taking the stage at 7:30 pm. There is a $5 suggested donation at the door.
Dr. Reginald Lewis, saxophonist and educator, was born in Camden, New Jersey, and received his first horn at age 16 from his grandfather, Philadelphia jazz legend Robert “Bootsie” Barnes. A dynamic performer, he appeared in Universal Studios’ Get On Up as a saxophonist in Little Richard’s band and has shared the stage with artists such as Super Duty Tough Work, Quincy Davis’s Q5, and the Thelonious Monk Tribute Band.
Before moving to Illinois, he held a weekly engagement at “The Yellow Scarf” in Jackson, Mississippi, hosted by Grammy Award–winner Cassandra Wilson. His recordings include projects with Jon Gordon (Stranger Than Fiction), Nasir Dickerson (Let It Shine), and Mir Fontane (Camden). Recent festival appearances include the 2024 Chicago Jazz Festival, Hyde Park Jazz Festival, and Further Jazz Festival.
Dr. Lewis is Director of Jazz at Illinois Wesleyan University, teaches at Chicago State University, and serves as president of the African American Jazz Caucus. He has conducted the Illinois All-State Jazz Band and the HBCU All-Star Jazz Band at the Midwest Clinic. He holds degrees from Jackson State University (B.M.), the University of Manitoba (M.M.), and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (D.M.A.). A Cannonball Musical Instruments Artist and co-author of Teaching Music Through Performance in Jazz, Volume 3, he continues to advance jazz performance and education nationally.
Joining Lewis for this special evening is the HAT Trio, featuring WIU jazz faculty members Matt Hughes (bass), George Turner (guitar), and Whitney Ashe (piano). Stay tuned for details about the after-party by following @WIMuseum and @WIU School of Music on social media.
This event is part of the Museum’s Music on Our Front Porch series, which brings vibrant jazz and classical musicians to a relaxed, intimate setting in the Museum’s unique garage space. The series continues on November 7th, featuring legendary trombonist Jim Pugh in a live performance.
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.
This program is funded 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.
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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