The 46th Annual Rootabaga Jazz Festival kicks off Tuesday at Knox College and runs through Saturday night at the Orpheum Theatre — and this year features something the festival has never done before: a full big band as the headlining act.
Andy Crawford, Managing Director of the Music Performance Program at Knox College and longtime organizer of the festival, joined Galesburg’s Morning News on Monday, May 4. Listen to the full interview below.
Festival schedule:
Tuesday, May 5 — United High School, Monmouth, 7 p.m. School tour band led by Doug Stone. Free admission.
Wednesday, May 6 — Smokin’ Willies BBQ, 161 N. Cherry St., 6-10 p.m. Galesburg Junior High, Canton High School, ROVA High School, the Jammers, and the Cherry Street Combo with Doug Stone. $3 admission.
Thursday, May 7 — Smokin’ Willies BBQ, 161 N. Cherry St., 7-10 p.m. Faculty and Friends Combo with Doug Stone. $5 admission.
Friday, May 8 — Smokin’ Willies BBQ, 161 N. Cherry St., 6-10 p.m. Galesburg High School Big Bands, Alyssa Allgood Sextet (7 p.m. and 9 p.m.), Cherry Street Combo with Doug Stone (8 p.m.). $10 admission.
Saturday, May 9 — Orpheum Theatre, 6:30 p.m. Rootabaga High School All-Stars Big Band, Knox Jazz Ensemble, and the Baga Big Band. Free admission, thanks to the generosity of NAEIR.
Knox students get into all events free with student ID. More info at knox.edu/jazzyear.
Topics covered in this interview:
- Why this is the first year a big band has headlined the festival — and what makes assembling one such a feat
- Justin Haynes — Knox graduate, local roots, and the composer behind the Baga Big Band
- Featured artists: Alyssa Allgood, Victor Garcia, Greg Ward, and Doug Stone
- The 11th annual school tour — six schools, live music for students who may not hear it any other way
- The High School All-Star Big Band — students from eight regional schools performing alongside professional artists
- The full five-day schedule, admission prices, and what to expect at each venue
Related: 46th Annual Rootabaga Jazz Festival brings first-ever big band headliner to Galesburg this week