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John Tate Trio with Lenard Simpson: Rootabaga Jazz Festival
May 9, 2023 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Free
Join Lenard Simpson and the John Tate Trio for the first day of the Rootabaga Jazz Festival. As part of the Rootabaga Jazz School tour, rising star saxophonist Lenard Simpson and the John Tate Trio will perform a joint concert with the Knoxville bands.
Knoxville High School
7:00pm
Free and open to the public
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. Information, tickets and donation information is available at www.knox.edu/jazzyear.
Complete Schedule
Knox-Rootabaga Jazz Festival
May 9–13, 2023
Galesburg IL
Tuesday, May 9
Lenard Simpson and the John Tate Trio School Tour group
Knoxville High School
7:00pm
Free and open to the public
As part of the Rootabaga Jazz School tour, rising star saxophonist Lenard Simpson and the John Tate Trio will perform a joint concert with the Knoxville bands.
Wednesday, May 10
Galesburg Junior High Big Band
ROWVA High School Big Band
Canton High School Big Band
John Tate Solo Set
Cherry St Combo
Galesburg Community Arts Center
6:00pm–10:00pm
Admission: $3
Thursday, May 11
Faculty and Friends Combo
Galesburg Community Arts Center
7:00pm–10:00pm
Admission: $5
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 12
6:00pm–11:00pm
Galesburg High School Big Band
Knox Alumni Big Band
John Tate Trio featuring Lenard Simpson
Galesburg Community Arts Center
Admission: $10
Saturday, May 13
Rootabaga Kids: John Tate Trio featuring Lenard Simpson
Galesburg Public Library
10:00am
Free and open to the public
This free, family-friendly event promises to be a very engaging and entertaining experience for the whole family
Saturday, May 13
The Bill Frisell Trio
and the Knox Jazz Ensemble
Orpheum Theatre
7:00 p.m.
Free floor & balcony seats • $20 reserved mezzanine
Arguably the greatest living guitarist, Bill Frisell is instantly recognizable with his unique sound molded over 40 years. Combining Americana, world and jazz music into a voice that is uniquely “Frisellian,” Frisell is recognized by the Doris Duke Foundation as one of America’s 21 most vital and productive performing artists. This is a concert you don’t want to miss!
