Knox-Rootabaga Jazz Festival Features Ben Williams and Sound Effect, Deep Blue Organ Trio

Update: 2013 Knox-Rootabaga Jazz festival headliner Ben Williams wins Grammy!

The 2013 Knox-Rootabaga Jazz Festival, April 11-13, features Ben Williams and Sound Effect, The Deep Blue Organ Trio, Knox Jazz Ensemble, Knox Alumni Big Band and the Knox Faculty and Friends Combo.

• Purchase tickets, donate, or become an advertising sponsor

Now in its 33rd year, the festival opens on Thursday, April 11 with the Knox Faculty and Friends Combo. The performance features Knox's accomplished jazz faculty and outstanding local jazz musicians.

On Friday, the Knox Alumni Big Band, directed by Justin Haynes, opens for The Deep Blue Organ Trio. Based in Chicago, Deep Blue is known throughout the world as one of the great modern organ trios, featuring organist Chris Foreman, guitarist Bobby Broom, and drummer Greg Rockingham.

On Saturday, the award-winning Knox Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Nikki Malley, performs at the historic Orpheum Theatre, followed by a performance by the 2013 festival headliner, Ben Williams and Sound Effect.

Currently touring with Pat Metheny's Unity Band, bassist Ben Williams was recently named Up and Coming Artist of the Year by the Jazz Journalists Association. Williams is also the recipient of the 2009 Thelonious Monk International Bass Competition.

Tickets are $7 to $15 and are available at the door at each event. Festival passes are available at $25, saving $7 off the prices of separate tickets.

2013 Knox Rootabaga Festival
April 11-13 

Thursday April 11
8:00 p.m.-Midnight -- Knox Faculty and Friends Combo
McGillacuddy's, 58 S. Cherry, Galesburg
Admission $7 at the door

Friday April 12
8:00-9:00 p.m. -- Knox Alumni Big Band, Justin Haynes, Director
9:30 p.m.-Midnight -- The Deep Blue Organ Trio
McGillacuddy's, 58 S. Cherry, Galesburg
Admission $10 at the door

Saturday April 13
10:30 a.m. -- Rootabaga Kids: Meet the Artists
A family-friendly talk and presentation by The Deep Blue Organ Trio
Galesburg Public Library, Community Room
Free and Open to the Public

Saturday April 13
5:00 p.m. -- Ben Williams and Sound Effect; The Knox Jazz Ensemble, Nikki Malley, Director
Orpheum Theatre, 57 S. Kellogg, Galesburg
Admission: $12 - floor and balcony; $15 - mezzanine