by Elise Goitia '18

Experience the excitement, artistry, and energy of the Knox-Rootabaga Jazz Festival, April 4-8, 2017.

The five-day festival features performances by the Victor Garcia Organ Quintet, Gretchen Parlato Quartet, the Knox Alumni Big Band, Faculty and Friends Combo, and the Knox Jazz Ensemble.

"For students to play alongside not just professional jazz musicians, but the TOP musicians and bands in the genre, is very important," said Andy Crawford, managing director of the Knox Jazz Year. "These musicians inspire and open their eyes to what is happening and what is possible in music today."

The first headlining vocalist at Rootabaga in more than 15 years, Gretchen Parlato was the 2004 winner of the prestigious Thelonious Monk award. She has emerged as one of the most inventive and mesmerizing vocalists of her generation.

Trumpeter Victor Garcia is one of Chicago's most versatile musicians, equally at home in pure jazz improvisation or Latin music. He has played with a multitude of artists from a wide variety of genres, such as Aretha Franklin, Arturo Sandoval, Spoon, and Sones de Mexico.

In addition to concerts by the Victor Garcia Organ Quintet on April 7 and Gretchen Parlato Quartet on April 8, the festival includes performances for area schools and local children as well as faculty and alumni concerts.

"Rootabaga is a huge deal for students and alumni," said Crawford. "Rootabaga is the jazz homecoming that brings back dozens of alums."

Learn more about the Rootabaga Jazz Festival and purchase tickets at www.knox.edu/jazzyear. The Festival Pass is $30 per person and includes access to all events and mezzanine seats at the Orpheum Theatre. Individual tickets may also be purchased at the door. The Festival schedule is below.

The Rootabaga Jazz Festival is part of the Knox Jazz Year, which also includes two annual events. The Jerome Mirza Jazz Residency brings world-renowned jazz artists to campus for a week of intensive and collaborative jazz activities with students, culminating in a free public concert. The Knox Winter Jazz series showcases global artists with diverse cultural perspectives for a free concert and one-on-one experiential programming with Knox students and the Galesburg community.

Rootabaga Jazz Festival Schedule

April 4, 2017
Rootabaga Jazz School Tour Concert featuring Corey Heppner
Knoxville High School
7:00 p.m.
Free and open to the public

On April 4 & 5, the Rootabaga Jazz School Tour group featuring Corey Heppner will be performing educational convocations for students at seven area schools. This public concert will give community members a chance to hear what students are experiencing during the tour.

April 6, 2017
Faculty and Friends Combo
Fat Fish Pub, 158 North Broad Street
8:00 p.m.-Midnight
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.

April 7, 2017
Knox Alumni Big Band
8:00-9:00 p.m.
Fat Fish Pub, 158 N. Broad St.

Victor Garcia Organ Quintet
9:30 p.m.-midnight
Fat Fish Pub, 158 N. Broad St.
Admission: $10

Trumpeter Victor Garcia's organ quintet explores the bluesier side of jazz with an emphasis on the soulful Hammond B3 organ.

April 8, 2017
Rootabaga Kids: The Victor Garcia Organ Quintet
Galesburg Public Library, 40 E. Simmons St.
10:30-11:30 a.m.
Free and open to the public

Gretchen Parlato Quartet
Orpheum Theatre, 57 S. Kellogg St.
5:00 p.m.
Free floor & balcony seats • $20 reserved mezzanine

The award-winning Knox Jazz Ensemble will open the evening, followed by the Gretchen Parlato Quartet.