The 45th annual Knox-Rootabaga Jazz Festival returned to Galesburg with nearly a week’s worth of performances. The festival brought together a variety of musicians, from world-class national and international touring artists, to visiting musicians with Knox College, midwest, and Galesburg ties, to young musicians just beginning their jazz journeys.

“Everything went great, it was fantastic,” said Andy Crawford, '00, managing director of Knox College’s music performance program. “It went smoothly, we had good crowds, great music, and everyone enjoyed it.”

Held May 6-10, the festival featured national and international artists DC & The Love, Juan Pastor’s Chinchano, and Mar Vilaseca. Galesburg and Knox affiliated acts like the Knox Jazz Ensemble, the Cherry Street Combo, the Knox Alumni Big Band, the Faculty and Friends Combo, and area junior and senior high school bands also performed.

“I like bringing in different things so that people can experience the wide variety of what encompasses jazz,” Crawford said of the array of performers. “If you do not like one thing, hopefully you’ll like another. I want people to see the variety year after year, not just pigeonhole everything in a box and say, ‘this is what jazz is.’ “

The week started with the annual Rootabaga Jazz School Tour. The Mar Vilaseca quartet, consisting of the week’s featured artist Vilaseca and local musicians Derel Monteith, Jason Brannon, and Crawford, played at local schools on Tuesday and Wednesday. Knox senior Chieko Dunham ’25 joined the group occasionally, providing supporting vocals on the tours.

“It’s been awesome. It’s the first time I’ve done something like this, teaching and performing at multiple schools,” Vilaseca said. “I’ve been enjoying the kids at the schools, they’re all so happy. I’m looking forward to the next show and activities because I’ve been having a blast.”

“Most of the artists we get into the schools haven’t done anything like it; it is unique,” Crawford added. “Mar did a fantastic job, we’ve been doing this for 10 years, and this was probably the best as far as students participating and being engaged.”

As the week’s featured artist, Vilaseca performed with the Knox Jazz Ensemble, Cherry Street Combo, the Knox Faculty and Friends Band, and the Knox Alumni band, for audiences of all ages and familiarity with jazz. 

“It’s so important to have music at a young age,” Vilaseca said. “I never decided to do this professionally; I was just doing it, and I realized when I went to college, I wanted to do this for a living. For some kids, maybe they decide to take that path, for others, it can be a fun hobby, but it is something you can always do.”

Wednesday evening was also a big night as the festival visited the Galesburg Community Arts Center.

The Galesburg Junior High School, Canton High School, ROWVA High School, and Jammers big bands each performed. A performance from Vilaseca and the Cherry Street Combo followed.

“To me, it’s all about enjoying music and having fun in the community, that’s what makes what we’re doing unique,” Crawford said. “Wednesday night, those bands were so much fun, it was a rowdy atmosphere, you’re not going to see that at their  typical short concert. It was fun, that’s what music is.”

Friday night opened with the Galesburg High Silver and Gold Jazz bands. Juan Pastor’s Chinchano next took the stage at the Galesburg Community Arts Center.

The Knox Alumni Big Band performed in between Chinchano’s two-set performance, in what felt like a family reunion.

“It’s Homecoming for our jazz alumni; the majority don’t necessarily come back for Homecoming, but they do come back for Rootabaga,” Crawford said. “Every year, it’s a different group of alums. They always have such a good time playing together and hanging out at the festival. It creates a cool energy as well.”

On Saturday night, at a packed Orpheum Theatre, Vilaseca performed with the Knox Jazz Ensemble before Chicago-based band, DC & The Love, joined by Vilaseca and Peoria native, and world-class saxophonist, Greg Ward, closed the night.

“Greg Ward has played Rootabaga multiple times in 2012, 2018, and in 2021. It’s so cool bringing in guys with local roots. He’s world-class, always considered one of the top alto saxophonists in the world.

“This is what makes Rootabaga such a great event, it’s been going on for years, and it’s why people love being part of it. For the students, playing at the Orpheum is a special thing, it’s a beautiful room, and  a great stage to perform on.”

And with this year’s festival complete, thoughts have already turned toward next year’s festival and beyond. 

“Rootbaga is going strong, I’ve already had a lot of alums asking what we’re thinking about for 50 years,” Crawford said. “I’m not sure yet, but we’ll keep making it special.”