2026 Rootabaga Program

MAY 5 - 9, 2026 knox.edu/jazzyear

Greig-Post Fund

The McClean Family

Mark & Celia Godsil

Anna Sophia Johnson

Howard H. Moffet

Endowment Fund Fund for the Arts

GCF Board of Directors

Family Fund

Charitable Fund

Support the Future of Jazz The Knox Jazz Year’s free concerts and educational programming are made possible through the generous support of donors like you. Your contributions help keep these events accessible to the entire community.

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Welcome to the 2026 Rootabaga Jazz Festival!

For over five decades, the festival—affectionately known as “Baga”—has been a cornerstone of Galesburg’s cultural life. Each year the festival brings together world-class jazz artists, talented student musicians, and members of the community for an unforgettable celebration of jazz.

Through concerts, educational outreach, and collaborations between professional artists and student ensembles, Rootabaga continues its mission of fostering creativity, musical excellence, and community connection.

Join us for an inspiring week of music that spans generations and styles of jazz.

Table of Contents Baga Big Band

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Alyssa Allgood Sextet

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Doug Stone

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Rootabaga Jazz School Tour

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Faculty & Friends Combo

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The Knox Jazz Ensemble

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Music at Knox College

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2026-2027 Events

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Thanks to our Sponsors

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More info at www.knox.edu/jazzyear

46th Annual Knox-Rootabaga Jazz Festival May 5 - 9, 2026 Featuring:

The Baga Big Band

The music of Justin Haynes with special guests: Victor Garcia, Greg Ward & Doug Stone

The Alyssa Allgood Sextet

Festival Overview Tuesday, May 5 7:00 pm | Free United High School Doug Stone Rootabaga School Tour Band

Wednesday, May 6 6:00 - 10:00 pm | $3 Smokin’ Willies BBQ (161 N Cherry St.) Galesburg Junior High Big Band Joanna Sieczka, Director

Canton High School Big Band Bethany Herink, Director

ROWVA High School Big Band Garrett Sprinkle, Director

Jammers Big Band Jeff Davis, Director

Cherry St. Combo with Doug Stone Andy Crawford ’00, Director

Thursday, May 7 7:00 - 10:00 pm | $5 Smokin’ Willies BBQ (161 N Cherry St.) 4

Faculty and Friends Band

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Friday, May 8 6:00 - 10:00 pm | $10 Smokin’ Willies BBQ (161 N Cherry St.) 6:00 pm Galesburg High School Big Bands Dena Baity & Matt Welsh, directors 7:00 pm & 9:00 pm

The Alyssa Allgood Sextet

8:00 pm

Cherry St. Combo with Doug Stone

with Victor Garcia and Greg Ward

Saturday, May 9 6:30 pm Free Admission to all thanks to the generosity of NAEIR Orpheum Theatre 6:30 pm Rootabaga High School All-Stars Big Band 7:00 pm

Knox Jazz Ensemble

8:00 pm

The Baga Big Band

The music of Justin Haynes with special guests: Victor Garcia, Greg Ward, Alyssa Allgood & Doug Stone

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About the Baga Big Band The Baga Big Band brings together leading jazz musicians from across the Midwest to perform the music of Justin Haynes.

A 2004 graduate of Knox College, Haynes serves as Director of the Knox Jazz Ensemble and is an active composer, arranger, and bandleader. His work is featured on two acclaimed big band recordings, “In a Funk” and “Shoeless in Georgetown.”

For this special performance, the Baga Big Band presents a dynamic program of Haynes’s original compositions alongside his arrangements of works by jazz greats and members of the ensemble. This extraordinary group showcases both the depth of the jazz tradition and the inventive artistry of Haynes’s music.

Saxophones

Greg Ward, Alto Joel Linscheid, Alto Doug Stone, Tenor Dan Burke, Tenor Chris Rollins, Baritone

Trombones

Raphael Crawford, Lead Frank Niemeyer Luke Malewicz Jason Shea, Bass 6

Vocals

Alyssa Allgood

Trumpets

Victor Garcia, Lead Todd Kelly Matt Buczko Mason Boore

Rhythm Section

Scott Anderson, Guitar Julius Tucker, Piano Ethan Philion, Bass Jon Deitemyer, Drums 6

About the Alyssa Allgood Sextet Alyssa Allgood is a 2X DownBeat Magazine Critics Poll “Rising Star Female Vocalist” and 2X Chicago Reader Poll “Best Individual Jazz Musician” who has captured attention for her dynamic vocal command, sophisticated songwriting, and captivating performances. Her music showcases modern sensibilities, blending soulful storytelling and rich improvisational language through original compositions, captivating arrangements and a lyrical focus of self-love and human connection.

DownBeat Magazine has praised her “boldness, swagger, and surefooted musicianship” while the New York City Jazz Record has recognized her “force, clarity and jazz integrity.”

Her sextet unites some of Chicago’s most in-demand jazz musicians, bringing her original compositions and imaginative interpretations of jazz standards to life!

Members

Alyssa Allgood, Vocals Victor Garcia, Trumpet Greg Ward, Alto Saxophone Julius Tucker, Piano Ethan Philion, Bass Jon Deitemyer, Drums

alyssaallgood.com

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About Doug Stone Doug Stone’s versatility as a jazz saxophonist, improviser, and composer can be heard on his recordings as a leader – “Motion” and “The Early Riser” – as well as on numerous recordings as a co-leader and sideman. He maintains an active performing and touring schedule across the U.S. and internationally, and is a first-call musician in New Orleans and Baton Rouge, LA. In addition to his teaching at Louisiana State University, Stone is a sought-after clinician, leading workshops on jazz, improvisation, and composition at schools, jazz camps, and festivals worldwide, including Brazil, Colombia, and across the U.S. His book, Stepping Stones Through Improvisation: From Day One to the Big Gig, is widely used by school jazz ensembles and individual musicians.

At LSU, Stone directs the LSU Jazz Ensemble, coaches chamber jazz groups, teaches applied jazz saxophone and improvisation, and offers courses in jazz pedagogy and career preparation. He has also served as president of the Louisiana Association for Jazz Education and as jazz division chair of the Louisiana Music Educators Association.

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The McClean Family

Mark & Celia Godsil

Anna Sophia Johnson

Howard H. Moffet

Endowment Fund

Fund for the Arts

Family Fund

Charitable Fund

GCF Board of Directors

Greig-Post Fund

Festival Schedule

Rootabaga Jazz School Tour Now in its 11th year, the Rootabaga Jazz School Tour continues to bring jazz into Galesburg-area schools, inspiring young students and future musicians. This year, the Doug Stone Quartet will visit six schools on May 5–6, engaging students through live performances and interactive sessions.

Costa Catholic Academy Silas Willard Elementary Steele Elementary King Elementary Lombard Middle School Galesburg Junior High and High School As part of the tour, the Doug Stone Quartet will present a free community concert with the United High School bands, directed by Madeline Wood, on Tuesday, May 5 at 7:00 PM at United High School.

Doug Stone School Tour Quartet Doug Stone, Saxophone Whitney Ashe, Piano Andy Crawford, Bass Jason Brannon, Drums

Wednesday, May 6

6:00 - 10:00 pm | Smokin’ Willies BBQ A showcase of local talent

Galesburg Junior High Big Band Joanna Sieczka, Director Canton High School Big Band Bethany Herink, Director 10

ROWVA High School Big Band Garrett Sprinkle, Director

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Festival Schedule Jammers Big Band Jeff Davis, Director Doug Stone with the Cherry St. Combo Andy Crawford ’00, Director Jude Reed ’27, Bass (St. Louis, Missouri) Ian Catanzaro ’26, Drums (St. Louis, Missouri) Guy McEntarffer ’28, Piano (Lincoln, Nebraska) Maya Dengler Kaufman ’28, Alto Saxophone (Goshen, Indiana) Eileen Sheetz ’26, Tenor Saxophone (South Elgin, Illinois) Maddie Goss ’26, Trumpet (Vernon Hills, Illinois) Dylan Poniewaz ’28, Drums (St. Louis, Missouri) Isabella Maldonado ’29, Vocals (West Chicago, Illinois)

Thursday, May 7

7:00 - 10:00 pm | Smokin’ Willies BBQ Knox Faculty and Friends Jam Session with special guest Doug Stone

Since 1995, the Knox Faculty and Friends Jam Session has kicked off the festival weekend, bringing together outstanding musicians from Knox College and the surrounding region.

Featuring:

Mason Boore, Trumpet Jason Brannon, Drums Andy Crawford, Bass Jim Curless, Tenor Saxophone Steve Jackson, Bass Corey Kendrick, Piano Joel Linscheid, Tenor Saxophone Manuel Lopez, Drums Nikki Malley, Vibraphone Dick Mathias, Alto Saxophone Semenya McCord, Vocals John Miller, Guitar Derel Monteith, Piano Zoë Rose, Vocals 11

Festival Schedule Friday, May 8

6:00 - 10:00 pm | Smokin’ Willies BBQ 6:00 pm Galesburg High School

Dena Baity & Matt Welsh, directors

7:00 & 9:00 pm The Alyssa Allgood Sextet

with Victor Garcia and Greg Ward

Members:

Alyssa Allgood, Vocals Victor Garcia, Trumpet Greg Ward, Alto Saxophone Julius Tucker, Piano Ethan Philion, Bass Jon Deitemyer, Drums

8:00 pm Doug Stone with the Cherry St. Combo Andy Crawford ’00, Director

Members:

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Jude Reed ’27, Bass (St. Louis, Missouri) Ian Catanzaro ’26, Drums (St. Louis, Missouri) Guy McEntarffer ’28, Piano (Lincoln, Nebraska) Maya Dengler Kaufman ’28, Alto Saxophone (Goshen, Indiana) Eileen Sheetz ’26, Tenor Saxophone (South Elgin, Illinois) Maddie Goss ’26, Trumpet (Vernon Hills, Illinois) Dylan Poniewaz ’28, Drums (St. Louis, Missouri) 12 Isabella Maldonado ’29, Vocals (West Chicago, Illinois)

Proud host to Thursday Night Jazz and the Knox-Rootabaga Jazz Festival

Dine-In BBQ • Game Room • Private Events • Catering • Food Truck Service Open Tuesday - Saturday 11 till 11 161 N Cherry St, Galesburg, IL 61401

(309) 368-9099

Festival Schedule Saturday, May 9

6:30 pm | Orpheum Theatre Big Band Night Justin Haynes ’04, Director

6:30 pm

Rootabaga High School All-Star Big Band “Chega de Saudade” — Antonio Carlos Jobim, arr. Mark Taylor “How High The Moon” — Morgan Lewis and Nancy Hamilton, arr. Dave Wolpe “Dream Of The Return” — Pat Metheny, arr. Robert Curnow “Whiplash” — Hank Levy, arr. Erik Morales

Saxophones

Cordae Sanchez, Alto 1 (Galesburg HS) Alex Prather, Alto 2 (ROWVA HS) Emerson Price, Tenor 1 (Mercer County HS) Chris Denning, Tenor 2 (Canton HS) Doug Stone, Baritone (Guest Artist)

Trombones

Charlie Ament, Trombone 1 (Galesburg HS) Jamison Vargas, Trombone 2 (Galesburg HS) Hazel Walters, Trombone 3 (ROWVA HS) Noah Crawford, Bass Trombone (Galesburg HS)

Trumpets

Jill Black Lester, Trumpet 1 (Washington HS) Sara Woertz, Trumpet 2 (ROWVA HS) Alex Healey, Trumpet 3 (Galesburg HS) Aliyah Janssen, Trumpet 4 (Abingdon-Avon HS)

Rhythm Section

Daniel Draper, Guitar (Lewistown HS) Liam Dilley, Piano (Galesburg HS) Addison Roddis, Bass (Lewistown HS) Matthew Vasquez, Drums (Galesburg HS)

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Festival Schedule 7:00 pm

Knox Jazz Ensemble “Afro Blue” — Mongo Santamaria, arr. Michael Mossman “Only You” — Diane Schuur “A Song For You” — Leon Russell, arr. Mark Taylor “Groovin’ Hard” — Don Menza “I Cried For You” — Helen O’Connell, arr. Marion Evans “Corcovado” — Antonio Carlos Jobim, arr. Michael Mossman “What Is This Thing Called Love” — Cole Porter, arr. Buddy Bregman “Beulah Witch” — Don Menza

Saxophones

Maya Dengler Kaufman ’28, Alto (Goshen, Indiana) Cordae Sanchez, Tenor (GHS; Galesburg, Illinois) Tobias Stampley ’28, Tenor (Greencastle, Indiana) Jonealya Wells-Mohn ’27, Baritone (Chilicothe, Illinois)

Trumpets

Madelyn Goss ’26 (Vernon Hills, Illinois) Elizabeth Orswell ’28 (Kirkland, Washington) Sara Woertz (ROWVA HS, Kumamoto Japan) Mohammed Shehata (GHS, Galesburg, Illinois)

Trombones

Charlie Ament (GHS, Mandeville, Louisiana) Matthew Trombley ’28 (Park Ridge, Illinois) Noah Crawford (GHS, Galesburg, Illinois) Kengo Uehara ’26, Bass (Okinawa, Japan)

Rhythm Section

Mamush Rogal ’29, Piano (Normal, Illinois) Guy McEntarffer ’27, Piano (Lincoln, Nebraska) Ben Smithraley ’27, Guitar (Galesburg, Illinois) Jude Reed ’27, Bass (St. Louis, Missouri) Danny Dinh ’29, Drums (Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam) Dylan Poniewaz ’28, Percussion (St. Louis, Missouri) Ian Catanzaro ’26, Drums (St. Louis, Missouri)

Vocals

Gillian Falco ’29, Vocals (Lombard, Illinois) 15

Festival Schedule Saturday, May 9 (Continued) 8:00 pm

The Baga Big Band All charts arranged by Justin Haynes. (*) Denotes original composition by Justin Haynes.

“Inexplicably Explicit”* “Sponge” — The Brecker Brothers “Gibraltar” — Freddie Hubbard “Your Wings” — Alyssa Allgood “Fatherhood” — Doug Stone “Cantabile” — Michel Petrucciani “Struttin’ With Shorty”* “Dream” — Alyssa Allgood “Meagan” — Doug Stone “Hot Pursuit”* “Grizzly’s Groove”*

Saxophones

Greg Ward, Alto Joel Linscheid, Alto Doug Stone, Tenor Dan Burke, Tenor Chris Rollins, Baritone

Trombones

Raphael Crawford, Lead Frank Niemeyer Luke Malewicz Jason Shea, Bass

Trumpets

Victor Garcia, Lead Todd Kelly Matt Buczko Mason Boore

Rhythm Section

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Scott Anderson, Guitar Julius Tucker, Piano Ethan Philion, Bass Jon Deitemyer, Drums

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Music at Knox College At Knox College, jazz and popular music studies provide students with abundant performance opportunities alongside a comprehensive academic exploration of music history, theory, composition, and arranging.

The Knox Jazz Ensemble (KJE), directed by Justin Haynes ’04, is one of the most active ensembles on campus. The group hosts both the Jerome Mirza Jazz Residency—a week-long immersive experience featuring some of today’s leading jazz artists, including Miguel Zenón, Maria Schneider, Marquis Hill, and Ben Allison—and the KnoxRootabaga Jazz Festival, a five-day celebration now in its 46th year. The ensemble rehearses twice weekly, and membership is determined by audition.

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The Cherry Street Combo, directed by Andy Crawford ’00, is Knox’s premier small jazz ensemble.

This highly sought-after group performs weekly at Smokin’ Willies BBQ and is regularly featured in performances on campus and throughout the Galesburg community. The combo’s rigorous performance schedule provides an immersive learning experience, deepening students’ understanding of jazz repertoire while encouraging original composition. Recordings of student 18 works can be heard on the ensemble’s albums Chameleon and Patchwork, available on major streaming platforms.

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Jazz Combos & Knox Rocks Bands In addition to the Cherry Street Combo, students of all experience levels are encouraged to participate in smaller jazz combos under the guidance of Knox’s instrumental faculty. These groups perform regularly, including multiple appearances each year at the weekly Jazz Night at Smokin’ Willies BBQ. Knox Rocks bands are also featured in an end-of-term showcase and across campus at multiple events.

Private Lessons Knox College offers personalized, one-on-one instruction in all instruments and voice. Students work closely with active, professional musicians who bring realworld experience to their teaching. Whether focusing on technique, music theory, performance, or creative expression, lessons are tailored to each student’s individual goals.

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The Knox Jazz Year In addition to immersive experiences in jazz performance, the Knox Jazz Year offers a vibrant series of artist appearances designed to bring world-class jazz to both20 the Knox and Galesburg communities.

Jerome Mirza Jazz Residency Made possible by the generous support of the Jerome Mirza Foundation of Bloomington, Illinois, the Jerome Mirza Jazz Residency brings world-renowned jazz artists to Knox College for a week of intensive workshops, masterclasses, and collaborative ensemble and composition projects with Knox student musicians. The residency culminates in a free public concert featuring the resident artists and Knox student musicians. The 2026-2027 residency will feature Jenny Scheinman’s All Species Parade on November 6th, 2026.

Past Residents: 2026: Shadowlands (John Raymond & S. Carey) 2025: Camille Thurman and the Darrell Green Quartet 2024: Gilad Hekselman Trio 2023: Miguel Zenon Quartet 2021: Allison Miller Boom Tic Boom 2020: Virtual Residency 2019: Caroline Davis and Rob Clearfield’s Persona 2018: Steven Bernstein Quartet 2017: Maria Schneider 2016: Marquis Hill Blacktet 2015: Matt Wilson Quartet 2014: Donny McCaslin Quartet 2013: Ben Allison Quartet Winter Jazz Series In the Winter of 2027, multiple guest artists and groups will perform alongside the Cherry Street Combo at Smokin’ Willies BBQ for Jazz Nights.

The Knox-Rootabaga Jazz Festival Now in its fifth decade, Rootabaga celebrates student, local, regional, national, and international jazz artists through an interactive series of performances and educational programs. The festival brings artists of the highest caliber to the Galesburg community while fostering meaningful connections between professionals and student musicians.

Affectionately known as “Baga,” the festival is a testament to the dedication of its directors since its founding: Mona Tourlentes, Scott Garlock, Nikki Malley, and Andy Crawford.

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Jerome Mirza Jazz Residency presents

JENNY SCHEINMAN’S ALL SPECIES PARADE! November 6th, 2026 | 7:00 pm The Orpheum Theatre Free and open to the public

knox.edu/jazzyear22

coffee | lunch | bakery | wine 80 north seminary street | galesburg www.innkeeperscoffee.com

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 After Glow 5-6pm  Radio Deluxe 6-8pm  After Hours 8-10pm  Jazz Spectrum 10pm-12am After Hours is locally produced and on demand at TSPR.org under the music tab. Also located on the NPR app under local podcasts.

We are part of the NPR Network.

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Our courteous staff is always available and ready to serve you.

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Thank you to This Year’s Sponsors Jazz Masters

Soloists

($1000 and above)

($500 - $749)

NAEIR Derel & Ellen Monteith Caterpillar, Inc. Galesburg Community Foundation Mark & Celia Godsil Family Fund Howard H. Moffet Charitable Fund The McClean Family Endowment Fund Anna Sophia Johnson Fund for the Arts

Susan Blew & Denis Puglisi Sue Dickinson Greg Divers Mary, Derek & Graeme Gover David Sherrard Monica Slabodnick

Sidemen ($100 - $249)

Blick Art Materials Breslin’s Floor Coverings Michael & Susan Boyd Scott & Emily Garlock Kiki Pennock David & Carol Simpson

Ali Boris Josh Garties Kailee Gawlik & Pablo Pastore Mary Jacobson & Jay Matson Marc & Debra Katchen Yumi Kusunoki Allison & Stephen Malcom Bill & Dover Norris-York Malley Farms Chris Pepmeyer Kidder Music

Jazz Aficionados

In Kind Sponsors:

($1 - $99)

Baked Buddes Evgenia Holiday Inn Innkeepers Orpheum Theatre The Landmark Café and Creperie Tom Foley & Carla Markwart Tri States Public Radio

Section Leaders ($250 - $499)

Suzanne & Michael Caplan Chris & Evelyn Nelson Sunshine & Nicholas Regiacorte

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The Knox-Rootabaga Jazz Festival Would Like to Thank The planning, production, and performances of the KnoxRootabaga Jazz Festival depend on the dedication and generosity of many friends, colleagues, and community members.

We are deeply grateful for the countless hours of volunteer service and support that these individuals—and so many others—have contributed to make this festival possible. We truly could not do it without them.

Andy Crawford Justin Haynes Sue Dickinson Cecilia Crawford Paige McKinney Steve Jones Colleen Noonan Dena Baity Madeline Wood Bill Duncan Sandra Gray Andy McGadney Guy McEntarffer Sacchyam Gurubacharya Smokin’ Willies BBQ Staff Orpheum Theatre Staff Knox College Communications Knox College Business Office Knox College Advancement

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62 S. Seminary Street Galesburg (309) 343-5376

Mon - Friday 11 am - 9 pm Saturday 9 am - 9 pm Sunday 9 am - 9 pm

www.seminarystreet.com

(309) 297-4267 Tues/Wed/Thur 11am-9pm, Fri/Sat 4pm-9pm 57 S Seminary St www.facebook.com/bakedonseminarystreet Check Facebook for Weekly Pizza Specials

BUDDE'S Pizza - Craft Beer - Live Music 425 E Main St, Galesburg

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Handmade Chocolates

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Charcuterie Catering

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