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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.

Please consider making a gift today: knox.edu/jazzyear

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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.

Baga Big Band

Alyssa Allgood Sextet

Doug Stone

Rootabaga Jazz School Tour

Faculty & Friends Combo

The Knox Jazz Ensemble

Music at Knox College 2026-2027 Events

Thanks to our Sponsors

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.)

Faculty and Friends Band

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 & The Alyssa Allgood Sextet

9:00 pm with Victor Garcia and Greg Ward

8:00 pm Cherry St. Combo with Doug Stone

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

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

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

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

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.

The McClean Family Endowment Fund

Anna Sophia Johnson Fund for the Arts

Mark & Celia Godsil Family Fund

Howard H. Moffet Charitable Fund

GCF Board of Directors

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

ROWVA High School Big Band

Garrett Sprinkle, Director

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

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:

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)

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)

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)

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

Scott Anderson, Guitar

Julius Tucker, Piano

Ethan Philion, Bass

Jon Deitemyer, Drums

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.

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 works can be heard on the ensemble’s albums Chameleon and Patchwork, available on major streaming platforms.

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.

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 both 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.

c o f f e e | l u n c h | b a k e r y | w i n e

8 0 n o r t h s e m i n a r y s t r e e t | g a l e s b u r g w w w . i n n k e e p e r s c o f f e e . c o m

 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.

Thank you to This Year’s Sponsors

Jazz Masters

($1000 and above)

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

Soloists

($500 - $749)

Susan Blew & Denis Puglisi

Sue Dickinson

Greg Divers

Mary, Derek & Graeme Gover

David Sherrard

Monica Slabodnick

Sidemen

($100 - $249)

Ali Boris

Josh Garties

Kailee Gawlik & Pablo

Pastore

Section Leaders

($250 - $499)

Blick Art Materials

Breslin’s Floor Coverings

Michael & Susan Boyd

Scott & Emily Garlock

Kiki Pennock

David & Carol Simpson

Jazz Aficionados

($1 - $99)

Suzanne & Michael Caplan

Chris & Evelyn Nelson

Sunshine & Nicholas Regiacorte

Mary Jacobson & Jay Matson

Marc & Debra Katchen

Yumi Kusunoki

Allison & Stephen Malcom

Bill & Dover Norris-York

Malley Farms

Chris Pepmeyer

Kidder Music

In Kind Sponsors:

Baked

Buddes

Evgenia

Holiday Inn

Innkeepers

Orpheum Theatre

The Landmark Café and Creperie

Tri States Public Radio

Tom Foley & Carla Markwart

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