Knox-Rootabaga Jazz Festival 2005

25th Anniversary Features Matt Wilson, Youngblood Brass Band, March 10-12

February 25, 2005

Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, the Knox-Rootabaga Jazz Festival will bring two top jazz acts to Galesburg. Matt Wilson, one of the nation's best modern jazz drummers, and the Youngblood Brass Band will headline the festival, March 10-12 in Galesburg.

A native of Knoxville and a previous Rootabaga headliner, Wilson was picked as the "#1 Rising Star Drummer" of 2003 by the Downbeat Magazine Critics Poll and "Jazz Drummer of the Year" for 2003 by the Jazz Journalists Association. The New York Times has praised him as "easily one of the best drummers of his generation."

Wilson's combo, Arts and Crafts, and the Knox College Jazz Ensemble will perform Saturday, March 12. The Arts and Crafts combo features Wilson on drums along with Dennis Irwin on bass, Terrell Stafford on trumpet, and Larry Goldings on piano. Wilson, who has performed on more than 60 recordings with leading jazz artists, has recorded two CDs with Arts and Crafts and several with the Matt Wilson Quartet.

Wilson last performed at the Rootabaga in 2000, and in 2002 he gave a concert at Knox of his jazz compositions based on the poetry of Carl Sandburg.

The Youngblood Brass Band will perform Friday night aty McGillicuddy's, 58. S. Cherry St., Galesburg, and members of the group will conduct a workshop for high school jazz bands on Saturday at the Orpheum Theatre. The All Music Guide noted the Youngblood Brass Band for creating "music without regard to racial, geographical, or even temporal restrictions... [The band's] sole criteria... are passion and energy..."

The festival also will feature the Knox Faculty and Friends Combo, directed by Nikki Whittaker, instructor of music at Knox, performing Thursday night at McGillicuddy's; and the Knox Alumni Big Band, directed by Scott Garlock, former music professor at Knox, performing on Friday night at the Cherry Street Bier Garten, 57 S. Cherry.

Tickets to all events are available at the door. Festival passes, which provide admission to all events, including floor or mezzanine seat for the Saturday evening concert, are available for $25 from Nikki Whittaker, 309 341 7265.

Knox-Rootabaga Jazz Festival 2005

Thursday, March 10
Knox Faculty and Friends Combo. Dave Hoffman, trumpet, Kevin Hart, piano, Karl Siegfreid, bass, Cassie Hart, sax, Kevin Malley, sax, Nikki Whittaker, vibraphone. 8 p.m. McGillacuddy's 58 S. Cherry St, Galesburg. Admission $5.

Friday, March 11
Knox Alumni Jazz Band under the direction of Scott Garlock. 8-9:30 p.m. McGillacuddy's 58 S. Cherry St, Galesburg.

Youngblood Brass Band. Eight-piece ensemble features an energetic and eclectic blend of Dixieland, jazz, and funk. 10 p.m.-midnight. Cherry Street Bier Garten, 57 S. Cherry St, Galesburg. Admission $7 (covers both Alumni Band and Youngblood Brass Band).

Saturday, March 12
High School jazz band clinics with the Youngblood Brass Band. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Orpheum Theater, 57 S. Kellogg, Galesburg. Area high school bands will perform in a non-competitive jazz clinic/workshop with the Youngblood Brass Band. Knox College Creative Arts scholarships and Western Illinois University Summer Jazz Camp scholarships will be awarded to outstanding musicians during the evening concert. Admission $3.

Matt Wilson Arts and Crafts, and the Knox Jazz Ensemble. The Knox Jazz Ensemble will open the concert , followed by Matt Wilson Arts and Crafts. 7:30 p.m. Orpheum Theater, 57 S. Kellogg, Galesburg. Admission $15 main floor and mezzanine; $11, balcony.