Knox College Music Department Releases Spring Event Lineup

The Forgottonia Times™ Report

At Knox College, the coming weeks belong to music.

From student showcases to big band swing, from chamber brass to a multi-day jazz festival, the college’s music department has announced a full slate of performances, nearly all free and open to the public, unfolding across campus and at venues in downtown Galesburg.

Piano takes center stage on Sunday, March 8, at 3 p.m., when the Knox Chamber Ensemble presents its Winter Concert in Kresge Recital Hall. The program features works by Ahmad Al-Soud, Tsumura Hirokazu, Lewis Nielsen, David Heuser, Daniel Lippman, Shinji Eshima, Guido Rönckx, and Yuxuan Tran.

Also on March 8, at 6 p.m., the Flute Choir, Enharmonic Fire and the Tritones Winter Concert will be presented in Kresge Recital Hall. This will be directed by Madeline Wood and Tyler Demaree.

Student performers are highlighted Monday and Tuesday, March 9 and 10, during the Student Musicians’ Showcase at 4 p.m. in Kresge Recital Hall. Later on March 9, at 7 p.m., the String Ensemble performs its winter concert, also in Kresge.

Every Thursday evening starting March 26, Jazz Night will be held at Smokin' Willie's BBQ continuing a tradition almost thirty years old. A full bar and delicious barbeque will be available.

On Tuesday, April 14, at 7:30 p.m., “Knox Rocks” will be held at Smokin’ Willie’s BBQ.

The season culminates in the 46th Annual Knox–Rootabaga Jazz Festival, scheduled for May 5–9, 2026. The festival will feature artists includingarea high school bands and a faculty and friends band. Events throughout the week include area high school performances, evening concerts, and late-night jazz sessions at Smokin’ Willie’s BBQ.

With concerts spanning classical chamber music, student recitals, big band collaborations and a regional jazz festival, Knox College’s music department offers Galesburg audiences a steady rhythm through May — much of it free, all of it live.