Organizers of the 2020 Knox-Rootabaga Jazz Festival have decided to cancel this year’s event due to the novel coronavirus outbreak and a desire to protect the health of all guests—musicians and audience members alike.

“We are truly heartbroken to cancel the festival as we were poised to celebrate the 40th anniversary of this unique and special community event,” said Rootabaga artistic director Dr. Nikki Malley, associate professor of music at Knox College. “The Rootabaga Festival is a testament to the thriving arts community in Galesburg, bringing live music into the community for hundreds of audience members, including all District 205 elementary students and a broad range of area music lovers of all ages.”

“Our primary concern is the health and welfare of this great community,” Malley added. “As such, we know that large community events like the Rootabaga Festival are exactly the kind of events we must reconsider as we seek to slow the spread of COVID-19. We are confident that Rootabaga will return as strong as ever in 2021, and we look forward to celebrating every moment with our friends throughout the community.”

The festival had been scheduled for April 14-18. Internationally renowned jazz drummer, composer, and bandleader Matt Wilson was the scheduled headline performer, along with special guests Tia Fuller, Ben Allison, Dawn Clement, Jeff Lederer, and guest ensemble Black Diamond.

Photo at top: Alumni perform as part of the 2018 Knox-Rootabaga Jazz Festival