From 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28, the stylings of Nat King Cole, a music legend from the 1940s-60s, will be honored in a “Final Friday” performance at The Wine Sellers in Macomb. Bill Maakestad, who performs there on the last Friday of each month, will be joined by the HAT Trio, a jazz ensemble featuring Western Illinois University faculty members Matt Hughes on bass, George Turner on guitar, and Whitney Ashe on piano. The trio frequently performs live locally, often hosting guest artists at the Western Illinois Museum. Hughes is a veteran of Betty Carter’s working band, and has played with Elvin Jones and the Duke Ellington Orchestra. Turner is a versatile performer who is active in traditional, contemporary, and Brazilian jazz projects.
Ashe is an accomplished performer and composer who has worked with jazz greats like Vincent Herring and Eric Alexander. All donations will go to support the 2026 Al Sears Music Fest, coming to Macomb from September 16-19.
