The revival of the once annual Al Sears Jazz Festival, now the Al Sears Music Fest, is entering its third year and promises a wide assortment of entertainment over four days next weekend.
For 15 years, from 2002 to 2016, Macomb honored one of its most famous hometown sons, Al Sears, with an annual fall gala: the Al Sears Jazz Festival. It became one of the longest-running free jazz festivals in the Midwest, and helped to spread appreciation for the impressive legacy of one of the most accomplished musicians ever to hail from downstate Illinois. The tenor sax player is perhaps best known for his time as one of the great soloists in Duke Ellington’s Orchestra, but during his long career he also played with such jazz legends as Chick Webb, Lionel Hampton, and Johnny Hodges before turning his attention and talents to running his own music publishing company and recording with early rhythm n’ blues and rock n’ roll groups, when he became known as “Big Al Sears.”
According to Terry Stewart, former President of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, “Al Sears was a renaissance musician and entrepreneur whose influence still resonates today. As a player, he spanned the period from the breakthrough of years of jazz in the 1920s through the rise of rock and roll in the 1950s… a musical role model for all time.” And, according to Phil Schaap, legendary NYC jazz radio DJ, “Sears, an African American, was also hugely involved in the Civil Rights Movement and broke the color line in upper management at major record companies.” He was truly a man for all seasons.
This year, for four days, September 16th through the 19th the live performances will reflect the wide range of music Al Sears played during his long and stellar career, from jazz to rhythm n’ blues and beyond. Programs are offered at no charge, although donations will be welcome, with the exception of the program at the Goldfarb Center for Performing Arts.
The Line Up
Wednesday, September 16th at the Goldfarb Center for Performing Arts 7:30 pm: Chicken Wire Empire - The Al Sears Music Fest kicks off with acclaimed Wisconsin bluegrass band Chicken Wire Empire at the Goldfarb Center for Performing Arts. Tickets are $10 and available through westernpresents.com.
Thursday, September 17th at The Wine Sellers 5:30 to 7:30 pm: WIU Jazz Combo - Enjoy the WIU Jazz Combo I at The Wine Sellers. Come hear the next generation of jazz musicians and discover why this ensemble has become a favorite of the Al Sears Music Fest!
Friday, September 18th at Western Illinois Museum 5:00 to 9:00 pm: The Festival is bringing jazz, R&B, and rock for a can’tmiss Dance Party at WiM.
The evening will feature the WIU Jazz Studio Orchestra and the band State of Mind, along with dance instruction by Rose Dance Co. Get ready to dance your way through the sounds that shaped American popular music, from big band swing to Motown and blues.
Saturday, September 19th at Western Illinois Museum 12:00 to 6:30 pm: Spotlight on Local Talent including Nico Barberan, the Zoë Rose Trio, and a jam session with WITMA - 12:00 to 1:45 pm: Check out this Galesburg-based ensemble rooted in jazz, blues, neo-soul, and Latin music. Featuring vocalist Zoë Rose, bassist Andy Crawford, and pianist Luca Gomez, the trio creates an intimate, timeless atmosphere that blends classic tradition with a modern spirit.
2:00 to 3:45 pm: Open to all musicians and music-interested folks, the jam will bring WITMA’s monthly gathering to the festival.
Come sing and play with others, and bring a tune or two!
5:00 to 6:30 pm: The festival welcomes the acclaimed guitarist and songwriter Nico Barberan, known for his dynamic performances that blend Latin American rhythms with rock, blues, funk, and classical influences.
7:00 to 9:00 pm: Craig Russo Latin Jazz Project - A fusion of American jazz and Afro-Cuban rhythm, this ensemble is led by drumset artist and percussionist Craig Russo, blending the language of jazz with the rhythms of Latin America and drawing especially on Cuban musical traditions.
Visit https://alsearsmusicfest. com/ for more information.
