University News

Al Sears Jazz Festival Sept. 23-25

September 19, 2016

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MACOMB, IL – The 15th annual Al Sears Jazz Festival will run from Friday-Sunday, Sept. 23-25 at various locations around Macomb and at Western Illinois University.

The festival is named after Albert Sears, who was born in Macomb in 1910, and had a remarkable career as a jazz musician, performing with greats such as Duke Ellington and recording his own jazz albums.

This year's events include:

• Friday, Sept. 23

- 4:30 p.m. – Music of WWII, Western Illinois Museum, 201 S. Lafayette St. – admission is free.

- 5:30-10 p.m. – Michael Stryker Trio, Sally Weisenburg Trio, Macomb Country Club, 20 Hickory Grove, admission is free.


• Saturday, Sept. 24

- 11 a.m.-6 p.m. – The Romaniacs, St. Louis Stompers, Reggie and Mardra Thomas Quartet and the WIU Jazz Studio Orchestra with Bob Havens, Chandler Park, just north of the Macomb square - admission is free. In case of rain, the events will be held in the Macomb American Legion, 221 E. Washington St.

- 7:30 p.m. – BCA headliner The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra (tribute to USO: Swing and the music of WWII), The Forum, 124 N. Lafayette St. - tickets are $15 at the door and WIU students will be admitted free with valid identification. Free admission is also being offered to any veteran or active-duty military member. For more information on the band, visit equinoxorchestra.com.


• Sunday, Sept. 25

- 10 a.m. – Brunch with performance by the St. Louis Stompers, Macomb American Legion, 221 E. Washington St. - admission at the door is $15 for adults and $10 for children.

Major sponsors of this year's event are the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce, BCA and the WIU College of Fine Arts and Communication.

For more information about the festival, visit searsjazzfestival.com.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing