The Al Sears Music Fest spotlights local talent on Saturday, September 19, from 12:00 to 6:30 pm at the Western Illinois Museum. The afternoon will feature performances by The Zoë Rose Trio and Nico Barberan, along with a community jam session led by the Western Illinois Traditional Music Association.
Kicking off theafternoon from 12:00 to 1:45 pm will be The Zoë Rose Trio. The Galesburg-based ensemble is rooted in jazz, blues, neo-soul, and Latin music. Featuring vocalist Zoë Rose, bassist Andy Crawford, and pianist Luca Gomez, the trio brings an intimate, timeless atmosphere to the stage, blending classic traditions with a modern spirit. Vocalist Zoë Rose is known for her soulful voice and playful stage presence and performs regularly with several bands throughout the region. Bassist Andy Crawford serves as Managing Director of the Music Performance Program at Knox College and performs with numerous groups throughout Illinois, appearing on dozens of recordings. Pianist Luca Gomez is a recent DePauw University graduate whose musical interests span jazz, neo-soul, and classical music.
From 2:00 to 3:45 pm, the Western Illinois Traditional Music Association, led by Jeff Calhoun, will host a jam session for the whole community. A favorite Macomb tradition, WITMA meets monthly for musicians and friends to share and carry on the legacy of country, folk, and bluegrass music alive. 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!
From 5:00 to 6:30 pm, the festival welcomes the internationally acclaimed guitarist and songwriter Nico Barberan. Originally from Chile and now based in Illinois, Barberan is known for his dynamic performances that blend Latin American rhythms with rock, blues, funk, and classical influences. Having performed at festivals and venues across the Americas, Europe, and beyond, he is a true master of his craft, drawing a wide range of expression from his instrument and bringing a style that is both emotive and technically precise.
For more information and to find the full festival schedule, visit the Al Sears website at https://alsearsmusicfest.com/
This program is supported in part by a grant from the Performing Arts Society.
Event Location:
Western Illinois Museum
201 S. Lafayette Street, one block south of Macomb’s Courthouse Square
Fully accessible building with free accessible parking.
***Courtesy of the Western Illinois Museum***
