Knox’s annual jazz residency brings high-status musicians to campus, this year featuring Shadowlands, composed of John Raymond and S. Carey (of Bon Iver).
During the residency, musicians spend a week on campus with the primary purpose of educating students and showcasing their talents. At the end of the week, a concert spotlights the visiting artists alongside Knox’s own jazz band, the Cherry Street Combo. This year’s concert will take place on Friday, Jan. 23, at 7 p.m. at Galesburg’s Orpheum Theatre. The event is free and open to the public.
The Jerome Mirza Jazz Residency is a Knox College tradition dating back to 2013. The residency was made possible through a grant from the Jerome Mirza Foundation, based in Bloomington, Illinois. Managing Director of Music Performance Programs Andy Crawford notes that the foundation was made in honor of Jerome Mirza, an attorney who served as president of both the Illinois State Bar Association and the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association. Crawford said Mirza loved jazz, and the college is proud to honor him through this residency.
Over the years, Knox has welcomed “musicians who are pushing jazz forward and continually innovating,” Crawford said.
This includes, but is not limited to, Donny McCaslin’s band, known for its work on David Bowie’s final album; Marquis Hill’s Blaktet, which explores the intricacies of jazz and hip-hop; and Miguel Zenón, a leader in contemporary Latin jazz.
When thinking about who to invite to campus, having connections in the field is a huge part of the process. Crawford mentioned that he has known John Raymond for a number of years through Raymond’s band Reel Feels, as they had found their way to Knox around a decade ago for a similar performance. Crawford was introduced to S. Carey later through Knox graduate Casey Foubert ‘24, a musician in Sufjan Stevens’ band. During a visit for Foubert’s senior honors project, Crawford and Carey discussed the possibility of bringing Shadowlands to Knox. Ultimately, it was able to happen.
This Friday’s concert will not only mark the end of the residency but will also mark the end of an educational week tailored to the student body.
