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Al Sears Music Fest returns to Macomb this fall, Friday, Sep. 19 - Sunday, Sept. 21.
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Al Sears Music Fest 2025 to Feature WIU Jazz Studio Orchestra

July 18, 2025

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MACOMB, IL - - The Al Sears Music Fest returns to Macomb this fall, Friday, Sep. 19 - Sunday, Sept. 21, with a dynamic weekend of jazz, R&B and American songbook performances. The festival will feature the Western Illinois University Jazz Studio Orchestra and WIU alumnus Yoseph Henry.

This annual celebration honors Macomb native and musical trailblazer Al Sears (1910-1990)—a saxophonist, songwriter and entrepreneur who played with jazz legends and helped shape the sound of early rock-and-roll.

The exciting lineup for the Al Sears Music Fest includes:

7-9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19
Where: The American Legion Post 6
The festival kicks off with WIU's Jazz Studio Orchestra, a longstanding favorite that's played every year since the festival's inception.

5 p.m. doors open, 7-9 p.m. music, Saturday, Sept. 20
Where: Western Illinois Museum's newly renovated Our Front Porch space
Acclaimed vocalist Bryan Anthony will present an evening of classic songs, made famous by singers like Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and Sammy Davis Jr. and written by Gershwin, Vernon Duke and others.

2 p.m. conversation, 3-5 p.m. music, Sunday, Sept. 21
Where: Western Illinois Museum
The festival concludes with an afternoon of music and conversation featuring WIU alumnus Yoseph Henry, acclaimed jazz, R&B and gospel singer, who will also speak to local musicians about the musical legacy of Al Sears.

The festival will provide opportunities to learn about Al Sears's remarkable career, from performing with Duke Ellington and Lionel Hampton to producing records and shaping the music industry as an executive with ABC Paramount. The Western Illinois Museum will feature photographs, recordings and artifacts related to his work.

Everyone is welcome to join and celebrate Al Sears and Macomb's unique place in American music history. Sandra's Authentic Mexican food truck will be present on both Saturday and Sunday.

To learn more about the WIU Jazz Studio Orchestra, visit wiu.edu/cofac/jazz/JSO.php.

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