Rockford Jazz Festival

Name: Rockford Jazz Festival
Start: 2025-06-28T15:00:00-05:00
End: 2025-06-28T19:00:00-05:00
Location: 1420 S, Pierpont Ave., Rockford, IL

Schedule

Sat Jun 28 2025 at 03:00 pm to 07:00 pm

UTC-05:00

Location

1420 S, Pierpont Ave., Rockford, IL | Rockford, IL

Joel Baer Trio
Joel Baer is a Chicago-based drummer known for his versatility across jazz, blues, and American music styles. A dynamic performer and session musician, he has worked extensively with renowned blues artists Guy King, Dave Specter and Gerry Hundt. He co-leads the Blueshift Big Band, a 17-piece jazz orchestra that records and performs video game music, standards and original arrangements. In addition to performing, Joel is an experienced educator, dedicated to mentoring the next generation of drummers. His powerful groove, deep musicality, and adaptability make him a sought-after musician in the Chicago scene and beyond.
Patten Pending
Patten Pending is a dynamic jazz-funk fusion band based in Beloit, WI, founded by trumpeter and vocalist Naomi Patten. Born from a passion for music and community, the band was created to provide a welcoming space for artistic expression and appreciation. Comprised of seasoned musicians who have been playing together since their high school years, Patten Pending delivers an electrifying blend of jazz, funk, and fusion, bringing energy and sophistication to every performance.
The group has captivated audiences across the Stateline area, performing at venues and events such as the Beloit Farmers Market, Rockford City Market, and Beloit College’s C-Haus. Their tight-knit chemistry and versatile musicianship make them a standout act in the regional music scene.
Patten Pending features:
🎺 Naomi Patten – Trumpet & Vocals
🎸 Gabriel Wick – Guitar
🎷 Adrian Sowicz – Tenor Sax
🎹 Miles Wisdom – Piano
🎸 Lukas Laun Smith – Bass
🥁 Aaron Crawford – Drums
Whether performing for an intimate crowd or a bustling festival, Patten Pending brings an unforgettable musical experience, blending improvisation, groove, and soul to create a truly immersive sound.
Evon J. Sams Nonet
In 2023, Evon J. Sams founded the Evon J. Sams Nonet, which served as the ensemble for his graduate recital. During the preparation for this event, Sams developed a profound appreciation for the nonet format, and it has since become his primary ensemble for composing and arranging his music. The ensemble draws its roots from jazz, hip-hop, and the traditions of the black church.
Harper College Jazz Ensemble
The Jazz Ensemble is Harper's premiere jazz group under the direction of Chicago based jazz trombonist, educator, arranger, and composer Kirby Fellis. The ensemble employs a traditional big band instrumentation consisting of 4–5 trumpets, 4–5 trombones, five saxophones (two altos, two tenors and one baritone), as well as a rhythm section that includes vocals, guitar, piano, bass and drums. Saxophonists are often required to double on other woodwind instruments including soprano sax, flute, clarinet and bass clarinet. Trumpet players are often required to double on flugelhorn.