Make a Gift Today and Help us Keep the Music Playing

The Al Sears Music Fest Committee and the Western Illinois Museum announce the 2026 musical lineup. Scheduled for September 16 to 19, the four-day celebration reflects the full range of music Sears performed throughout his long and distinguished career, from big-band jazz to jump blues, rhythm and blues, and the dance-driven sounds that energized early rock and roll. Al Sears was known as a powerhouse performer, and this year’s musicians carry forward that same musical energy, inviting audiences to groove, dance, and experience live music at its most vibrant. The Al Sears Festival continues to celebrate his legacy by bringing people together through live performance and community celebration.

Thanks to community support, this annual celebration continues to grow, bringing exceptional artists, meaningful conversations, and cultural experiences to our region. But to keep this festival vibrant and accessible, we need your help.

The Al Sears Music Fest committee is pleased to present this year’s exciting lineup:

Your support makes this possible

Thursday, September 17th
Wine Sellers
5:30 to 7:30 pm: WIU Jazz Combo

Friday, September 18th
Western Illinois Museum
5:30 to 6:30 pm: WIU Jazz Studio Orchestra led by Whitney Ashe

7:00 to 9:00 pm: State of Mind
State of Mind delivers high-powered, energetic performances of the most iconic R&B and Motown, along with standout Jazz and Blues favorites. The band features James Conyers on lead vocals and trombone, Tony Edison on vocals and saxophone, Mike Lewandowski on guitar, Chris Heroldt on keys, Steve King on bass, and Barry Applewhite on drums. Together, they bring depth, groove, and undeniable chemistry to every performance.

Saturday, September 19th | Western Illinois Museum
12:00 to 6:00 pm: Spotlight on local talent

7:00 to 9:00 pm: Craig Russo Latin Jazz Project
Led by drumset artist and percussionist Craig Russo, this ensemble blends the language of American jazz with the rhythms of Latin America, drawing especially on Cuban musical traditions. After studying at the National School of Arts in Havana and performing internationally with artists including Mayito Rivera and Tito Puente Jr., Russo brings a dynamic Latin jazz program shaped by years of study, travel, and performance.

Not Just Music
Throughout the weekend, the Western Illinois Museum will present rare photographs, recordings, and artifacts from Al Sears’s remarkable career, including his collaborations with Duke Ellington and Lionel Hampton, and his pioneering work as a Black music executive at ABC Paramount.

This event is more than entertainment—it’s an opportunity to honor our local history, foster lifelong learning, and bring generations together through the power of music.

Whether you can give $25 or $250, your contribution directly supports local performances, educational programming, and the preservation of Macomb’s cultural heritage.

And don’t forget to bring your friends and family! Delicious food from Sandra’s Authentic Mexican Food Truck will be available Saturday and Sunday.

Help us keep the music playing.

Make a gift today and be part of a tradition that celebrates the past and inspires the future.

How to Give

• Click on the "Donate" button to use a credit card.
• Prefer to write a check? Please make checks payable to the Western Illinois Museum. Add Al Sears Music Fest in the memo line, and we’ll use your gift to keep the music going!
• Drop it in the mail or stop by! The Museum's address is:
  • Western Illinois Museum
    201 S Lafayette Street
    Macomb, IL 61455