Friday, September 18th from 5:00-9:00 pm

5:00-5:30 pm: Swing Dance Instruction with Rose Dance Co.

Based in Hannibal, Missouri, Nathan and Rachael Rose are the founders of Rose Dance Co., where they teach social partner dancing in a welcoming, beginner-friendly environment. Nathan discovered swing dancing while living in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and after returning to Missouri, co-founded the Hannibal Area Swing Association in 2021 to help build a vibrant local swing dance community. Together, Nathan and Rachael are passionate about preserving the tradition of social dancing while helping people of all experience levels gain confidence, connect with others, and have fun on the dance floor.

At the festival, Nathan and Rachael will lead an introductory East Coast Swing lesson, a fun dance style rooted in the Lindy-Hop/Jitterbug tradition and designed for both big band swing and popular music. No partner or previous dance experience is required—just come ready to learn a few moves and enjoy the music.

5:30 to 6:30 pm: WIU Jazz Studio Orchestra

The Jazz Studio Orchestra is the premier large jazz ensemble at Western Illinois University. The group performs contemporary music by leading jazz composers including Jim McNeely, Chuck Owen, Maria Schneider, and Mike Crotty, as well as original compositions by WIU students and faculty. Over the years, the ensemble has collaborated with acclaimed artists including Urbie Green, Ernie Watts, Louis Bellson, Nick Brignola, Marvin Stamm, Diane Schuur, Snooky Young, Don Menza, and John Clayton.

The Jazz Studio Orchestra tours the Midwest annually and has performed in Europe. Its honors include a Grammy nomination for Jazz At The Cross Roads and four-star recognition from Downbeat magazine for its recording The Third Degree. The ensemble has also appeared at Fitzgerald’s, The Green Mill, and The Jazz Showcase and was featured with Italian jazz composer Marco Renzi and clarinetist Bepi D’Amato at Carnegie Hall in 2010. 

6:30 to 7:00 pm Early Rock & Roll Dance Instruction with Rose Dance Co.

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. 

Bring your family, invite your friends, and celebrate Al Sears and Macomb’s unique place in American music history. This program is supported in part by a grant from the Performing Arts Society.

The Western Illinois Museum is located at 201 S. Lafayette Street, one block south of Macomb’s Courthouse Square. The building is fully accessible with free accessible parking.

For information, call 309-837-2750, text 309-837-2613, or email info@wimuseum.org.