Carlos Vega to perform on Our Front Porch

The Western Illinois Museum, in partnership with the Western Illinois University (WIU) School of Music, is excited to welcome saxophonist Carlos Vega to perform with the HAT Trio on Friday, October 4th, as part of the Al Sears Music Fest. The event will be held at the Museum. Doors and the bar open at 4:30 p.m., with two sets of music scheduled for 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. To close out the evening, WIU students will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. A $5 suggested donation will be collected at the door.

The Museum is proud to celebrate the legacy and music of Al Sears, a renowned saxophonist born in Macomb in 1910. We are delighted to once again collaborate with WIU Music Professor Whitney Ashe to present live jazz in honor of this hometown legend. Joining us on Our Front Porch is Dr. Carlos Vega, an Associate Professor of Applied Saxophone and the Director of the Latin Jazz Ensemble at Florida A&M University. He will perform alongside the HAT Trio.

Carlos Vega is a distinguished saxophonist, composer, and educator who has toured extensively throughout the United States, Europe, South America, and Africa. He has performed with notable artists such as Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine, Arturo Sandoval, Ira Sullivan, Tito Puente, Tito Puente Jr., the Chicago Afro Latin Jazz Ensemble (CALJE), and trumpet legend Doc Severinsen and his Big Band.
Vega is also a recipient of the South Arts Jazz Roads Grant, which supported performances of his original music. He has released three critically acclaimed albums—Bird’s Ticket, Bird’s Up, and Art of the Messenger—all available on the Origin Records Jazz Label. For more information about Carlos Vega, visit Origin Records at Carlos Vega – Saxophone.

Vega will be performing with the HAT Trio, comprised of WIU jazz faculty members: Matt Hughes on bass, George Turner on guitar, and Whitney Ashe on piano. Following their performance, an after-party will be hosted by WIU students, who will continue the evening with more live music. For updates and details on the after-party, follow @WIMuseum and @WIU School of Music on social media.

The jazz series continues on November 8th, when saxophonist Joel Linscheid will perform live on Our Front Porch.

This program is funded in part by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council and supported locally by the Performing Arts Society.

The Western Illinois Museum, a non-profit organization, serves as a community hub celebrating the history, culture, and traditions of McDonough County. The Museum hosts exhibits, lectures, music, and other programs in a historic building. Located at 201 S. Lafayette Street, just one block south of Macomb’s Courthouse Square, it offers a range of events throughout the year. For more information, visit wimuseum.org or follow us on social media @wimuseum. You can also call 309-837-2750, text 309-837-2613, or email info@wimuseum.org for further inquiries.

About the HAT Trio
The HAT Trio brings a fresh approach to the classic piano, guitar, and bass ensemble, blending influences from jazz and classical music to explore new musical territory. Guitarist Dr. George Turner has performed across various genres, including traditional jazz with established Illinois musicians, contemporary jazz with the Bloomington-based Kevin Hart and the Vibe Tribe, Brazilian music with Champaign-based Samba Soul, and a poly-stylistic approach with the Almost “A” Quintet. Bassist Matt Hughes, a veteran of jazz legend Betty Carter’s working band, has performed with Elvin Jones, Jack DeJohnette, Jimmy Heath, Max Weinberg, and the Duke Ellington Orchestra. Pianist Whitney Ashe has worked with jazz luminaries like Vincent Herring, Eric Alexander, and Tommy Igoe. He has also composed for the Capitol Saxophone Quartet, Christopher Creviston, and The Rivertown Duo. The trio began performing together in Macomb while teaching at Western Illinois University.