Jon Irabagon visits Our Front Porch for Jazz Night

The Western Illinois Museum, in partnership with the Western Illinois University (WIU) School of Music, is pleased to welcome musician Jon Irabagon to perform with the HAT Trio on Friday, November 10th, as part of the Jazz Series being offered at the Museum.  The doors and bar open at 4:30 with music at 5:30 with 6:30 p.m.  To close out the evening, WIU Students will take the stage at 7:30 pm. There is a $5 suggested donation at the door. 

The jazz series, designed by WIU Music Professor Whitney Ashe, brings world-class musicians to connect with WIU music majors as well as perform for the community. Chicago-based, Tenor Saxophonist, Irabagon is on the faculty at the University of Illinois Chicago In addition to teaching, he is a composer, and band leader. He runs his own imprint, Irabbagast Records, to release his own uncategorizable works as well as other cutting-edge, creative artists. He has received many accolades including the winner of the 2008 Thelonious Monk Saxophone Competition, winner of the Rising Star award in Downbeat Magazine for both alto and tenor saxophones, and the recipient of a Philippine Presidential Award, the highest civilian honor an overseas Filipino can receive in commemoration for their contributions to the perception of Filipinos worldwide. To learn more about about Jon and hear his music visit https://www.jonirabagon.com/.

Jon will perform with the HAT Trio, a group made up of WIU jazz faculty members Matt Hughes on bass, George Turner on guitar, and Whitney Ashe on piano. This year, the series will include an after-party hosted by WIU students who will take the lead and provide live music. Check social media @WIMuseum and @WIU School of Music for more details about the pop-up after-party.

The Jazz series will continue In 2024 with Trombonist Mike Fahn on March 1st and saxophonist Dr. Damani Philips on April 5th. 

This program is funded in part by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, with local funding from the Performing Arts Society.

The Western Illinois Museum is a non-profit organization community hub celebrating and nurturing the history, culture, and traditions of McDonough County, that features exhibits, an open collection, lectures, music, and other programs in a historic building. The Museum is located at 201 S. Lafayette Street, one block south of Macomb’s Courthouse Square. 

A full schedule of events can be found at wimuseum.org or follow on social media @wimuseum. For further information, call 309-837-2750, text 309-837-2613, or email info@wimuseum.org.

About the HAT Trio

The HAT Trio takes a fresh look at the classic piano, guitar, and bass configuration, drawing on influences from the jazz and classical worlds to explore some of music’s unmarked pathways. Guitarist Dr. George Turner has performed and recorded music, ranging from traditional jazz with some of Illinois’ most established players, contemporary jazz with the Bloomington-based Kevin Hart and the Vibe Tribe, to Brazilian music with the Champaign-based Samba Soul, to the poly-stylistic approach of the Champaign-based 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. The group’s pianist Whitney Ashe has performed with jazz luminaries Vincent Herring, Eric Alexander, and Tommy Igoe. He has composed for The Capitol Saxophone Quartet, Christopher Creviston, and The Rivertown Duo. The trio began performing together in Macomb, Illinois, while teaching at Western Illinois University.