Submitted by Melinda Jones, Rock Falls Tourism Director
The 2nd Annual Bellson Music Fest will be held Saturday, June 10, 2023 at the RB&W District in Rock Falls, IL. This event is being planned to carry out the legacy of Louie Bellson who was born in Rock Falls and became a renowned drummer, composer/arranger and band leader. Rock Falls Tourism is working closely with Francine Bellson (widow of Louie Bellson) and Josh Duffee (music director from Davenport, IA) on all aspects of this great event.
Five bands consisting of jazz, blues and music honoring Louie Bellson will be played from noon to 9:30 pm at the RB&W District Amphitheater. Rock Falls Tourism is pleased to announce that joining the headliner Walfredo Reyes, Jr. Trio will be the Michael Conrad Trio.
The Michael Conrad Trio consists of Mike Conrad who is a composer and improviser currently serving as Associate Professor of Jazz Studies at the University of Northern Iowa; Katie Ernst, described as “one of the brightest lights on Chicago’s jazz scene”; and Jameson Scriver, an improvising drummer and contemporary jazz composer, also based in Chicago.
More announcements of future bands performing are forthcoming. Event hosted by Rock Falls Tourism. For more information, contact: Melinda Jones, Director of Rock Falls Tourism, (815) 622-1106 or at director@visitrockfalls.com. More information on Louie Bellson Legacy, www.louiebellson.com
