The 3rd Annual Bellson Music Fest will be held Saturday, June 8th, at the RB&W District in Rock Falls, IL. This year is a Centennial Celebration of the legacy of LOUIE BELLSON (1924-2009) the Rock Falls native who rose to become the renowned drummer, composer, band leader and six-time Grammy nominee. The event is hosted by Rock Falls Tourism which works closely with Bellson’s widow Francine Bellson (louiebellson.com) and Josh Duffee (music director from
Davenport, IA).
Five bands consisting of big band, jazz and music honoring Louie Bellson will be played from 12 noon to 9:30 pm at the RB&W District amphitheater.
We are pleased to announce the Jerry Criss Band will perform at our Bellson Music Fest. The Jerry Criss Band is a group of well-seasoned musicians from various professional backgrounds from NW Illinois and led by R&B soul singer and percussionist, Jerry Criss, currently of Elgin, IL.
The band specializes in Smooth Jazz, R&B, Blues, Funk, and Latin Soul music. They will kick off the Bellson Music Fest at 12 noon and play until 1:30 pm, followed by the Yorkville Big Band, Rock River Jazz Band, Josh Duffee and His Orchestra, and the headliner band Steve Smith and Vital Information.