The 4th Annual Bellson Music Fest will be held Saturday, June 7, 2025, at 201 E. Second Street, Rock Falls, IL. This festival celebrates 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.
The Bellson Music Fest will kick off with a free Drum Clinic for all ages. It will be held at the McCormick Event Center, 205 E. Third Street, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The Clinic will be conducted by Gregg Potter, drummer for The Buddy Rich Big Band Machine, a multi-media show featuring Buddy’s daughter Cathy Rich.
Four bands featuring big band, jazz, and blues music, along with performances honoring Louie Bellson, will be showcased at the RB&W District amphitheater from 1:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The location is 201 E. Second Street.
The bands include the following.
1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. – Yorkville Big Band covers a wide genre of sounds of the 40s and 50s, incorporating modern arrangements of famous big bands.
3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. – Avey Grouws Band brings a raw, powerful, roots rock sound infused with blues and soul.
5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. – Josh Duffee and the Blackhawk Broadcasters will feature music composed and arranged by Louie Bellson, along with songs that were recorded by Bellson during his career in a small group setting.
7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. – Rare Element has a strong reputation for its high-intensity, live shows featuring funk music combining the elements of soul, jazz, and R&B.
For more information, contact Melinda Jones, Director of Rock Falls Tourism, at 815-622-1106, or email director@visitrockfalls.com.