Bellson returns to Rock Falls for festival

Taylor Daniels, 13, from Amboy, is glad to meet drummer Louie Bellson on Thursday afternoon in Sterling. Originally from Rock Falls Bellson is back in the area to host his annual drum clinic and concert this weekend. (Paul Colletti/photo)

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ROCK FALLS - Drummer Louie Bellson's resume of musicians he's either recorded or performed with reads like a Who's Who of the entire genre of jazz, and so do the venues where he's performed. But this weekend, the man Duke Ellington once called "the world's greatest musician" will return to his hometown for the annual Louie Bellson Heritage Days festival. The 84-year-old's first claim to fame came at 17, when he won the Gene Krupa drumming contest, beating out more than 40,000 other drummers. Since then, his talent has taken him around the world, playing with jazz heavyweights such as Dizzy Gillespie, Louie Armstrong, Count Basie and Ella Fitzgerald, as well as James Brown, Mel Torme, and his late wife, Pearl Bailey. This weekend will boast a drum competition, a drum clinic and a full concert Saturday, all free of charge, and two chances to dine with Bellson. The festival begins Friday with dinner at Rock Falls' Holiday Inn. Saturday, a drum competition featuring young area percussionists, as well as a free drum clinic for anyone interested in tightening their technique, will be held at the Harvest Time Family Center. That'll be followed by a free concert in the evening, where Bellson will headline the Northern Illinois University Jazz Band. Brunch with Bellson at the Rock River Country Club on Sunday will wrap up the weekend. Heritage Days schedule Friday "Dinner With Louie," 7-9 p.m. at the Holiday Inn, 2105 First Ave. Cost is $20, and reservations are required. E-mail Bethany Flannery at bethany@rockfallschamber.com or call at 815-973-0532. Saturday > Drum competition, 9 a.m. to noon, for anyone 18 and younger, Harvest Time Family Center, 1802 Dixon Ave. Free. > Drum clinic, featuring Louie Bellson and Hannah Ford, 1-2:30 p.m. at the Family Center. Free. > Louie Bellson concert with the Northern Illinois University Jazz Band and Learn to Fly, winner of the Amp Fest Battle of the Bands, 7-9:30 p.m. at the Family Center. Free. Sunday "Brunch With Louie," 1 p.m., Rock River Country Club, 1700 Melvin Road. Cost is $20, and reservations are required. E-mail Flannery at bethany@rockfallschamber.com or call at 815-973-0532.