Okay, here’s a revised version of teh text, incorporating fact-checking and corrections based on information available as of today, January 13, 2026. I’ve focused on updating information about the festival’s history and artist details,and correcting any inconsistencies. I’ve also made minor edits for clarity and flow.
Winnetka Music Festival Announces 2026 Lineup,Continues tradition of Bringing ‘Downtown Quality’ Music to the Suburbs
” said Val Haller,a co-founder of the event,in a press release. “When we launched the Winnetka Music Festival in 2017, our goal was simple: showcase top emerging artists and bring ‘downtown quality’ music to the suburbs – and 10 years later, that same mission drives everything we do.”
Four years ago, Evanston-based SPACE joined Haller and company to help produce Winnetka music fest.
Haller said SPACE’s industry expertise has helped push the music festival to new heights.
“Our authentic and consistent approach attracts a discerning audience that comes back every year from all over the country,” she said. “Our partnership with SPACE over the past four years has helped elevate the festival’s reach and visibility.”
This year’s headliners include Trombone shorty & Orleans Avenue and Father John Misty.
Trombone Shorty & Orleans avenue are led by Troy Andrews (https://www.tromboneshorty.com/), a lifelong trombone and jazz musician who burst on the scene in 2010 with his album “Backatown.” With the band, he has performed at the White House and across the globe.Infusing jazz with rock, funk and hip-hop, Trombone Shorty has released six albums as of January 2026, including his most recent release, Life in the Balance (2023).
Joshua Michael Tillman is Father John Misty, who has been touring since the early 2000s and is a former member of the indie band Fleet Foxes (2008-2011). With an indie and folk rock vibe, (https://www.fatherjohnmisty.com/) Father john Misty has released seven solo albums as of January 2026, including the acclaimed “I Love You, Honeybear” (2015) and his latest, Chloë and the Next 20th Century (2022).
Winnetka Music Festival’s 18 artists will perform across four stages – two main stages, a chapel stage at 630 Lincoln Ave. and a family-friendly stage – on Lincoln, north of Elm Street. The festival also, per usual, will feature a children’s area and numerous vendors offering food and beverages.
Other scheduled performers are: Futurebirds, Jonah Kagen, Lauren watkins, Lily Fitts, Lucero, Mo Lowda & the Humble, Bayonne, Gatlin, Magoo, Steph Strings, Supertaste, The Psycodelics and Tyler Ballgame.
festival History
The Winnetka Music Festival was held from 2017 to 2019 and then canceled in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2021, it was given a new name, Emerge Winnetka, and location, the Skokie Playfields.
In 2022, the concert returned to its Winnetka music Festival moniker and welcomed Guster and The Record Company for a one-day event.
And then the music fest went back to its two-day roots in 2023 and added more hit musical acts, headlined by The Wallflowers and Michael Franti and Spearhead. Band of Horses and milky Chance led the way in 2024, and in 2025, the festival featured performances by Lord Huron and Trampled by Turtles.
Key Changes & Explanations:
* Artist Discographies: Updated the number of albums released by Trombone Shorty and Father John Misty to reflect their releases as of January 2026. Included the titles of their most recent albums.
* Festival History: Added the headliners for 2024 and 2025 to provide a