The University of Idaho will host the 59th annual Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival from April 22 to April 25, bringing thousands of students and educators to Moscow for four days dedicated to jazz performances, workshops, and celebrations.
The festival is an important event for both the university and the wider community, offering opportunities for student engagement as well as public participation in various music-related activities.
During the festival, students will take part in three days of adjudicated performances. Attendees can also join a variety of free public workshops that include disco and tap-dancing classes, a yoga session, and a presentation on anime’s connections to jazz. In addition to evening concerts by headliners such as Tito Puente Jr., Jazzmeia Horn, and Something Else!, these artists will hold Meet the Artist sessions where students can interact with them more personally.
The evening concert schedule features Hamp’s Gala on Wednesday at the Administration Building Auditorium with student ensembles from the Lionel Hampton School of Music. Thursday’s World Music Celebration at ICCU Arena includes performances by Tito Puente Jr., Summer Camargo from Saturday Night Live’s house band, several University of Idaho jazz groups under faculty direction, and more. Friday’s concert highlights Grammy-nominated vocalist Jazzmeia Horn alongside vibraphonist Warren Wolf and university ensembles. The final concert on Saturday presents soul jazz supergroup Something Else! led by Vincent Herring along with the Lionel Hampton Big Band featuring Jason Marsalis and Joe Double Day.
Tickets for Hamp’s Gala are free; other ticketed events range from $50-$70 and are available online or at the door while supplies last (card only). University students receive a 50% discount on tickets while they last. A clear bag policy applies at all ICCU Arena events.
More information about schedules, artists, tickets, policies, or workshop offerings is available at uidaho.edu/jazzfest.