The Lionel Hampton Jazz Fest is a staple event at the University of Idaho. and you’ll definitely want to attend! Artists from all over grace the campus with their talents and wonderful shows, and there are tons of fun workshops to try out.
Concert Schedule:
- Hamp’s Gala
- Need a great way to spend your evening? The traditional show to kick-start Jazz Fest that features the Lionel Hampton School of Music student group is one option! This event will take place in the Admin Auditorium on Wednesday, April 17 at 7 p.m.
- World Music Celebration
- This is a wonderful event to appreciate music from all around the world and embrace diverse cultures! It features artists such as Jovino Santos Neto, a Brazilian pianist and composer; Samir LanGus, a Moroccan gimbri player and singer; U of I Jazz Band I (directed by Vern Sielert); U of I Jazz Choir I (directed by Dan Bukvich); and the World Music Ensemble (directed by Navin Chettri). It will take place at the ICCU Arena on Thursday, April 18 at 7 p.m.
- Veronica Swift
- Swift is an American jazz and bebop singer whose vocal performances shouldn’t be missed! Some of her popular songs include “I Am What I Am” and “Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me,” which are both from her 2023 album titled “Veronica Swift.” Some other featured artists at this event include the U of I Chamber Jazz Choir (directed by Dan Bukvich); U of I Jazz Band I (directed by Vern Sielert), and Hamp’s Jazz Ambassadors. These concerts will take place in the ICCU Arena on Friday, April 19 at 7 p.m.
- Lionel Hampton’s 116th Birthday Celebration
- Come to the ICCU Arena to celebrate Lionel Hampton’s birthday with some amazing performances! The artists featured at this concert include Kenny Garrett’s Sounds From The Ancestors, Lionel Hampton Big Band ft. Joe Doubleday, and Hamp’s Jazz Ambassadors. This concert will take place on Saturday, April 20 at 7 p.m.
Jazz Fest includes tons of different workshops Thursday through Saturday that are completely free and open to everyone! Some of the workshops present at this year’s Jazz Fest are Meet the Artists, Broadway Jazz, Disco Jazz, Improvisation Games, African Dance, Swing Dancing and so much more! The full schedule of workshops can be found on the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival page on the UI website. [put the link here]
Brooklynn Jolley can be reached at [email protected]