The Lionel Hampton International Jazz Festival at the University of Idaho, held Feb. 25-28, 2009, will pay tribute to world rhythms of jazz and will honor jazz great Ray Brown.
Lineup:
§ Wednesday, Feb. 25, Latin Rhythms Meet Dizzy Gillespie: This evening’s all-star lineup will explore both sides of Gillespie. Jon Faddis will lead an all-star band with guest trumpeters in a horn blow-out. Also featured are vocalist Jackie Ryan and Jose Rizo’s “Jazz on the Latin Side All Stars.”
§ Thursday, Feb. 26, Island Fever-Grooves From Brazil and the Caribbean: The evening performance will showcase the jazz sounds of Brazil and the Caribbean. The lineup features Monty Alexander’s Jazz and Roots; Kenny Barron’s Canta Brazil with Trio da Paz and Anne Drummond on flute; and the Anthony Wilson/Chico Pinheiro band.
§ Friday, Feb. 27, Sing and Swing/Tribute to Ray Brown: Featured are Bobby McFerrin; and the Monty Alexander Trio, with Jeff Hamilton on drums and John Clayton on bass.
For aspiring jazz musicians, the festival offers some new workshops and clinics. Workshops include: beginning and intermediate improvisation for horn players; rhythm section tips and tricks; rehearsal techniques; bass line construction; and editing chords for middle school piano players, among other selections. Some of the world’s finest jazz artists/educators return for this year’s festival to share stories, talk music, demonstrate techniques and perform. The festival’s student performances and artistic clinics are free and open to the public.
Tickets to the Young Artist Concerts, held on three afternoons of the festival in the ASUI-Kibbie Activity Center, are $5 and available at the door. The festival is now in its 42nd year. For more information, visit Jazz UIdaho.
Pictured is Lionel Hampton.
