February 22-25 Moscow, Idaho

Five hours east of Seattle and just eight miles east of Pullman, WA, is the town of Moscow, ID. Home to the University of Idaho, the town transforms itself each year in February into one of the Northwest’s warmest spots, with four days of inspired jazz performances by masters, up and comers and students of the trade. This year, the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival celebrates its 45th anniversary from February 22-25, 2012, under the direction of renowned bassist, arranger, composer and jazz educator John Clayton.

Festival highlights

Wednesday, February 22, 8pm
Paquito D’Rivera with Anat Cohen

The evening concert lineup, presented by Avista Corp., features NEA Jazz Master Paquito D’Rivera and rising star Anat Cohen performing with an all-star quartet, comprised of Josh Nelson on piano, Ben Williams on bass, Graham Dechter on guitar and Kevin Kanner on drums. The University of Idaho Lionel Hampton School of Music Jazz Band I will also strut their stuff.

Thursday, February 23, various times
Matt Wilson’s Arts and Crafts
Ray Brown Tribute with John Clayton
Sara Gazarek and Carmen Bradford

Matt Wilson, “one of the most inventive and individualistic drummers in modern music” (Chicago Reader), leads his ensemble Arts and Crafts in two sets with special guest trumpeter Terell Stafford.

John Clayton is joined by pianist Larry Fuller and drummer Karriem Riggins, in homage to the late Ray Brown, one of the music’s most prolific bassists.

Vocalists Sara Gazarek and Carmen Bradford present an evening of vocal jazz to stoke the fires.

Friday, February 24, 8:30pm
Blind Boys of Alabama and the Ike Stubblefield Trio

The Friday evening performances, presented by Alaska Airlines, will feature five-time Grammy Award-winning gospel group Blind Boys of Alabama. Hammond B3 virtuoso Ike Stubblefield leads his trio in a special performance with special guests saxophonist Jeff Clayton, trombonist Wycliffe Gordon, saxophonist Rickey Woodard, and multi-instrumentalist James Morrison.

Saturday, February 25, 8:30pm
Roy Haynes Fountain of Youth Band
The Lionel Hampton Youth Jazz Orchestra
Tower of Power

The Lionel Hampton Youth Jazz Orchestra, NEA Jazz Master Roy Haynes’ Fountain of Youth Band, and urban soul legends Tower of Power close out the festival with a formidable night of music.

Ticket prices range from $25-$45 per night. Special discounts are available to youth and college students. Tickets may be purchased at the Kibbie Activity Center box office, by calling 1-88-88-UIDAHO, or online at www.UItickets.com. Please see ww.jazz.uidaho.edu for venues and times.