University of Idaho to Host 59th Annual Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival

Four-day event brings thousands of students and educators to Moscow for performances, workshops, and celebrations of jazz music.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 1:06am

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An abstract, minimalist illustration composed of bold, jagged geometric shapes in high-contrast red and white, capturing the dynamic energy and artistry of a jazz performance.The Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival brings the vibrant spirit of jazz to the University of Idaho campus each spring.Moscow Today

The University of Idaho will host the 59th annual Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival from April 22-25, featuring three days of adjudicated student performances, free public workshops, and evening concerts by renowned jazz artists like Tito Puente Jr., Jazzmeia Horn, and the Something Else! supergroup.

Why it matters

The Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival is one of the longest-running and most prestigious jazz events in the Pacific Northwest, drawing top talent and providing valuable educational opportunities for aspiring musicians from across the region.

The details

In addition to student ensemble performances, the festival will offer a variety of free public workshops covering topics like disco, tap dancing, yoga, and the connections between anime and jazz. Headlining artists will also host 'Meet the Artist' sessions to engage with students more personally. Evening concerts will showcase a range of jazz styles, from mambo and salsa to soul jazz and big band.

  • The 59th annual Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival will take place from Wednesday, April 22 to Saturday, April 25, 2026.
  • The festival's traditional opening night 'Hamp's Gala' concert is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 22.
  • The 'World Music Celebration' is set for 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 23.
  • The 'Jazzmeia Horn and Warren Wolf' concert is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Friday, April 24.
  • The 'Something Else! and Lionel Hampton Big Band' performance is slated for 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 25.

The players

Lionel Hampton School of Music

The music school at the University of Idaho that hosts the annual jazz festival named after renowned vibraphonist and bandleader Lionel Hampton.

Tito Puente Jr.

A mambo, salsa, and Latin jazz percussionist who will be a headlining performer at the festival.

Jazzmeia Horn

A Grammy-nominated, multi-award-winning jazz vocalist who will be a headlining performer at the festival.

Something Else!

A soul jazz supergroup led by saxophonist Vincent Herring that will be a headlining performer at the festival.

Lionel Hampton Big Band

The iconic namesake ensemble of the festival, featuring drummer Jason Marsalis and pianist Joe Double Day.

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The takeaway

The 59th annual Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival at the University of Idaho continues the legacy of one of the most important jazz events in the Pacific Northwest, offering students and the public alike an immersive celebration of jazz music and culture.