From The Seattle Times:

MOSCOW, Idaho — Glittering streamers and confetti floated down from the rafters of the University of Idaho’s Kibbe Activity Center Saturday, as the Lionel Hampton International Jazz Festival celebrated the centennial birthday of its late namesake to a sold-out house of 5,000 fans.

This was one of many thrills in the 41-year-old, extravaganza Wednesday through Saturday, with student competitions and clinics at day, and concerts at night.

Seattle’s Roosevelt High School won the big band award, beating perennial rival Garfield. Eckstein Middle School’s big band and combo both prevailed. (See the accompanying list of winners.)

New features — some successful, some not — reflected the fest’s first year under the artistic direction of bassist and band leader John Clayton. His most obvious success was the integration on the main stage of new faces with veterans.

Read the entire article at The Seattle Times

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Seattle Times