Lionel Hampton fest kicks off Wednesday

When the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival first kicked off in 1967, it was an intimate, single-day event featuring a handful of artists. As it nears its 50th year, the festival stretches over several days, and it has drawn such nationally recognized artists as Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie and Bobby McFerrin.

The four-day event, which takes over the University of Idaho beginning Wednesday, will feature student concerts, performances by renowned musicians like drummer Ignacio Berroa and vocalist Dee Daniels, panel discussions with industry experts and dozens of technical clinics – learn the basics of everything from swing dancing to hip-hop to the vibraphone.

Here are a few of the upcoming program’s highlights; the following performances are scheduled in the university’s Dome.

Monty Alexander Trio, Feb. 26 at 8:30 p.m. – Combining elements of be-bop and blues with stylistic influences from his native Jamaica, jazz pianist Monty Alexander has accompanied the likes of Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and Sonny Rollins. In the span of his five-decade career, he has recorded more than 70 albums as a band leader.

Tower of Power, Feb. 26 at 10:15 p.m. – The legendary soul-funk outfit Tower of Power has been electrifying audiences since the 1960s, releasing iconic songs like “Soul Vaccination,” “What is Hip?” and “You’re Still a Young Man.” The band’s current 10-person lineup includes four of its founding members.

Cherry Poppin’ Daddies, Feb 27 at 10:15 p.m. – This Oregon-based band is best known for its single “Zoot Suit Riot,” which was a surprise radio hit during the brief big band revival in the late ’90s. The Daddies’ most recent albums have been reverent collections of jazz and swing standards. Look for an interview with frontman Steve Perry in next week’s 7.