1968-1975
The Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival was once just a gathering of high school bands for competitions and concerts. But in 1968, college buddies Dave Seiler and Bob Spevacek reunited at the University of Idaho and decided to invite regional high school musicians to learn from jazz and studio trumpet player Bud Brisbois.
1982
Ella Fitzgerald headlined, along with the George Shearing Duo with Brian Torff. Buddy Childers played trumpet.
1984
Lionel Hampton made his first appearance, playing alongside Sarah Vaughan at Memorial Gym. Dianne Reeves and Bill Perkins also performed.
1987
The University of Idaho School of Music was dedicated to Hampton. Featured artists included Ray Brown, Clark Terry and Al Grey.
1989
Wynton Marsalis headlined the show, along with Carmen McRae, Kenny Burrell, Patricia Miller, Al Grey, Doc Cheatham, Stan Getz, Gene Harris, Ray Brown and Phyllis Hyman.
1992
Actor and jazz pianist Clint Eastwood appeared at the Kibbie Dome to receive the Lionel Hampton Jazz Hall of Fame Award.
2000
Trombone legend Al Grey made his last appearance at the festival to jam alongside longtime pal Hampton. The 74-year-old trombonist died due to complications from diabetesMarch 24, 2000, in Arizona. He was a regular at the festival, only absent one year since 1985.
2001
Lou Rawls and Nancy Wilson headlined the festival. The Lionel Hampton Center was also unveiled this year.
2002
Saturdaynight marked the only appearance at the festival by Hampton that year. It was the final farewell for the 94-year-old jazz vibist who later died Aug. 31. It was also the last appearance for bassist Ray Brown, who died in July.
2004
Performing jazz artists included Dee Daniels, the Lionel Hampton New York Big Band, Lorraine Feather and the Roy Hargrove Quartet.
2005
Lou Rawls cancelled his performance at the festival, disappointing festival-goers. The jazz singer died less than a year later from lung cancer.
2006
Lynn “Doc” Skinner retired after 31 years as executive director of the festival, but pledged to help his successor, artistic director John Clayton. Read more on Clayton and his work with the festival at Inland360.com.
2007
The festival was awarded the National Medal of Arts.
2008
Student performers were allowed to play in Hamp’s Club for the first time, held in an after-hours, club-like atmosphere.
2009
Jazz pianist Kenny Barron performed, and vocalist Bobby McFerrin headlined.
2010
The festival featured multi-horn player James Morrison and saxophonist Scott Hamilton. The Pizzarelli Family played.
2011
The festival paid tribute to James Moody, Wally “Gator” Watson and Hank Jones, who all died in 2010.
2012
Playing the same bass that once belonged to his mentor, the late Ray Brown, John Clayton performed a “Ray Brown Tribute” with Larry Fuller and Karriem Riggins, two former members of the Ray Brown Trio.
2013
Three Brazilian musicians played in Trio da Paz, made up of Romero Lubambo, Nilson Matta and Duduka da Fonseca. A cappella group Take 6 sang.
