Apr 2, 2024 12:59 PM
Saxophonist, Sonic Explorer Casey Benjamin Dies at 45
Casey Benjamin, the alto saxophonist, vocalist, keyboardist and producer who stamped his distinctive sounds on the…
The Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival at the University of Idaho in Moscow, Idaho, is in currently full swing. The University of Idaho is home to the Lionel Hampton School of Music. Approximately 18,000 junior high, high school and college students are expected to attend the festival this year, running from Feb. 20-23, which features student competitions and masterclasses during the day and all-star concerts during the evening.
Some of the artists performing at this year’s festival include: John Pizzarelli, Roy Hargrove, Freddy Cole, Jane Monheit, Slide Hampton, Howard Johnson, Lou Rawls, David “Fathead” Newman, Ray Brown, Robin Eubanks and Claudio Roditi.
Vibes legend Hampton attends the festival every year, and he’s there once again this year. The last night of the festival he is scheduled to lead his New York Big Band through a performance. In addition, the entire festival this year is a tribute to Hampton and his musical and educational legacy.
For more information on the festival, go to www.jazz.uidaho.edu/home.html.
Benjamin possessed a fluid, round sound on the alto saxophone, and he was often most recognizable by the layers of electronic effects that he put onto the instrument.
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