The largest jazz festival west of the Mississippi is held at the University of Idaho in Moscow. Since the 1960s, the festival has honored the music, dance and history of jazz music and the renowned Lionel Hampton. Thousands of students of all ages travel from across the country to perform and attend workshops. This year’s version is headlined by the Grammy Award-winning Vanguard Jazz Orchestra. On Friday evening is a concert at 7:30 pm featuring Dawn Clement’s Gratitude Trio and the U of I Jazz Choir and Jazz Band, along with winners from a competition held earlier that day. Saturday night, the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra performs, as well as the New Lionel Hampton Big Band featuring Jason Marsalis, with special guest Antonia Bennett.
Fri, Feb. 22 and Sat, Feb. 23; times vary • $15-$80 • University of Idaho • 875 Perimeter Dr., Moscow • uidaho.edu/jazzfest • 208-885-6111