| We attended the first
Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival eight or nine years ago to
watch one of my son's best friend played in our high
school's jazz band. Jazz bands, ensembles, combos,
individuals, choirs and soloists are sent by many schools
and universities from several states and Canada to attend
and compete in this wonderful annual event. In our first year of attendance we
arrived at AAA high school jazz band competition early as
another band was playing. They were good. Then our high
school played. It was very enjoyable and our friend
performed well. We stayed for the next school. We were
really taking experience in.
We decided to go to
another hall to listen to the AAAA schools. One rendition
of Summer Time was performed so well that it simply
brought tears to my eyes! Then it hit me! We were
listening to some top notch performers. Next, we were
going to the Kibbie Dome to the Winners Concert. And then
after that the world class professionals were going to
play. I was simply overhelmed!
We have returned nearly
every year since. Each year we really enjoyed ourselves.
This year, we went to the Friday night (more vocal of the
night concerts) All Star concert featuring David Friesen,
Clark Terry, Bud Shank (together as "Three To Get
Ready"), Dee Daniels, Igor Butman, Ronnie Cuber and
Lou Rawls among others. The time that Butman and Cuber
spent together on stage was pure magic.
We went around listening
to some of the high school competitions Saturday and we
went to the Winners Concert. We are already making plans
for next year's festival. Events starts on Wednesday and
concludes on Saturday. The 2000 festival is scheduled for
February 23-26.
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