The Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival was a weekend filled with joy, laughter and music. Everyone loves music for a different reason, but the main trend we saw throughout the Jazz festival was community. all different kinds of people of different ages coming together to celebrate and watch music with friends and family.
April 21, 2024, Kenny Garrett and Sounds From The Ancestors.
More than 30 years ago, Kenny Garrett started stepping out into the spotlight. Today, he is easily recognized as an inspiration for aspiring jazz students all over the world. Vandals got a special treat, seeing him perform with his amazing crew, including a pianist, bass player, drummer and vocalist.
Something that stuck out throughout the evening was Kenny’s attire. Most performers have to dazzle with their outfits to match the energy, but Kenny seemed as though he was just born with it as he absolutely tore up the stage in a blue hoodie.
Each member of Kenny Garrett’s band was highlighted throughout the evening, showing off their own personal range of skills but never breaking the consistent groove that carried the vibe throughout the night.
“Sounds from the Ancestors” was played toward the end of the concert, and the pianist didn’t just play the song, but made it seem as if he was telling a story to the crowd, a slow, sweet story that soon turned into a jam with the rest of the band. Every single musician on the stage put their heart and soul into the performance.
Kenny Garrett and Sounds from The Ancestors ended the evening with “When the Days Were Different,” getting everyone involved either clapping or tapping their feet. Kenny slowly motioned with his hand to get people to come down to the floor of the stage and get as close as possible. Seconds later, waves of the audience rushed down to the stage, and this classy jazz concert soon turned into a mosh pit of college and high school students jumping up and down with excitement Congo lines started forming as the music carried throughout the arena, making the send-off into the evening the most seamless transition. Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival 2024 is one to remember.
Leonna Marquess can be reached at [email protected]