For Vandal Athletics Tickets, please visit GoVandals.comEVENTS & SHOWS
FEB 26 - MAR 8
Ride the Cyclone
The Musical
Forge Theater
Book, music, and lyrics by Jacob Richmond and Brooke Maxwell
In a darkly hilarious and unexpectedly heartfelt musical, six Canadian teens from the Saint Cassian Chamber Choir meet their untimely end on a roller coaster — only to wake up in limbo, greeted by an aging mechanical fortune teller named The Amazing Karnak. In a dusty, forgotten amusement park warehouse, these ghostly teens are given one extraordinary chance: tell their story, and one of them will be returned to life. But who deserves a second chance the most?
Set to a genre-defying score — from soaring ballads to sharp-edged rap — Ride the Cyclone is a wildly original one-act musical that explores what it means to live, love, and leave your mark. With a quirky, diverse cast of unforgettable characters, this cult hit has captivated audiences across North America with its blend of biting comedy, unexpected pathos, and show-stopping musical numbers.
Dates & Times:
7:30 p.m. February 26, 27, 28, March 6 & 7
2:00 p.m. March 1 & 8
H.M.S. Pinafore
MAR 6 & 7
Hartung Theater
The Lionel Hampton School of Music proudly presents its 2026 production of "H.M.S. Pinafore" by W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan.
This production is brought to life with the LHSOM orchestra, in collaboration with the Theatre Arts Department, promising a performance filled with humor, heart and exquisite music.
6th Annual Great Debate
MAR 26
ICCU Arena
This year’s debate will explore how Protestants and Catholics approach the question of scriptural authority. Nationally known speakers Doug Wilson of Christ Church in Moscow, Idaho, and Joe Heschmeyer, Catholic apologist with Catholic Answers, will present their perspectives and engage in a thoughtful exchange on this defining theological issue.
Events:
• 4 p.m. - Mass in Arena
• 5 p.m. - Concessions Open
• 6 p.m. - Concert
• 7 p.m. - Debate Begins
Dancers Drummers Dreamers
XXXV
LIVE
MAR 26-28
Hartung Theatre
VIRTUAL
MAR 30 - APR 5
The University of Idaho Dance Program, alongside the Lionel Hampton School of Music, presents the 35th year of DancersDrummersDreamers. Described as a modern variety show with music, dance, song and some slapstick comedy, DancersDrummersDreamers (DDD) was founded in 1991 by Dan Bukvich and Diane Walker.
This unique production features student dance choreography performed to original, live music composed by music faculty and students. It is a family event, described as eclectic, playful, fun, entertaining, collaborative, high octane energy and imaginative.
Quartetto Gelato
Quartetto Gelato is a virtuosic and genre-defying classical quartet known for its blend of showpieces, romantic ballads, gypsy and klezmer tunes, and theatrical flair. With sold-out performances worldwide and a repertoire spanning classical to world music, the group captivates audiences with its musical mastery, humor, and engaging stage presence. Named NPR's "Debut Artist of the Year," they've appeared on major networks and soundtracks, including Only You. Their recordings-ten and counting-showcase global influences and original works, including the latest, Tasty Tunes (2021). Quartetto Gelato is supported by FACTOR and the Canada Council for the Arts.
APR 18
International Ballroom
UI Pitman Center
Walker & Royce are a New York–rooted duo known for crafting dance music that is as playful and punchy as it is relentlessly effective on the dance floor. Comprised of Sam Walker and Gavin Royce, the pair blend deep house and indie dance foundations with quirky accents, bouncy synths and a propulsive energy that has earned them global acclaim. Since first teaming up in 2011, they have released music on influential labels including Dirtybird, Crosstown Rebels and Higher Ground, scored Pete Tong’s Essential New Tune, collaborated with artists like Green Velvet, Claude VonStroke and Chris Lake, and launched their own imprint, Rules Don’t Apply Records. Their debut album, Self Help, cemented their reputation for high-energy, personality-driven tracks that feel like a packed house party, while their constant experimentation keeps their sound fresh, fearless and built for clubs, festivals and late-night headphones alike.
2026 Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival
University of Idaho
April 22-25
Save 20% with a series pass.
University of Idaho’s Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival (LHJF) is one of the largest and oldest educational jazz festivals in the world. With hundreds of student performances, outstanding evening concerts with world-class jazz artists and nearly 100 workshops, clinics and special exhibits, LHJF honors the music, dance and history of jazz music and one of its most honored artists, Lionel Hampton. This year’s performers include:
Jazzmeia Horn • Tito Puente Jr. • Warren Wolf • Lionel Hampton Big Band • Something Else! • Summer Camargo • World Beat Ensemble • Hamp’s Jazz Ambassadors • UI Jazz Band I • UI Jazz Choir I • UI Chamber Jazz Choir • Palouse Jazz Project
50% off for UI students.
Limited availability.
Wednesday
April 22
UI Admin Auditorium
HAMP’S GALA
FREE!
Our traditional evening kick-off concert featuring Lionel Hampton School of Music ensembles.
FREE, but ticket required.
Thursday
April 23
ICCU Arena
SUMMER CAMARGO • TITO PUENTE JR.
WORLD MUSIC CELEBRATION
Summer Camargo
Rising Star Trumpeter of the Year - 2025 Downbeat Critics Poll
Summer Camargo is a 23-year-old jazz trumpeter, composer, and Conn Selmer/Bach artist from Hollywood, Florida. A Juilliard alum and Jerome Greene Fellow, she was named one of DownBeat's "25 for the Future."
Summer performs regularly at Dizzy's, Birdland, and with the Mingus Big Band, and is the youngest member of the Saturday Night Live band. She is also a band member in Broadway's new musical, Just in Time.
Tito Puente Jr.
Mambo, Salsa and Latin Jazz
Legendary percussionist and Latin jazz royalty, Tito Puente Jr. carries on the vibrant legacy of his legendary father with his own spirited flair. A dynamic performer at casinos, symphony halls, and jazz festivals worldwide, he has played over 300 shows in the past five years.
His album In My Father's Shoes inspired a BET Jazz special, and Got Mambo? highlights his signature blend of classic Latin rhythms and contemporary innovation.
Featured with: UI Jazz Band I, Jazz Choir I & World Beat Ensemble
Friday
April 24
ICCU Arena
JAZZMEIA HORN • WARREN WOLF
HAMP'S JAZZ AMBASSADORS
Jazzmeia Horn
Grammy-nominated, multi-award-winning jazz vocalist
GRAMMY-nominated vocalist and composer Jazzmeia Horn stands at the forefront of modern jazz, blending timeless tradition with fearless innovation. A graduate of Dallas' Booker T. Washington High School, she continues to inspire audiences worldwide with her powerful voice and message-driven artistry.
Her 2024 album Messages (Empress Legacy Records) explores love, resilience, and self-expression through 10 original compositions that affirm her mission: music for healing, truth, and freedom.
Warren Wolf
Master Vibraphonist with SF JAZZ Collective
Warren Wolf is a Baltimore-based multi-instrumentalist, recording artist, and educator. An international performer, he has toured extensively across North America, Europe, Asia, and South America. A member of the SFJAZZ Collective and Christian McBride's Inside Straight, Warren has released ten albums, including projects on Mack Avenue Records.
He teaches at the Peabody Conservatory and the San Francisco Conservatory and endorses Musser instruments and Innovative Percussion mallets.
Hamp's Jazz Ambassadors
The Lionel Hampton Jazz Ambassadors is an exceptional ensemble made up of talented college musicians. This international group includes students from universities across the United States and abroad. Prior to the festival week, they only meet virtually, but come together at LHJF to collaborate, showcase their skills, and celebrate the joys of jazz.
Featured with: UI Jazz Band I, Chamber Jazz Choir & Palouse Jazz Project
Saturday
April 25
SOMETHING ELSE! • LIONEL HAMPTON BIG BAND
ICCU Arena
HAMP’S JAZZ AMBASSADORS
Something Else!
Soul Jazz
Something Else! is a powerhouse septet led by alto saxophonist Vincent Herring, featuring Jeremy Pelt, Wayne Escoffery, Paul Bollenback, David Kikoski, Essiet Essiet, and Lewis Nash. Their debut album Soul Jazz (Smoke Sessions Records) celebrates the groove-driven spirit of the 1960s soul jazz era with electrifying new energy. Drawing on works by Horace Silver, Herbie Hancock, Roy Hargrove, and more, the band fuses virtuosity with irresistible feel-reviving this classic sound for today's audiences.
Lionel Hampton Big Band, Featuring Jason Marsalis and Joe Doubleday.
"One of the longest-running orchestras in jazz history"- The Grammy Awards
Co-led by former Hampton band members, the Lionel Hampton Big Band brings Hampton's hard-swinging jazz to life with energetic performances of his classic hits.
Continuing his legacy, the band honors the jazz icon's collaborations with greats like Louis Armstrong and Benny Goodman.
Hamp's Jazz Ambassadors
The Lionel Hampton Jazz Ambassadors is an exceptional ensemble made up of talented college musicians. This international group includes students from universities across the United States and abroad. Prior to the festival week, they only meet virtually, but come together at LHJF to collaborate, showcase their skills, and celebrate the joys of jazz.
A COMEDY OF ERRORS
APR 30 - MAY 10
Hartung Theater
After both being separated from their twins in a shipwreck, Antipholus of Syracuse and his servant Dromio of Syracuse go to the city of Ephesus and are confused when locals seem to recognize them. Unbeknownst to the two Syracusans, their twins live in Ephesus. Havoc ensues in the city through a comedic series of incidents of mistaken identities.
Commencement Suites and Club Seating
General Admission is Free, Reserved Club Seats are $25/seat and Suites are $600/suite. Suites hold 12 people and include light refreshments.
Doors will open 1.5 hours before the morning ceremony. and 1 hour before the afternoon ceremony.
Morning Ceremony
College of Art and Architecture
College of Education, Health and Human Sciences
College of Law
College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences.
Afternoon Ceremony
College of Agricultural and Life Sciences
College of Business and Economics
College of Engineering
College of Natural Resources
College of Science
