Oregon Public Broadcasting

This week Moscow, Idaho will again open its arms to the music world.

For four days, the 43rd annual Lionel Hampton International Jazz Festival will take over the University of Idaho campus. But festivals like these face uncertain times because of economic troubles.

Inland Northwest correspondent Doug Nadvornick reports.

Festival Artistic Director John Clayton, who doubles as a world-renowned bass player, has put together a program that’s heavy on Latin jazz. It will include the music of pianist and bandleader Monty Alexander.

The festival will also include an appearance by vocalist Bobby McFerrin and a tribute to the late bass player Ray Brown.

Over the years, many of jazz’s biggest names have played the Moscow festival. But Clayton worries that budget cuts at the university will hurt his ability to lure the best musicians.

John Clayton: “We’re going to have to figure out ways to keep drawing the big names that people expect to see and find creative ways to support it.”

University spokeswoman Joni Kirk says the festival so far has been shielded from cuts.

One bit of news that organizers of other Northwest festivals will find promising -- ticket sales for this one are up more than 12-percent from last year.