31 december 2000
Hans
I wish you and all the vieuwers off this website
a Happy New Year
God bless You
Lionel Hampton

25 November 2000
Hi Hans,
Angela, Matthew, and I visited Hamp on Thanksgiving Day. We had a wonderful time and Hamp
looks great. He told me about his up-and-coming European tour. I'm very excited for him and I'm
always amazed by his enthusiasm and passion to play music..... We also did a little reminiscing
Ron Aprea

October 4th
From: WGATORW@aol.com
To:
H.Bebop@speed.a2000.nl
Lionel is well. He is still talking about the good time he and I had with
Rubin at the New York Yankee baseball game two weeks ago.
Your sight is the best for Lionel.
Wally "Gator" Watson

September 19th
Hello Hans
I spoke with Hamp and Ruben on the telephone yesterday. Hamp says he's feeling "great".
He's getting ready to go to Washington DC for a few days.
Regards, Ron Aprea

September 4th
Greatneck LI, NY, - Lionel Hampton Big Band

Labor Day at Steppingstone ... Lionel Hampton Returns!

It's incredible! He's coming back! (Sep. 4th) Lionel Hampton will be performing
once again on Labor Day evening at Steppingstone Park. A legend in his
own time, this seemingly ageless musical great returns to Great Neck
year after year. An honorary member of the Great Neck Park District
(an honor he cherishes), he is known for his remarkable loyalty to the commumity.
Thank you, Lionel Hampton, for remembering your devoted fans in this
community. Thank you for honoring us with your great talent once again!
Wendy K. Kreitzman

Wed, 6 Sep 2000 12:20:32 EDT
From:
WGATORW@aol.com
To
h.bebop@speed.a2000.nl
Just to let you know that the Sept 4th gig in Greatneck New York went very
well. There was an award presented to Hamp and a film tribute made to him
also. Hamp wore a very big smile the whole night long.
He played his ass off  too.
Take care.
Wally Gator Watson - Drummer,  The Lionel Hampton Band
 

Lionel Hampton Big Band
August 6th
7pm - Grants Tomb Jazz series - Lionel Hampton Big Band

 July 30th - August 4th
Philadelphia PA - Lionel Hampton Republican National Convention

July 29th  Binghamton NY area
 

 July 14th
---
Hampton sppears July 14, 2000 at the Conservative Party Luncheon in New York.
Republican Senate candidate Rick Lazio talks with jazz legend Lionel Hampton.
(Photos by Chris Hondros/Newsmakers)

2000, Juny 27th

To: Hans Bebop <H.Bebop@speed.A2000.nl> 22 july 2000
Here's a shot of Lionel and Jon Hendricks taken at the Tourneau Time
Machine exhibition hall, during the launching of the Lionel Hampton ORIS
Jazz Watch on Jun 27, 2000. Phil Leshin

From www.Go.com
2000, July
 Lionel Hampton Today
 Site dedicated to Lionel Hampton. Many, many photos, news, memorabilia and connections to
 the worldwide fandom of Mr. "Hey Bop a Rebop." Excellent enthusiast site.
 http://www.lionelhampton.nl
 Last reviewed by Pallas11
 

2000, 18 july
Dear Hans !
This is Christian Fabian, Lionels Bassplayer for the past two years for most
of the gigs. To learn more about me look at my page www.christianfabian.com.
I actually played Bass in Atlantic City with Hamp and Wally and I are really
good friends as well. I'm part of the Hampton Festival since 1996 and Hamp
changed my Life in many aspects. Wally and I been over his house for his
Birthday as well on April the 20st. Anyway, you might like to know that I
lived in the Netherlands from 87 till 92 and studied first at the Maastricht
Conservatory Classical and then a brief 1/2 a year in Hilversum. I wasn't to
happy at that time so I left NL and came to Boston in 94 to the Berklee
College of Music. I also speak fluent dutch but I can't write it. Anyway,
your site is great. Did you saw the show in Atlantic City ? To bad that I've
missed you, It would have been nice to talk with you.
Talk to you soon, I'm not able to join you for Wallys talk since I will be
on the Road, Iowa and than Chicago.
God Bless,

"Christian is truly one of the greatest bassplayers in the world."
-Lionel Hampton-
 

Wally Gator Watson plays with The Lionel Hampton Orchestra

2000, JULY
8th Upstate NY area
29th Binghamton NY area

2000, JUNE
5th The Supper Club - NYC

16th thru 18th The Sands Hotel - Atlantic City NJ
The Atlantic City Beach Festival

Hello from the Sands Casino New Jersey-USA
Date: Sat, 17 Jun 2000 10:11:36 EDT
From: WGATORW@aol.com
To:
         Lionel Hampton Fan No 1 <h.bebop@speed.a2000.nl>
Hello Hans, We have finished our first of four out door concerts here in AC.
The crowd loved Hamp as always. Today, Saturday, we do a second outdoor
concert and then move indoors to the Copa Room to record a live album. Sunday
we conclude with to more outdoor concerts on the famed Atlantic City
boardwalk. Hope that all is well.
Wally Gator Watson

--

--

--
Lionel Hampton and Wally Gator Watson (dr) at the Atlantic City Beach Festival
Juny 2000
( Thanks Wally for the photo's )
 

Subject:  Atlantic City Beach Festival.
Date: Sat, 17 Jun 2000
From:  Janet & Doug Kozlay <kozlay@home.com>
Organisatie:  @Home Network
To: Lionel Hampton Fan No 1 <h.bebop@speed.a2000.nl>
Hello Hans

I just had the pleasure of seeing and hearing Lionel Hampton at the
Atlantic City Beachfest this evening, June 17, 2000.  This was only my
second "Hamp" concert, the first being 41 years ago when he played at
Duke University where I was a student. Hamp shared that splendid spring
weekend with Duke Ellington, a truly unforgettable two days. When I saw
he was playing Beachfest, I remarked that he must be "ancient," and so
he is, but though he can no longer do what he did 41 years ago, the
music is still in him and he can still sing!  And his band is
magnificent.  He truly provided the highlight for the weekend.
Janet Kozlay

Hello Hans!
Thu, 25 May 2000 07:48:43 EDT
From:
WGATORW@aol.com
To:
 h.bebop@speed.a2000.nl

This is Wally Gator Watson, drummer for Lionel Hamptons big band for the last
ten years. I believe we have met. I was excited to see your web site on
Lionel, it is great.  Lionel did have a wonderful 92 birthday party at his
home in NY and is still touring. We will begin the summer tour in NYC at the
Supper club and then on to Atlantic City NJ. Visit my web site for future
dates. www.wallygator.net
Take care and I hope to hear from you soon.
Wally Gator

Wally "Gator" Watson, born Wesley Watson, is the son of the late jazz drummer
  Wesley B. Landers, former drummer for Dinah Washington, Sonny Stitt,
Jimmy Luncerford, and many others.
 In memory of my Dad, Wesley B.Landers

 Wally "Gator" Watson (New Website)
 

On April-20th Lionel Hampton celebrated
his 92th birthday

24 May 2000
Hi Hans,
You must have been reading my mind.
When you e-mailed me yesterday I was on my way to Hamps house.
I gave him the photos of his birthday party. (We will be putting them on our "Photo Album" page soon.)
I also gave him a taped copy of a radio program "Make Believe Ballroom", which I was a guest on.
The show was a tribute to Lionel Hampton for his birthday.
I also brought my personal photo album.
We had a great time looking at pictures dating back to the 60's.
The visit was quiet and sensitive...just Hamp and I.
He looks good and his spirit, as always, is wonderful.....How are things in the Netherlands?
Are you anywhere near that explosion? Regards to all.
Ron Aprea and Angela DeNiro
 

Angela DeNiro, Lionel Hampton, Ron Aprea and Matthew at Lionel's home
 2000, April 20
 More photos-
 92nd,  93rd and 94th birthday photos.

2000, March 31

George Bush and Lionel Hampton at lunch in the Hall of Presidents
Longtime friends Lionel Hampton and former President George Bush were special guests
at a luncheon on March 21, 2000 celebrating the museum’s acquisition of Hampton’s portrait by Frederick J. Brown.
The luncheon was sponsored by Lucent Technologies, which recently made a contribution
to the Gallery’s Performing Arts Fund.
Photo by Jeff Tinsley.
 

Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival 2000

Have you seen Hamp play or can you give me other details you've heard or seen, please let me know.
 

Wednesday, February 23, 2000  4:00pm
POTLATCH JR. HIGH WINNERS CONCERT
Winning student groups from the day's Junior High School Competition will perform.
7:30pm PEPSI INTERNATIONAL JAZZ CONCERT
Lionel Hampton , vibes. Hank Jones , piano. Lewis Nash, drums. Brian Bromberg , bass.
Russell Malone, guitar. Roy Hargrove Quintet. Claudio Roditi , trumpet.Lance Bryant ,
saxophone.Kuni Mikami , piano. Wally Gator Watson , drums. Christian Fabian , bass.
Joe Giorgianno, Trumpet. Kao Temma, dancer.
Greg Abate, saxophone. Jane Jarvis, piano. Evelyn White , vocals. MAN SOUND, Ukraine.

Thursday, February 24,  7:30pm  NORTHWEST AIRLINES SPECIAL GUEST CONCERT
Lionel Hampton , vibes. Hank Jones , piano. Lewis Nash, drums.  Christian McBride , bass
Russell Malone, guitar.  James Moody, saxophone. Ingred Jensen, trumpet. Conrad Herwig,
trombone. Ray Brown Trio. Ethel Ennis, vocals. Diana Krall , vocals (to be confirmed)

Friday, February 25,   4:00pm   HIGH SCHOOL VOCAL WINNERS' CONCERT.
The Lionel Hampton School of Music  Choirs followed by winning student groups
from the day's High School Competition are scheduled to perform.
7:30pm    ALL - STAR CONCERT
Lionel Hampton , vibes. Hank Jones , piano. Lewis Nash, drums. Russell Malone, guitar
Christian McBride Quartet. Roy Hargrove , trumpet. David Sanchez, saxophone
Igor Butman , saxophone.  Al Grey , trombone. Bill Watrous , trombone
Dee Daniels , vocals.  Jim Martinez , piano.

2000 February 26: Christian Fabian, Lionel Hampton and Wally Gator Watson

Saturday, February 26,  4:45pm
AVISTA CORPORATION INTERNATIONAL WINNERS' CONCERT
The Lionel Hampton School of Music's Jazz Band I followed by winning student groups
from the day's High School Competition a scheduled to perform.
8:00pm,  GTE GIANTS OF JAZZ CONCERT
Lionel Hampton and his New York Big Band

Pete Condoli, trumpet, Conte Condoli, trumpet. Hank Jones , piano. Lewis Nash, drums
Brian Bromberg , bass. Russell Malone, guitar.  Carla Cook, vocals.
 
 
 

Tribute to Hampton tonight (23/2) at UI The University of Idaho Lionel Hampton School of Music will
present its annual tribute to the school's namesake tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the University Auditorium.
The concert, billed as a "Tribute to Hamp," features UI music students and groups performing for an
audience that will include the vibes king himself, Lionel Hampton. As is the custom, many other artists
in town for this week's Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival are expected to attend.
february-24
Students shine at Hamp tribute Cool, crisp and classy. That was the mode of the
 "Tribute to Hamp" Tuesday night as students faculty at the
University of Idaho's Lionel Hampton School of Music served up heaping helpings of
harmony to their guest of honor. Hampton, seated in
 the front row at the University Auditorium, ate it up.
february-25
LAPWAI -- The beat's the thing. In exchange for a half hour of smooth vibrations from
 the Lionel Hampton band -- a rhythm so infectious it got 6-year old Colton McNamee pulled
 out of line where he was hopping like a spider on a hot stove to sit beside his teacher -- a
 crowd of Nez Perce Indian youngsters offered a half hour of drumming and dance.
-
International intrigue; Jazz Festival's opening
night concert a cool fusion of culture
A sextet of Ukrainian gospel singers, a teen-age fiddler
from Tennessee and a dancer from Japan helped launch
this year's University of Idaho Lionel Hampton Jazz
Festival on Wednesday night. An estimated 5,000 people
were at the Kibbie Dome for the Pepsi International Jazz
Concert that also included old favorites such as bassists
Brian Bromberg and Christian Fabian, vocalist Evely White, guitarist Russell Malone,
the Roy Hargrove Quintet and Lionel Hampton.
 

February 25

February-25-2000 Lionel Hampton
Jazz great Lionel Hampton keeps the beat with Nez Perce drummers at Lapwai Elementary School.
Hampton performed at the school with members of his band Thursday afternoon.
Hamp's love affair with Lapwai goes on

Kathy Hedberg
LAPWAI -- The beat's the thing.

In exchange for a half hour of smooth vibrations from the Lionel Hampton band -- a rhythm
so infectious it got 6-year old
Colton McNamee pulled out of line where he was hopping like a spider on a hot stove
to sit beside his teacher -- a crowd of
Nez Perce Indian youngsters offered a half hour of drumming and dance.
Thursday afternoon marked Hamp's fourth visit to Lapwai Elementary School during the annual
University of Idaho-Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival in Moscow.
"I think it's cool because he comes here every year," 13-year-old Whitney Buck said,
pointing her tiny camera at the jazz giant and snapping pictures. "I think it's exciting."
-

Monday,february 28

Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival -by Andie Birdsell, The Daily Evergreen

People of all ages seemed to enjoy the show. Young people, many of
them band students who had performed earlier in the festival, were
                dancing while others were watching the performers with envy and hopes
of being able to be that good one day.
Clyde Timboe, of Spokane, who had been to the show two years ago,
said, “I like all jazz. I liked Ethel Ennis very well.”
People from all over were enjoying the performances by the jazz artists.
Filippo Balleireni, of Venice, Italy, said, "I just like it.”
The first part of the show wasn’t the traditional jazz that many people
were accustomed to, but had a more modern tone.
Dorothy and Kenn Goodrich, who originally met through jazz said, "This
is a little too modern for us.”
Al Grey, a world-class trombonist and his quintet also performed at
 Thursday’s concert and were well received by the audience.
In reference to the person who was the main focus of the whole festival,
Lionel Hampton, Grey said, “Lionel Hampton is the man that shows you about jazz.”
The show, although very long — going well past midnight — seemed to
be well received by the audience-from small children getting their first
exposure to jazz, or whether it be to someone who has been listening to
jazz for more than 50 years.
----------
The Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival finale played to a nearly sold-out
 crowd at the Kibbie Dome in Moscow Saturday night.
 Jazz greats such as Freddy Cole, Carla Cook, Russell Malone, Larry
                Willis and Lionel Hampton electrified most of those in attendance at the Dome.
 Brian Bromberg’s performance began the evening with “something
(he’s) never tried before,” he said. Bromberg earned a standing ovation
for his surreal, rapid playing of the bass guitar.
 The event was sorely hampered by poor acoustics, less-than-ideal
 seating arrangements, and a noisy and restless audience.
 Technical problems also marred the concert. Feedback-type sounds cut
 across the Dome, interrupting performers when microphones were moved.
Willis used on “Star Trek” emanated from the sound system mid-way through
singing “Over Joy, Over Love, Over You.” Nevertheless, the song was
 punctuated with great solos by Russel Malone and Willis on the piano.
Willis was playing for Hank Jones, who was injured in an accident Feb.
19 in Coeur D’Alene. Jones injured his knee after falling on ice.
 Willis, who plays piano for the Roy Hargrove Quartet, has also played
 with Sarah Vaughan, Freddy Cole, Branford and Wynton Marsalis, as
 well as Blood, Sweat and Tears.
Lionel Hampton was greeted with a standing ovation when he came to
the stage as the first set after the intermission. The 91-year-old vibes
 player performed well, living up to his reputation for playing lively,
 expressive music.
Backstage, Kristina Ploeger sat, enjoying the music. Ploeger, the director of Eastern
Washington University’s jazz choir was having a ball at the festival.
“I just got to chill and watch,” she said. “It was a relief.”
Friday night’s concert was the highlight of the show for Ploeger. While
the concert itself was excellent, the format was flawed. The Kibbie
 Dome is a very poor place for a jazz concert, and the audience was
 sometimes more concerned with eating Chinese food and popcorn than
 listening to the music.

 2000,  february  24
 

January 22, 2000
Being raised by my father who was a Jazz musician and played (Alto Sax)in the Big Band Era;
I was listening to these fabulous people before I could walk.
I learned to love and appreciate good music, recognize and respect the artists.
These people are familiar to me, like old friends.
I was searcing today for some recent info on Lionel Hampton and
I found a great site!,(Lionel Hampton Today) Lionel is 91 and still performing!
Truly the last of the Greats!
(tangerine45)
 

January 15, 2000
The year started out great for me.
I had a couple of gigs with the Lionel Hampton Big Band, which included Mohegan
Sun, Traverse City in Minnesota, and a tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr.,
presented by the American Jazz Museum and
AT&T Foundation, featuring Lionel Hampton himself in Kansas City on January 15, 2000.
"Christian Fabian"