Darius Hampton
Darius Hampton is a Chicago-based saxophonist, composer and educator. He studied with Charles “Chip” McNeill and Ron Bridgewater at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where he earned both his Bachelor and Master of Music degrees.
Since 2007, he has worked to present concerts and develop arts education programs with the Chicago Jazz Ensemble and the Center for Community Arts Partnerships at Columbia College Chicago, regularly interfacing with high-profile artists. Mr. Hampton has played and/or worked with a number of renowned musicians including Jon Faddis, Dana Hall, Slide Hampton, Victor Goines, Terrell Stafford, Miguel Zenon, Steve Turre,Paquito D’Rivera, Stanton Moore, Christian McBride, Wycliffe Gordon, and many others.
Mr. Hampton’s musical studies and interests include jazz, blues, gospel, all kinds of Afro-Latin music, hip-hop, rhythm & blues, funk, rock, classical, choral and more. His music is informed and inspired by these many different influences. In addition to performing and composing, he enjoys collaborating with artists of all disciplines and arts organizations to present all sorts of performing arts and educational events.