The warm weather creates an illusion of a hot summer day, yet the snow capping the hills presents a misleading image. It looks enticing and wintry, slowly revealing itself on the horizon, resembling more of the Swiss Alps than a place in North America. Or perhaps it doesn't? The city of trees, Boise, Idaho, stands out as a remarkable sight. Although not widely recognized, Boise is a vibrant American city and times are rapidly evolving. Music thrives as a pivotal element of creativity here.
Treefort Music Fest emphasizes community connection through shared musical experiences. Entering its thirteenth year, this DIY festival continues to grow and innovate, introducing new offerings for attendees each year.
Amid discussions surrounding festival competition and challenges, Treefort distinguishes itself by carving out its identity. It sets its own agenda and strictly adheres to its mission without succumbing to transient corporate trends. The festival features a remarkable lineup of celebrated indie, alternative, folk, electronic, and hip-hop artists. Previous years have showcased notable performers, and its “ones-to-watch” approach remains apparent.
Treefort maintains the standards of larger festivals. An eco-friendly initiative ensures recycling is practiced throughout the outdoor areas, and safety measures are prioritized. Julia Davis Park provides a kid-friendly environment for most outdoor performances, while downtown Boise hosts a variety of indoor venues, with everything within a ten-minute walking distance, eliminating the need for cars. A complimentary festival bus and electric scooters offer convenient local transport options.
Speaking of accessibility, CLASH makes their way to experience Irish musician John Francis Flynn, who presents a soothing array of songs, steeped in tradition, marking an engaging start to the festival. An hour later, the Nashville duo The Wood Brothers captivates the audience with popular tracks like ‘Happiness Jones’ and ‘Shoefly Pie’ as they engage a responsive crowd.
Local experimental noise band John Gorbus is highly sought after. They debuted last year with a dynamic lineup and an unconventional blend of punk and performance art, creating a groundbreaking experience that incorporates innovative use of props beyond traditional instruments. Iceland’s múm brings an eerie, dream-like presence, skillfully intermixing their catalog with new material, infusing the performance with both nostalgia and freshness.
The interplay of innovation and tradition is evident in the festival context. Adaptation to the chilly, rainy weather sees many festival-goers bundled in coats and scarves, but they still gather in large numbers to support vika. The emerging rock and soul vocalist delivers a carefully selected series of songs with a full band, captivating the audience with her melodic strength and maintaining their engagement.
Artists like vika represent a significant part of the festival’s lineup, curated by Duck Club, which also established the Music Hall in 2023. CEO and co-founder Eric Gilbert and CMO and co-founder Megan Stoll discuss their efforts to expand promotional activities. Their mission includes enhancing Boise's music scene and fostering regional talent. Stoll adds, “We aim to uphold our commitment to musicians in developing this market, so we began booking additional shows independently from Treefort to avoid over-exposure.”
Gilbert envisions Boise as a hub for musicians, realizing that bringing touring acts can help cultivate the local market. He reflects, “During that period, musicians lacked access to industry resources, which hindered local scene development. Our initial focus was on promoting the music we love and nurturing the market to showcase the artists we desire to see.”
This proactive mentality embraces the stance of "if something’s missing, fill the gap." Instead of waiting for changes, they take initiative, which may explain their inclination towards punk and alternative music. Emphasizing diversity, what may be perceived as risky for larger organizations comes naturally to them. Committed to supporting female headliners, they have previously hosted globally recognized artists, such as Lizzo, before their rise to fame.
“We’ve always aimed to create the festival we want to attend,” Stoll asserts. “This fosters an inclusive atmosphere through diverse music styles. We prioritize having women and women of color in prominent roles, which is crucial to showcasing diversity.” Gilbert concurs. “We strive to amplify what makes Boise special while being visionary about its potential. As a father, I want my children to grow up in a diverse city.”
This philosophy is clearly reflected in the festival lineup. The spirited antics of The Linda Lindas capture attention as the Los Angeles quartet delivers an energetic performance filled with original songs and covers, sparking a mini mosh pit among the audience. Their politically charged closing statement garners cheers, leading to a stimulating performance.
In a similar vein, Amyl & the Sniffers energize the main stage crowd. The Australian band, riding high since their debut album’s release, ignites excitement with their rapid-fire stage presence. Their dynamic music fuels the audience's enthusiasm as they play hits like ‘Chewing Gum’ and ‘Choices,’ all led by the charismatic Amy Taylor.
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The comfortable warmth creates an atmosphere reminiscent of a hot summer day, but the view of the snow on the hilltops is misleading. Tempting and wintry, it only unveils