Musical Attractions in the Treasure Valley

Boise is filled with musical events and art of all kinds. Throughout the year concerts are performed regularly and festivals and music series of various genres fill Idaho’s capitol city and its surrounding cities in the area. Whether you are new to the Treasure Valley or have been here for generations and are new to the music scene in the area, it is helpful to know of popular concerts and events that take place each year, such as the Gene Harris Jazz Festival. The following is a list of some of the most popular musical attractions in the Treasure Valley:

The Gene Harris Jazz Festival

This jazz festival is an event that is put on annually by the Boise State University Department of Music. The Gene Harris Jazz Festival is comprised of student jazz bands from all over the area—both throughout Idaho and its state neighbors—as well as educators, famous artists, the Boise State Jazz Ensemble, and the Gene Harris Jazz Festival Superband. 2017 is the 18th year the Treasure Valley will be celebrating the renowned music festival. Its purpose is to educate the area on jazz music while also filling the air with its beautiful sounds and instruments. Joining the jazz music celebration this year is a master artist, composer, educator, and professional saxophonist David Liebman. He has decades of experience under his belt and has toured with the jazz greats, such as Miles Davis.

This year, the event will be on the first and second of April. Go to the Gene Harris Jazz Festival website to learn more and to get your ticket to attend.

Boise Music Festival

One of the most popular musical attractions in the Treasure Valley is the annual Boise Music Festival. Stars of popular music gather together and perform in a lineup over the course of a few days each summer. A fun outdoor event that is publicized by local media outlets and radio stations, the Boise Music Festival is an Idaho favorite. Some stars from 2015 and 2016 who attended and performed were Andy Grammar, Nelly, Nick Jonas, Daughtry, and many others. Be sure to tune into radio stations like Mix 106 to win tickets, prizes, and even meet and greets with your favorite performing musician. Enjoy good music and fun times at the Boise Music Festival this summer.

Alive After Five

Another great music festival that takes place each summer is the Alive After Five series. As opposed to the star-packed, few-day event that is the Boise Music Festival, the Alive After Five summer music series is a series of concerts that take place all summer long. It showcases the talent of local musicians at Boise’s Basque Block. Each year, the series starts on the first of June and wraps up on the last day of August. 2017 is Alive After Five’s 30th year in Boise. The concert series begins at 5 pm each Wednesday night in the summer and then finishes at 8 pm. If you’re looking for a fun musical experience in the local area during the summer, head on down to the Basque Block and take part in the splendor of the evening warmth and great music at the Alive After Five concerts. It’s great for working adults especially because the time isn’t too early or too late for work or other commitments—it’s just right, and it is very low-stress. You can just unwind and enjoy the music in the air.

Western Idaho Fair

A fun yearly event that Idahoans in the Treasure Valley look forward to is the Western Idaho Fair, which takes place over the last few weeks of the summer. Idahoans and visitors from all over come and enjoy cotton candy, games and prizes, the petting zoo, mechanical bull riding, roller coasters, and concerts. Yes, concerts! During the evenings at the Western Idaho Fair, famous musical guests perform for hundreds of local fans. If you are interested in attending one of these events, you can look up who is performing when and attend the fair that day in order to get the most out of your experience. In past years, Weird Al Yankovic and Sting have performed, as well as High School Musical’s Corbin Bleu. It’s always fun to go out and socialize with fellow music lovers in the warm breezy Boise nights.

Boise Blues Society

Do you love blues music? Or maybe you want to learn more about blues music? Check out events put on by and/or advertised by the Boise Blues Society. This society’s purpose is to provide the Treasure Valley with blues music and education of blues music to promote the art form and emphasize its beauty and importance in American history and culture. The Boise Blues Society is faithful to their society members and those who follow them on their website, as they regularly update blues events going on in the Treasure Valley and in nearby areas. If you want to check out a blues concert in the Boise area, follow the Boise Blues Society and then immerse yourself and the deep, gorgeous music that is blues.

Concert Houses

Finally, there are plenty of concert houses in the Treasure Valley as well. There are many in the area, including the small concert venue that is literally called “The Venue,” where many local musicians and battle of the bands performances occur, but the biggest and most popular ones are the Taco Bell Arena, the Nampa Idaho Civic Center, the Knitting Factory, and the Revolution Concert House. Popular musicians of all genres gather here each year and throughout the year, from 80's and 90s teen heartthrobs to musicians who are currently topping the charts. Big names like Rise Against, Avenged Sevenfold, Carrie Underwood, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Olivia Newton-John, Aaron Carter, Selena Gomez, Justin Bieber, and Kelly Clarkson all have been in attendance over the past few years. Whatever genre of music you prefer, regardless of decade of age group, you are sure to find concerts you enjoy at these venues throughout the Treasure Valley.

There is so much musical talent in the Treasure Valley, and there are great attractions and events to take part in such musical talent throughout the year. Whether it’s a household name or a talented local musician, good music can be found all over the Boise area. You may just need to know where to look.