Boise, ID
Belying Idaho’s reputation for supreme spuds and not much else, state capital Boise is a surprising bastion for music minds, conveniently situated along I-84 midway between Portland and Salt Lake City. Downright gorgeous in the summer with plenty to do in the great outdoors, the birthplace of Built to Spill and longtime hub for metal is experiencing a modern indie rock renaissance that’s churning out scores of new bands and drawing thousands of enthusiastic fans — especially with prominent colleges Boise State University and the University of Idaho in Moscow a stone’s throw away. From the revered Gene Harris Jazz Festival at BSU to the annual Art on the Green Festival up north in Coeur D’Alene, which attracts 50,000 arts lovers and bands of genres ranging from boogie blues to calypso, Idaho and its largest city, Boise, though already on the way, could be a destination unto itself.
Guide to Gigging in Boise
Book a Gig: Venues
Neurolux111
North 11th Street
Boise, ID 83702
(208) 343-0886
www.neurolux.com
Dark and downtown, this hip, go-to bar spotlights bigger indie and hip-hop artists three to four nights a week. Email Allen at info@neurolux.com two to six months ahead to book.
The Venue
521 West Broad Street
Boise, ID 83702
(208) 919-0011
www.boisevenue.com
Downtown, all-ages and alcohol-free, The Venue catches some of the bigger acts rolling through Boise, only booking established bands with a guaranteed draw. Contact via website booking form at least two months in advance.
Flying M Coffeegarage
1314 Second Street South
Nampa, ID 83651
www.myspace.com/flyingm
This hip coffeehouse in nearby Nampa was converted from an auto mechanic’s garage and hosts mostly indie rock shows two to three nights a week. Email Nathan Walker at flyingmshow@gmail.com a month in advance.
Terrapin Station
1519 West Main Street
Boise, ID
83702(208) 338-5105
www.terrapinboise.com
Hippie and rock haven in the heart of the Linen District offers a premier sound system with Monday open mics, the occasional reggae or blues jam session and metal and punk nights. Email terrapinstationbooking@yahoo.com at least one month ahead.
Pengilly’s Saloon
513 West Main Street
Boise, ID 83702
(208) 345-6344
www.myspace.com/pengillys
Downtown dive gathers fans of old time rock ‘n’ roll, Americana and jazz for shows a few times a week. Email Allen, who also books Neurolux, at info@neurolux.com at least two months in advance.
The Library Coffeehouse
141 East Carlton Avenue
Meridian, ID 83642
(208) 288-1898
www.librarycoffeehouse.com
Comfy, locally owned coffeehouse and small town community hangout just west of Boise features open mic Mondays and books acoustic and jazz acts on Fridays. Email scott@librarycoffeehouse.com at least six weeks in advance.
The Record Exchange
1105 West Idaho Street
Boise, ID 83702
(208) 344-8010
www.therecordexchange.com
Boise’s largest indie record store boasts an impressive history of all-ages in-store performances with top-notch artists, functioning more as an avenue to promote albums in the store. To book, email Joy Hart at joy@therecordexchange.com.
Sundance Saloon
216 N. Main Street
Payette, ID 83661
(208) 642-3233
www.myspace.com/sundancesaloon
Just off I-84 about 50 miles northwest of Boise, Sundance Saloon hosts mostly hard rock and metal bands, with the occasional hip-hop act, every Friday and Saturday night. Book with Grady Hansen through MySpace four to six weeks in advance.
Promote a Gig: Media
Boise Weekly
523 Broad Street
Boise, ID 83702
(208) 344-2055
www.boiseweekly.com
Indispensable alternative weekly. For listings, email show details to A&E editor Amy Atkins at amy@boiseweekly.com and CC calendar@boiseweekly.com. For coverage consideration, send physical CD (preferred, digital OK) at least two weeks in advance and follow-up with an email or phone call.
The Idaho Statesman
1200 North Curtis Road
Boise, ID 83706
(208) 377-6407
www.idahostatesman.com
Daily newspaper with keen eye on the music scene. Contact senior music writer Michael Deeds at mdeeds@idahostatesman.com four weeks in advance for listings or show reviews. Send CDs or downloads, earlier the better, for review.
Kuoi- 89.3 FM
University Of Idaho
Box 444272
Student Union 3rd Floor
Moscow, ID 83844
(208) 885-6433
http://kuoi.com
Send CD and one-sheet or event info one month in advance. For in-studio performance or interview consideration, contact music director Marcus Kellis by email: marcus@kuoi.org, through AIM: marcusisahipcat, or by post.
Record Stores
The Record Exchange (see venues)
features a popular bulletin board and offers consignment services, where non-local bands can mail albums ahead of their show and pick up any unsold copies when in town. Contact johno@therecordexchange.com with inquiries.
Gear/Repairs
Old Boise Guitar Company
515 Main Street
Boise, ID 83702
(208) 344-7600
www.oldboiseguitar.com
Local favorite sells and repairs new and used guitars, basses and amps. Open Tuesday through Friday 10-6 and Saturday 11-5. Accepts walk-ins for emergency repairs on stringed instruments. |
