This is a beautiful and busy time. Treefort is a sign of spring. I went to pick up my pass today, and the Owyhee elevator smelled like weed. Ah yes, I remember starting a blog with this in a previous year! You can tell people are ready for spring. A biker on the street in hardcore leathers had some swearing butt-rock loud enough to hear for 2 blocks, and he didn’t care about offending anyone, or that he was actually riding a very hip scooter.
After grabbing my pass, I skipped downstairs to head home. On the crosswalk, there was an item. I scooped it up to rescue it from certain crosswalk death. This plastic bag was marked as some sort of tobacco, but it smelled MYSTERIOUSLY like the Owyhee elevator! I have no idea what to do with these spring greens, but I’m sure I have a friend who does. Happy Treefort, indeed!
Treefort, where do you start? Get the app, get the app. DO IT! Every year it somehow gets even better. You can hear playlists, see the lineup, make your schedule, and share with friends. As the shows are happening, they update you on how long the lines are. I’ve never seen this at other festivals.
If you think you can’t go to Treefort because you can’t afford it, that’s just not true. Dozens of FREE events are happening all over town. You will find many of them The Modern, and at The Record Exchange. Some of them are secret, and announced day of show.
WEDNESDAY
We are so excited that our own Tim Johnstone will be a part of Storyfort! These will be Epic Tales of Fandom and Fame. Tim will speak at 5pm. His Storyfort is at 10th Street Station.
There are some stellar speakers and topics at Storyfort, from podcasting to poetry. Check out the full schedule, HERE.
Another great series is Hackfort, which starts with “Border Stories : Modern Immigration.” I’m really excited about this. Recently I was hired to record a series of podcasts on Idaho Refugees for The Moth. I’m waiting for them to air, and will soon post a blog on it. Your Hackfort schedule is HERE.
Wednesday music will include Moody Jews, East Forest at El Korah, a Trailhead discussion on The Future of Music, and many more.
Mayhem Miller will kick off the Fort of Drag. Our beloved Minerva Jayne will be emcee at many of these events. This is where you will be able to see performances from many contenders on RuPaul’s Drag Race.
THURSDAY
Frankiie will play a Record Exchange s Wednesday, and a couple of other shows Thursday.
Liz Cooper, also Suffers will appear on the main stage.
Laura Veirs is a wonderful singer-songwriter from Portland. She will have a performance at Boise Contemporary Theater on Thursday, and a songwriter workshop on Friday.
Black Mountain will be on the Main Stage.
Mostly Muff will have what I believe may be their final show at the Linen Building at 10:20. Their VAC show recently was so good. I’m pretty sure the photo above is from the amazing talent of Christina Birkinbine. Check out @boisechristina. She shares some stellar photos with us.
FRIDAY
My friend Laura at Calle 75 had mentioned a couple months ago something about a “Tacofort.” I was so intrigued, as tacos make every day a better day in my world. Taco Tuesday on a Friday will be a part of Kidfort.
You’ll be able to catch Esme Patterson, Mt. Joy, Caitlyn Weirhauser and Liz Phair on the Main Stage.
We will have a LIVE River session with Mt. Joy Friday at 3pm on 94.9 The River!
I’m SO excited to have the possibility to interview Gaelynn Lea. Check out her story on her website, she will be a performer and speaker at Treefort. Her friends in Low will play later in the Linen Building.
SATURDAY
How to write music for movie trailers, Bells Atlas, on the main stage, also Y La Bamba, Chai, The Muckers, Kathleen Williams at Linen, Gaelynn Lee at Storyfort, Fun with Folk instruments at The Nest.
Angelique Kidjo’s next albumwill be “Celia,” a tribute to the Afro-Cuban singer Celia Cruz. The new album is out April 19th.
Sarah Shook & Disarmers will play Olympic.
We’re so glad Kolars are back for a show at Hannah’s! Great music, drumming and tap dancing, such a great show.
I’m so excited we’ll have Nappy Roots from Georgia at The Reef!
SUNDAY
Mr Grant Olsen at El Korah, Sudan Archives, Y La Bamba Olmpic, French tips at Neurolux.
Treasure Valley Roller Girls at Idaho Power Parking Lot. Sera Cahoone, Sarah Shook & Disarmers, Rubblebucket on main stage.
Get your dance on!
Don’t forget to soak up your fun before heading home! El Korah Shrine: 12am – 4am
► Shriners Breakfastfort
Wrap your night up in the revered Oasis in the basement of El Korah Shrine with some tasty breakfast offerings of the meaty and non-meaty varieties, buffet style. Plus experience a variety of experimental films hosted in conjunction with Treefort Film Fest, but alternative programming to the films shown at Film Fest proper.
Breakfast will be served starting at midnight each night during Treefort until 4am.
You’ll find a great list of performance art HERE.
Plan on some alternate transportation than driving if you plan to party it up at Alefort. They have many extra police on duty during Treefort. Grab a scooter, bike, Uber/Lyft and keep Treefort a good memory. Sometimes you can even find bands on the bus. Don’t forget about the Treeline Shuttle!
This was just a sample of things to catch, and there’s so much more. Hydrate, take sunscreen, phone chargers, and earplugs.
I’ll be listening to playlists, and enjoying some spring greens in my back yard tonight. (Planting my cold-weather garden).
HAPPY TREEFORT!
Have questions or comments? Email me.
