Overwhelmed by Treefort Music Fest, Boise? Here are 30 recommended acts; some even free
With 470 or so acts performing at Treefort Music Fest, deciding who to see is a head-spinning challenge.
That’s where Eric Gilbert comes in. As the festival’s co-founder and talent buyer, he’s familiar with every one of them.
Exclusively for Idaho Statesman readers, Gilbert has highlighted 30 acts to check out at Treefort, which will rock downtown Boise from Wednesday through Sunday.
They’re a mix of under-the-radar and established musicians — in a wide variety of styles.
“I’m hoping it just helps give a starting place for folks who are overwhelmed by the lineup,” Gilbert explained.
Find a few you like? They might lead down a rewarding rabbit hole. Treefort even offers genre-specific playlists on Spotify. “That’s a great way for people to sort of chase their own tastes a little bit more,” Gilbert said.
For the second consecutive year, the festival’s nucleus will be in Julia Davis Park. The park layout has been “fine-tuned,” Gilbert said. The Main Stage is slightly larger. Festivalgoers will find cool new art installations in the park, even up in trees. Thanks to cold, soggy weather, grass took a beating during Treefort in 2023. New in 2024? Temporary, dance-friendly flooring in high-traffic areas — such as in front of the Main Stage and at the Alefort brew festival.
For more information about Treefort or to purchase passes, visit treefortmusicfest.com. And remember, you don’t have to buy a full festival wristband. A great way to enjoy a taste of Treefort is to purchase a single-day Main Stage pass. There’s also lots of free music around the festival, too.
Here are acts highlighted by Gilbert. He’s offered brief descriptions, too.
eL Dopamine — 7:20 p.m. Wednesday, Neurolux, 111 N. 11th St.: “Boise music-scene legends eL Dopamine will be rocking Treefort for the first time in several years, and we couldn’t be more excited to have them back. Punk-influenced indie-rock.”
Karina Rykman — 7:40 p.m. Wednesday, Gene Harris Bandshell (free to the public), Julia Davis Park, 700 S. Capitol Blvd.; 10:20 p.m. Thursday, Treefort Music Hall, 722 W. Broad St.: “Highly suggest you take one of two chances to see Karina Rykman. Equal parts thick bass, disco-funk guitar, ethereal synths and silky vocals. She’s played alongside Trey Anastasio, Marco Benevento and more.”
CHEW — 8:40 p.m. Wednesday, Neurolux; 5 p.m. Friday, Cyclops Stage, The Grove Plaza, 827 W. Main St. (free to the public): “Fuzzed-out post-rock punks from Atlanta. First listen might sound like a cacophony, but you’ll quickly be pulled into the controlled chaos.”
Neko Case — 8:40 p.m. Wednesday, Main Stage, Julia Davis Park: “So stoked to have the iconic Neko Case play our first night of the fest. For decades, Neko Case has been exploring country, Americana, pop and folk, writing fierce and inventive lyrics and bringing them to life with her insanely talented vocals. A must-see.”
Kaelin Ellis — 10 p.m. Wednesday, Treefort Music Hall, 722 W. Broad St: “Multi-instrumentalist and producer bringing hip-hop that is heavily influenced by funk, electronic and space-age jazz. Super-cool project that I highly recommend.”
Crush The Monster — 11:20 p.m. Wednesday, Neurolux; 10:20 p.m. Sunday, Shrine Social Club (basement), 1118 W. Idaho St.: “Local cowboy/doom psych-rockers, Crush The Monster is really coming into their own, and it’s been exciting to see. Hardcore breakdowns, spacey jams, full-speed doom headbangers. Real fun to watch.”
Plum Vision — 3:40 p.m. Thursday, The Hideout, Julia Davis Park: “Young local band that has generated well-deserved buzz in the past few years. They are playing with ’90s riot grrrl punk and ‘70s psych rock — and doing it well.”
Daði Freyr — 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Main Stage: “Very excited to bring the Icelandic pop icon Daði Freyr to Boise. Get ready to dance, because his electropop tunes are infectious.”
Ty Segall — 8:40 p.m., Thursday, Main Stage; 11:40 p.m. Friday, Treefort Music Hall: “One of my fave garage rockers. Ty always puts on a fun show and throws everything against the wall with his music. A legendary songwriter and performer of his generation, creating timeless music for rock ’n’ roll fans of all ages. Long overdue for a return to Boise.”
Nabihah Iqbal — 11 p.m. Thursday (DJ set), Space Banana, 816 W. Bannock St.; 3:50pm, Friday, Main Stage: “In addition to making music, Nabihah Iqbal is an artist, radio broadcaster, and lecturer. Her music is a dreamy exploration of sounds and rhythms.”
Franc Moody — 11:50 p.m. Thursday, Treefort Music Hall: “A late-night dance party worth staying out past bedtime for. The UK collective uses a huge range of instruments, and non-instruments, to create their insanely catchy dance tunes.”
Mungo — 2:30 p.m. Friday, Main Stage: “Originally from Malawi and now based in Boise, Mungo has brought an amazing energy to the local scene. He’s fusing Afro-soul and R&B, brought to life with soulful vocals and captivating dance moves.”
Biblioteka — 6:20 p.m. Friday, Treefort Music Hall: “Fronted by singer/bassist Mary Robins, this garage-punk trio has earned a reputation for high-energy shows. If you need a Friday evening energy boost, head for the library.”
Yohei — 8 p.m. Friday, Shrine Social Club (basement): “All feel-good tunes from Yohei, a Japanese composer and producer. He composed and produced the music for the feature film “Hee.” A solo act with a range of sounds, this show will be a fun one ... .”
Jilly.FM — 10:30 p.m. Friday, Adelmann South; 622 W. Idaho St.; 10 p.m. Saturday, The Balcony Club, 150 N. 8th St.: “I’ve been enjoying watching this local producer work hard and create. She puts on fun shows, exploring neo-soul, jazz, deep house, nu-disco, Brazilian funk and future R&B.”
Strangelily — 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Main Stage: “Local band exploring different sounds and genres, with a common thread of dreamy vocals, strong instrumentation and great on-stage energy. They will be opening the Main Stage on Saturday.”
Dean Johnson — 4:40 p.m. Saturday, Gene Harris Bandshell (free to the public): “Simply strummed acoustic guitar and rustic tenor are something to see during his intimate performances. His existential cowboy waltzes and ballads will make your ol’ Western heart swoon.”
Cimafunk — 7 p.m. Saturday, Main Stage: “Two-time Grammy-nominated Afro-Cuban rock star. His tunes blend classical Cuban rhythms with innovative funk, afrobeat, and hip hop. He’s been referred to as the ‘Cuban James Brown.’ This will be an excellent Main Stage performance.”
Patrick Watson + Boise Philharmonic — 7:45 p.m. Saturday, Morrison Center, 2201 W. Cesar Chavez Lane: “Very excited for this collab at Morrison Center. Patrick Watson is a singer, pianist and composer from Montreal and creates these awesome musical landscapes. He will be joined by Boise Philharmonic and Ballet Idaho for this performance — it will be very cool. If you don’t have a Treefort wristband, you can buy a ticket to this show through the Morrison Center.”
mega cat — 9 p.m. Saturday, Shrine Social Club (basement): “Experimental instrumental band from Seattle, featuring members of Smokey Brights. Their new album rules, exploring psychedelic, hip-hop, funk, Afrobeat and sci-fi jams.”
Sego — 9:10 p.m. Saturday, Treefort Music Hall; 11:40 p.m. Sunday, Neurolux: “Four-piece, L.A.-based art-punk band. They were an instant hit at Snowfort and Flipside in the last year with their super danceable and catchy tunes. Two chances to see them and you won’t regret it.”
DAIISTAR — 9:10 p.m. Saturday, Gene Harris Bandshell (free to the public); 11:40 p.m. Sunday, Shrine Social Club (ballroom): “Noise-pop blended with melodic, alternative, indie, this Austin-based band is dreamy, dark and definitely worth seeing.”
Sonido Gallo Negro — 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Shrine Social Club (ballroom); 7:20 p.m. Sunday, Gene Harris Bandshell (free to the public): “Psychedelic cumbia group from Mexico City known as one of the best up-and-coming cumbia groups in the world. Expect guitars, eccentric organs, analog synthesizers, theremin, visual hypnotics and tunes you can’t help but dance to.”
Zea Mays — 9:40 p.m. Saturday, Basque Center, 601 W. Grove St.; 5:40 p.m. Sunday, Boise Brewing, 521 W. Broad St. (free to the public): “A true Basque band coming over from Bilbao, Spain. The band formed in 1997 and has had an outstanding career. Very excited for the experience of Zea Mays performing at The Basque Center.”
Porij — 10:40 p.m. Saturday, Treefort Music Hall: “A four-piece from the UK that bounces between indie-pop and electric club tropes. They are dance-floor ready groovers and will be a fun show.”
Rocket — 10:40 p.m. Saturday, The Shredder, 430 S. 10th St.: “Indie-rockers out of L.A. that have put a lot of energy into their live performances. Chill, interesting, talented tunes. Very busy in the alternative/indie-rock world, and for good reason.”
Deap Vally - 11 p.m Saturday, Shrine Social Club (ballroom): “Iconic grungy rock duo on their farewell tour. Their powerhouse vocals, deep, dark guitar riffs and raucous drums are something to witness. It’s your last chance.”
Møtrik — 12:50 a.m. Saturday (aka early Sunday morning), Neurolux: “Portland-based five-piece known for sprawling sounds and dense clouds of fog emanating from a traffic cone, all pierced by lasers from the eyes of a Unifox. If you appreciate being sent to space on an experimental psych rocketship, this show is for you. Krautrock fans should take particular note of this one.”
DakhaBrakha — 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Main Stage: “Ukrainian quartet that create a world of sounds on stage. Accompanied by Indian, Arabic, African and Ukrainian traditional instrumentation, the quartet’s astonishingly powerful and uncompromising vocal range creates a trans-national sound rooted in Ukrainian culture. Highly recommend.”
GHOSTWOMAN — 10:10 p.m. Sunday, Shrine Social Club (ballroom): “A Canadian/Belgium duo that is everything psychedelic rock, grunge and blues, with a sprinkle of country.”
