Welcome to the This Is Boise Treefort Festival guide! Our staff has scrupulously combed through today’s schedule in order to bring you a top-picks list of must-see performances and events, alongside a handful of TIB Staff favorites to recommend. Let us know what you think!
STAFF PICKS
5:30 pm – 6:20 pm: James Plane Wreck
Performing at El Korah Shrine.
1118 W Idaho St, Boise, ID 83702
Straight from their Treefort official bio: “A real cool guy once said we sound like a mixture of Bruce Springsteen and Thin Lizzy.” Local to Boise this band always puts on a great performance.
6:00 pm – 6:40 pm Acid Tongue
Performing at The Hideout.
1114 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702
Acid Tongue is an American-bred garage band heavily influenced by AM-radio soul, folk & psychedelic rock. The band is composed of Guy Keltner, formerly of Fox and the Law, & Ian Cunningham—perverted in their youth by adolescent exposure to mind-altering substances & strange, spiritually-driven parenting techniques.
6:50 pm – 7:40 pm: Prism B!tch
Performing at El Korah Shrine.
1118 W Idaho St, Boise, ID 83702
The Albuquerque quartet—Lauren Poole [bass, vocals], Lilah Rose [keys, guitar, vocals], Chris Walsh [guitar], and Teresa Cruces [drums, vocals]—hop from robust riff-ery to sticky sweet hooks before dipping back into moments of distorted bliss and warm melodies. “We’re an aggressively friendly band,” smiles Teresa. “We cover a spectrum of topics. The music can be serious and existential or super fun—just like real life.”
8:30 pm – 9:10 pm: Pink Fuzz
Performing at the Neurolux.
111 N 11th St, Boise, ID 83702
Sludgy riffs, ripping guitar solos (think your favorite track off Smashing Pumpkins “Mellon Collie” meets QOTSA’s “Era Vulgaris”) and driving intricate rhythms are a large part of this band’s sound. But what stands out are those song’s counter parts. Pink Fuzz can still throw down with the heaviest rock n’ roll, but what is setting them apart is their ability to balance that with beautiful melodies and a wide array of dynamics. LuLu and John’s vocal harmonies in these melodic driven moments are a highlight of the bands sound, as their voices blend together in a way that is instantly recognizable. With John’s vocals taking on the style we’d expect from a love child of The Stooges era Iggy Pop and Marc Bolan. While LuLu’s silky smooth vocals channel more of a Josh Homme written melody with a Beth Gibbons (Portishead) style delivery. Their individual vocals drive the intensity and fluidity. Behind all of that lies the thunderous execution of Forrest Raup on the drums. The driving force behind the band, Raup’s rhythms are melodic and dynamically climactic giving the band the excitement and ruthless drive every headbanger wants in a show. The entire band’s talent and experience shines through seamlessly to create an incredible performance.
9:10 pm – 10:10 pm: Mannequin Pussy
Performing at El Korah Shrine.
1118 W Idaho St, Boise, ID 83702
At the start of 2020, everything was looking up for Mannequin Pussy. The Philadelphia punk band had released their third album, Patience, to abundant critical acclaim, and was touring steadily behind it. After nearly a decade of playing, the band finally had gotten the chance to turn music into a full-time occupation. And then, just as their career was lifting off, the world around them collapsed. COVID-19 reached the United States, rescinding life as many people knew it. Live music shut down. Mannequin Pussy had just played a final show in Chicago when the group had to cancel the remainder of their tour and travel back to their home city. For a while, it seemed like maybe the lull would be temporary, a brief pause before things could resume as they were. And then the numbers ballooned, and the months stretched on, and memories of rooms packed with strangers started to feel alien, dangerous even in imagination.
10:00 pm – 10:40 pm: Ingrown
TREEFORT MAINSTAGE
The Main Stage is where the magic happens. Join us for the lights, the dance moves, the crooning vocals, dump truck beats, and warbling guitar solos… The Treefort Main Stage is where the magic happens – so join us for these amazing performances!
12:50 pm – 1:40 pm: Wend
What began as the solo project of multi-instrumentalist Riley Johnson has grown into a 9 person ensemble, blending harp and a string quartet with guitar, bass, keys, drums, and vocals.
2:10 pm – 2:50 pm: Daniel Kerr
A musician that has been thinking more and more about music and would like to share what it means to him.
4:40 pm – 5:30 pm: Zeta
Zeta is an experimental band from Latin America, characterized by their atmospheric sounds and energetic rhythms, accompanied by profound lyrics that speak of existence, positive consciousness, and being.
6 pm – 7 pm: Molly Burch
Celebrating the timeless delights of a well-crafted pop song, Molly Burch’s captivating new album, Romantic Images, marks a distinct evolution, both from an emotional and a sonic perspective.
7:40 pm – 9:10 pm: Dawn Richard
Dawn Richard’s new album, Second Line, is an unapologetic genre-bender that pushes boundaries, expands possibilities, and shatters expectations.
STORYFORT
For those that love storytelling! Storyfort is all about the great writing of top-notch authors, poets, journalists, spoken word artists, memoirists, refugee storytellers, podcasters, and more!
Click here for more details about location and times.
12 pm – 2 pm: Poetry and Mimosas
In the Owyhee cafe space, come on down and grab a cup of Sunday coffee, a mimosa, bloody mary, some delicious Flying M pastries, and take in the remarkable poetry of Adam O. Davis, Shriram Sivaramakrishan, Hannah Rodebaugh, Lyd Havens, Joplin Morgan, Emily Pittinos, Tessy Ward, Rise Collins.
2 pm – 2:45 pm: Honest Jams Podcast
What happens when two friends challenge each other to write a new song every week? Honest Jams.
3 pm – 3:45 pm: Cowboy Yodeling
The Wind is a podcast about listening by producer Fil Corbitt (The City, Van Sounds) recorded at a handmade desk in the Sierra Nevada.
6 pm – 6:45 pm: Love Service Wisdom
Expect to hear stories to inspire your strengths, honor your shadow, and invite a newfound sense of playful exploration into living your most loving self.
DRAGFORT
A celebration of our best, most authentic selves, Dragfort is a safe space for everyone to express themselves and celebrate the A celebration of your best, most authentic self. Dragfort is a safe space for everyone to express themselves and celebrate the LGBTQ+ culture and build community through performance and dialogue.
Click here for more details about location and times.
12 pm – 2 pm: Dragfort x Alefort
Drag + Brunch, = Drag Brunch … Need we say more.
YOGAFORT
We all could use a bit more peace and stability in our lives, and Yogafort is the best way to find some zen amongst the chaos. Drop in for a recharging yoga session and get your sweat on with our amazing events!
Click here for more details about location and times.
11 am – 12:30 pm: Rainbow Yoga
Please join in a 90 min slow-wave movement and rainbow chakra sound journey experience in efforts to flush n’ flutter, to shake n’ shutter, and leave you feeling reset, restored, and revitalized to suit your Sunday fancy!
12 pm – 12:45 pm: Family Mindfulness
Start your day off right! Recharge and renew your intentions at this Mindfullness workshop with Leah Stephens Clark.
6 pm – 6:45 pm: Love Service Wisdom
Expect to hear stories to inspire your strengths, honor your shadow, and invite a newfound sense of playful exploration into living your most loving self.
HACKFORT
From data science and security to lockpicking and cryptology, Hackfort is for those who celebrate all things tech! Come to Hackfort for good conversation and engagement about all the unique things happening in the technology world.
Click here for more details about location and times.
10 am – 2 pm: Board Games and Brunch
Returning for another year, this event brings together favorite pastimes of drinking mimosas, playing board games, and eating brunch foods. Bring your favorite board game or demo something new!
1 pm – 1:45 pm: D-Pad Diaries – Podcast
D-Pad Diaries explores the narrative experience of games as we play them. The show is a player-centered podcast that recalls our anecdotes and memories from our favorite games in a way that all listeners can enjoy.
ARTFORT
Artfort brings light to the fine arts, performing arts, public art installations, and more. Whether you want to catch a horror puppet show, a flamenco performance, or a theatrical ballet performance.
ALEFORT
Wouldn’t be Treefort without Alefort! Feel refreshed and chill out with some local craft beers Located next to Main Stage – that’s convenient!
Click here for more details about location and times.
12 pm – 2 pm: Dragfort x Alefort
Drag + Brunch, = Drag Brunch … Need we say more.
12 pm – 6 pm: Alefort
FILMFORT
Lights, camera, action! This 3-day festival features independent and diverse cinematic perspectives for audiences of all ages! Check out the must-see movies and attend actor, director, and cinematographer panels today!
COMEDYFORT
What did the crowd say to the comedian? “Can you please stand up?” ba-ding shhh. After the year we’ve all had, we think everyone could use some laughs. Comedyfort is the perfect spot that brings Treeforters laughs, chuckles, and snorts.
SKATEFORT
You’re on a roll today, and if you’re not, you could be at Skatefort! Celebrate all things skateboarding and roller skating, with a gathering of music and community. This all-ages fort invites everyone to skate together while listening to live music! All ages welcome.
Click here for more details about location and times.
11 am – 12 pm: Park Skating Basics
Now that you’ve been sufficiently inspired and assured that everyone starts at the beginning, join Jacey and other local skaters to learn the basics of how to get started discussing everything from beginnerdrills, skate park etiquette, safety gear, and caring for your setup!
KIDFORT
Treefort is for all ages! Kidfort provides a playful and safe place for kids to gather with the integration of other forts. Kids 12 and under can enjoy the entire festival for free!
Click here for more details about location and times.
12 pm – 12:45 pm: Family Mindfulness
Start your day off right! Recharge and renew your intentions at this Mindfullness workshop with Leah Stephens Clark.
12 pm – 5 pm: Interactive Visual Art Mural
Come check out the Interactive Visual Art Mural with Emme Nye.
3 pm – 3:45 pm: Kids and K9’s
The title says it all! Come see some K9’s!
4 pm – 4:50 pm: Kidfort Dance Battle
Guided by the Encarnacion Trio, the Kidfort Dance Battle will include dance-offs by age group, and a final championship for the grand prize trophy. Bring your best moves, come for fun, and boldly dance your heart out.
FOODFORT
We all could use a bit more peace and stability in our lives, and Yogafort is the best way to find some zen amongst the chaos. Drop in for a recharging yoga session and get your sweat on with our amazing eventDid someone say food? Recharge and fuel up at Foodfort! Foodfort brings in local chefs, regional chefs, national chefs, media, and culinary experts together to talk about all things food. Oh, and not to mention, there will be a TON of food!s!
MUSIC TALKS FORT
From data science and security to lockpicking and cryptology, Treefort not only brings together musicians and crowd, but it lends the opportunity to gather the minds of the industry. The discussions at Music Talks involve the nuances of building a career in the music industry and serve as a brainstorming platform for the future of music.
