Treefort Music Fest is a Music Lover’s Paradise

FoxygenFestival Review: Treefort Music Fest
Venues: Downtown Boise
Dates: March 25-29, 2015

Every year at the end of March, Boise, Idaho becomes a music lover’s joyous mayhem. The Treefort Music Fest has become one of my favorite festivals as it brings a wide variety of musical genres from around the country into the City of Trees.

I first attended the Treefort Music Fest in 2013 and fell in love with its unique format and the friendly folks that organize this outstanding event. Run by a great staff and a huge amount of volunteers, this festival has grown up since its inception in 2012.

The 2015 edition of Treefort had over 400 regional and national musicians, bands and artists celebrating in over 25 venues, all in walking distance from each other. For me, the exciting part of Treefort is the discovery of new music from the Pacific Northwest. Bands like Blackwater Prophet from Spokane, Darling Rollercoaster from Boise, and Idaho Green from Huntley, Montana.

Then there are the up and coming Seattle and Portland bands that are taking big strides in developing their sound and wowing the crowds. Some outstanding talent represented Seattle. Motopony appeared on the Main Stage, as The Young Evils, Hobosexual and Thunderpussy all appeared at Humpin’ Hannah’s. Ayron Jones and The Way and Jason Webley performed at The Reef. And Everett’s own Fauna Shade were outstanding performing at Neurolux.

Portland also was well represented with over 40 bands taking it to the streets. Tango Alpha Tango continues to expand and grow with their sound and amazing show. Animal Eyes also brought their powerful and fun performance to The Reef to the delight of the crowd. Fruition was a huge surprise; having never heard them before, their bluegrass playing was an awesome delight.

Also, the discovery of some national bands I hadn’t heard before and instantly loved. Adia Victoria from Nashville, The Donkeys from San Diego, Two Sleds from Los Angeles, Colfax Speed Queen from Denver, Desert Noises from Provo, and Lee Gallagher & The Hallelujah from San Francisco.

The biggest highlight for me was the performance by Foxygen from Los Angeles. I first learned of this band at Treefort in 2013 when they played in the El Korah Shrine. In that introduction three years ago, you could tell that this band was different, presenting their brand of psychedelic pop rock with an infectious energy. With the release of their third album last year, this band has gained huge momentum and is drawing a large following. This year at Treefort, Foxygen played the Main Stage and didn’t disappoint.

Sam France, lead singer for Foxygen, actually came out and said hello to several of us just prior to the show. He introduced himself, shook our hands and thanked us for being there. Then they hit the stage and completely tore it up. Opening with shimmy shimmy dancers, the band powered through an introduction as if Elvis was in the building. Sam France came on stage and took their performance to another level.

As I watched, France reminded me of David Bowie’s persona of the “Thin White Duke” in both fashion and style. Then there were times when I could have sworn that I was watching Mick Jagger in his prime, strutting and hip shakin’ into a frenzy.

In addition to all the music being offered, Treefort has many events that invite the entire family to take in the festival with unique offerings such as Yogafort, Kidfort, Hackfort, Skatefort and Alefort. At Alefort, local breweries bring in their various libations for tasting and socializing.

The other nice thing about Treefort is the ability of meeting all these great folks. Boise is one of the friendliest towns in the Northwest and the people that have put the Treefort Music Fest together have done an outstanding job to make it an easy and joyous adventure. I have now made some really nice friends whom I look forward to seeing every year to celebrate.

Many of the Northwest bands that performed at Treefort will also be playing at Sasquatch in May. Don’t miss your opportunity to catch them as you won’t be disappointed.

Photo Galleries:

Darling Rollercoaster: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1036042546425933.1073741914.170973169599546&type=3

The Young Evils: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1036201546410033.1073741921.170973169599546&type=3

Hobosexual: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1036353976394790.1073741922.170973169599546&type=3

Idaho Green: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1036759909687530.1073741924.170973169599546&type=3

Lee Gallagher & The Hallelujah: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1036810696349118.1073741925.170973169599546&type=3

Desert Noises: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1037003146329873.1073741926.170973169599546&type=3

Jason Webley: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1036057496424438.1073741916.170973169599546&type=3

Animal Eyes: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1036051986424989.1073741915.170973169599546&type=3

Fruition: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1036062409757280.1073741918.170973169599546&type=3

Adia Victoria: http://www.peterdervin.com/032515_adia_victoria.html

Tango Alpha Tango: http://www.peterdervin.com/032715_tango_alpha_tango.html

Motopony: http://www.peterdervin.com/032815_motopony.html

Thunderpussy: http://www.peterdervin.com/032815_thunderpussy.html

Ayron Jones and The Way: http://www.peterdervin.com/032815_ayron_jones.html

Foxygen: http://www.peterdervin.com/032815_foxygen.html

 

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