Jordan Shaw is a country music singer/songwriter who played The 112 in Nampa Friday evening. He is originally from North Carolina but has hung his hat in Boise for the last 8 years. He specializes in 90’s country, taking inspiration from artists like Morgan Wallen, Eric Church, Garth Brooks and Johnny Cash. He is not content with just singing some songs, it is pure magic watching him connect with the people in the room, and making them feel a part of his music. During the show, he played a song inspired by watching people line dance at a country bar.
May Crow, a Boise singer/songwriter, and her friend Ken Potter played Crescent Brewery in Nampa Saturday evening. The music sets consisted mostly of very eclectic covers. I loved the variety. In singer/songwriter circles, May the real deal. When she plays her originals, you are immediately aware of her transparency as each song is a window into her world. “Good Morning” is one of those glimpses.
Jade Hanna, a Treasure Valley singer/songwriter, played Beers Pizza & Sports Pub Friday evening. She was a last-minute fill-in weeks earlier, and they invited her back! With Jade, you always need to be ready for the unexpected, both on and off the stage. Like, next to her tip jar, there was a container with bracelet-making kits and board games she made herself. How random is that? Of course, I grabbed a board game. :-) On stage, Jade can be a powerhouse, she can be sweet, and also vulnerable. Here’s her sad song, “Tell Me”.
Tylor & The Train Robbers, a Roots Country and Americana band based in Boise, played Tuesdays on the Creek this week at the Indian Creek Plaza in Caldwell. Their set list consisted of mostly (if not fully) original music, playing to one of the largest crowds I’ve seen out there this year. Here is a taste of “What Keeps You Up At Night”.
Sam Tru, is an Idaho-raised singer songwriter, who played an evening of music at Telaya West in Nampa Friday evening. She played mostly covers from artists like Adele, Ben E. King, Billy Joel, Carole King, Michael Jackson, Bill Withers, Dinah Washington and more. She also broke out some awesome originals like “Lately”, to be recorded later this year.
Wesley George, a Treasure Valley singer/songwriter, played Swirl Wine Shop & Lounge Friday night. Now, you won’t find Wes anywhere on the Internet, so don’t go looking for him. Just keep your eye of Swirl postings and he’ll show up again soon. :-) Here’s a song of his called “Headlong”.
The Woolly Buggers, a traditional bluegrass band from the Treasure Valley, played The Indian Creek Winery Sunday afternoon. When it comes to bluegrass music, I’m usually done after about 30 minutes. However, this quintet is so talented and entertaining, I wasn’t done until *they* were, and they ran overtime! Here’s a sample of “Head Over Heels” from Flat and Scruggs.
Devon Tyler is a Treasure Valley singer-songwriter, multi instrumentalist, and producer. He played music from every decade from the 60s to today at The 112 in Nampa Saturday evening. We heard music from artists like Billy Joel, Elton John, Depeche Mode, Third Eye Blind, Sublime, Matchbox 20, Steve Miller, Johnny Rivers, Wallflowers, Weezer, Herman’s Hermits, and more. Here’s one from The Plain White T’s.
Red Light Challenge is a high-energy, harmony-filled pop-rock band made up of brothers Sean and Kyle Luster. These guys brought their audience-engaging show to Talon Tap and Spirits at Albertsons in Meridian Friday evening. They do mostly covers from the 60’s to today from artists like The Beatles, The Monkees, Modern English, George Michael, Walk the Moon, Queen, and more. During this show, I caught a sample of their original “You got my number”.
The Don Hurt Band, a Treasure Valley quintet, was the opening band at Tuesdays on the Creek this week at Indian Creek Plaza in Caldwell. Don did a great job mixing things up and keeping it interesting as during the show I was feeling elements of The Grateful Dead, Pink Floyd, and Bob Seger. Hearing this Willie Nelson classic was great fun.
