Prairie Blue, a Boise-based band, was the opening act for the final week of Tuesdays on the Creek in Caldwell this season. The band members include Freeman DeJongh, Jacob Geier, Matt Skipper and Treyson Krasowski. I was surprised to learn the band was formed only 2 months ago and their sound seemed very seasoned. Their version of Harvest Moon was absolutely gorgeous. The variety of music was impressive as well as they wandered from Country to Americana, to Blues, Jazz to Swing. They really had the dance area hopping!
Andy Porter is a Boise singer/songwriter who plays a fusion of Blues, Americana and Country music. During a Saturday afternoon session at Kindred Vineyards in Caldwell, he played a good variety of covers from Steve Earl, Bob Dylan, Merle Haggard and others. Here’s a sample of “Summer Wind”, a song he wrote about growing up in Northern Idaho.
Olivia Frost is a Boise-based singer/songwriter originally from Wyoming. After moving here, she loves touring Idaho and sharing her love of music with intimate audiences. Her music is inspired by the likes of Stevie Nicks, Kacey Musgraves, Dolly Parton and Noah Kahan. Saturday afternoon, Olivia played on the opening day of the new, beautiful Venue at Wood Farms, in the wine country of Caldwell.
Katie G & The Half Macs is a musical group led by Katie Garonzik. They are known for their engaging performances and a blend of various musical styles. Friday evening, her quartet played an evening of vintage and fusion inspired swing and bossa with a rock twist at Swirl Wine Shop & Lounge in Downtown Nampa. Here’s a Bobby Hebb classic you may remember.
Spike & Carol, (Spike Ericson on guitar and vocals & vocalist Carol Poarch) played the beautiful Indian Creek Winery Saturday afternoon. This Americana, Folk, Country, Blues, & Jazz duo, played a lovely variety of covers done by Simon & Garfunkel, Adele, Willie Nelson, Phoebe Snow, Gladys Knight, Madeline Peyroux, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Patti Griffin, Linda Ronstadt, and more. As Fall approaches, they did this “Summertime” song.
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.
