Category Archives: Deep Dive

Digging deeper, learning more.

Rita Hill

Photo submitted by Rita Hill- Rita performing at the Sapphire Room for Idaho Songwriters Forum

Rita Hill is a rockin’ lady who has fulfilled many titles over the course of her life: abuelita, mom, law enforcement public information officer, photojournalist, business owner, and, what brought me to interview her, singer/songwriter. I met with her and her husband in downtown Nampa at Whiskey River. They were having their weekly open mic night, and I was eager to check it out. Rita and her husband, Mike, greeted me warmly upon entering the lively bar. We got right into the thick of living life and the thrill of a musical existence…while Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” played overhead. Fitting, somehow.

Rita and her husband moved to the Boise area two years ago from Lodi, California. They had fallen in love with Idaho years ago while on an RV trip and decided it would be their retirement destination. When they arrived in Boise, Rita connected with the music community immediately by joining the Idaho Songwriters Association and attending local open mics.

Music inspired Rita from a young age, spurred by a musically talented family. Her father was a musician in the local Tejano scene, and her brothers formed their own band. She recalled observing her two older brothers’ band practice while hiding under their bed to listen. She later found a beat-up guitar in an alleyway that those same brothers helped her restring and repair. She then taught herself how to play at the local library. By junior high and high school, Rita was writing songs regularly. She won a talent contest with one of those songs. It ended up being featured within the cheerleaders chant routine at games.

As life progressed, Rita grew into the ever-shifting life roles of mother and wife, setting her music aside to give her energy to her family. A writer’s mind can never lie completely dormant, however. Rita jotted down lines of songs between the demands of life and work that she would eventually revisit. When writing, her inspirations come in many forms. Movies or life events will spark ideas that come to her sometimes in the middle of the night. She loves feel-good songs but can spin a heartbreaker just as well.

After witnessing the terror of 9/11/2001, Rita felt compelled to write a song about the national tragedy. The very next day, she had a heartfelt tribute about being strong in light of the attacks. “Got to Be Strong” was picked up by the Fox network, and it was featured against a montage of footage alongside Rita performing it live within the news studios.

Rita met her current husband, Mike, while working for the sheriff’s department in Madera. She was hired to photograph his band, and the rest is history! He inspired her to continue writing and performing. She looks to him for encouragement and reassurance in times of self-doubt. Support like that goes a long way!

I was so happy we were in a setting where I could also see her perform. Her friendly personality comes alive onstage. She has a natural-born ability to weave words together in catchy melodies. Her lyrics flow in and out of English and Spanish, adding a distinctive sound and unexpected highlight when listening. I loved her unapologetic song, “Mama’s Rockin.” It’s a genre I’m deeming “classy mama wine rock.”

Photo submitted by Rita Hill- Rita and her bandmates in ‘Cover Girls’

She is starting to take her songs more seriously, entering songwriting contests and looking to perform more throughout the Treasure Valley. She played in an all-female band called the ‘Cover Girls’ in Lodi. She would love to start something like this in Idaho (shoutout to any lady rockers looking for a band). Her heart is set on performing original songs, as covers feel a little foreign to her songwriter’s mind. Most recently, she has been playing at Nazca Coffee on the occasional Sunday. Rita also frequents Treasure Valley open mics.

When I asked Rita what advice she would have for someone wanting to follow in her footsteps, she quickly responded. “Write from the heart. Don’t try to be like someone else.” We discussed how authenticity is important when writing and performing. Audiences connect to lyrics that have been felt by the artist.

Rita is a gem of a human with a warm personality and a playful perspective on life and music. You can find her music on YouTube and follow her on Facebook to stay up to date on what’s in store!

Follow Live Treasure Valley Music to stay informed on where all the live music is happening!

Interested in being featured in a “Deep Dive”? Contact us HERE!

The Frosty Badger

On the western edge of our beloved Treasure Valley, The Frosty Badger is a beacon for all things creative. With humble beginnings as a run-down building, Lee and Lisa Newman combined their passions and experience with renovation to create this beautiful event space in Ontario, Oregon.

Photo by Rick Walters, Lobby of The Frosty Badger

The facility has over 9,000 square feet of space and includes a professional recording studio, art studio, full kitchen, lobby, outdoor courtyard, and main event area. It can accommodate medium-sized weddings, parties, concerts, or small get-togethers at a reasonable fee. Musicians can also book recording sessions in the studio space at a reasonable price. Darren Reynolds, a veteran engineer in recording and live audio, oversees the recording space.

The name “Frosty Badger” comes from a combination of conversations the couple had while living on the coast of Oregon. Lee used to point out “badger holes” to Lisa while hiking, and Lisa mistakenly thought the ocean mist was “frost” after spending most of her life in Michigan. They playfully made fun of these little naiveties in the name of their creative passion project. While The Frosty Badger name has a fun, personal meaning, I also think it’s a hell of a catchy name. Who will forget “The Frosty Badger”?

Photos by Rick Walters, Lee and LIsa Newman at their venue, The Frosty Badger

Both Lee and Lisa have creative aspirations. Lee is a singer/songwriter who had a goal of creating a welcoming, robust recording studio. Lisa is a visual artist, so it was equally important to the couple to include an art studio in the venture. Guests can observe the art gallery and purchase items while attending a show!

The restoration of the building was not all sunshine and rainbows. There were broken windows and evidence of squatters. The entire building had to be renovated. It was a huge project for the couple, but they were up to the task. As a result, they’ve provided an excellent space for Ontario and beyond to celebrate music, art, and life’s parties.

Lee and Lisa invited us out to The Frosty Badger for their recent concert hosting of the lovely Margo Cilker. I was immediately impressed. Lee and Lisa are welcoming hosts with a genuine, caring energy. It is evident how much love and passion went into renovating the building and creating a shared space for their neighbors, fellow Oregonians, Idahoans, and the creative collective to thrive. Upon entering, the lobby is large and inviting. It has space for artist merch and a host desk for greeting. The stage itself, lighting, and sound are dialed in perfectly. Lee gave a brief but heartfelt introduction to the band; he had been trying to get Margo out for quite some time and has been a fan for years. While introductions are typical at live music venues, this felt more personable. Lee and Lisa were present and engaged with the band, guests, and their employees. It was lovely to witness. The Frosty Badger feels like a local, 2nd home; a place for creatives to feel valued and praised.

Photo by Rick Walters, Margo Cilker and her band at The Frosty Badger

In addition to the live music, a local food truck named Curb Appetit was present and able to utilize the kitchen space for guests. We munched on a teriyaki chicken bowl that was fabulous. Lee and Lisa have also gained a liquor license to serve beer and wine at events.

While live performances are limited, Lee and Lisa stay busy throughout the year with the space being rented out for businesses, parties, weddings, baby showers, dance classes, and a myriad of other community events. Our experience with The Frosty Badger was wonderful, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for Lee and Lisa!

Follow The Frosty Badger to stay up to date on any upcoming music events!

Book The Frosty Badger for a private event HERE!

Interested in booking recording studio time? Call or email The Frosty Badger for available rates and times!

Stay up to date with live music events in the Treasure Valley with Live Treasure Valley Music and be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook! Also, don’t miss the complete photo gallery from Rick Walters.

 

Matty J of Matty J and the Grays

Photo by Rick Walters. Matty J and the Grays at the Knitting Factory. February 2025

On a sunny morning in late May, I caught up with Matty J and his sweet doggie, Mable. He rescued her 12 years ago, and she’s been his right-hand buddy ever since. We strolled the Boise greenbelt chatting about music, life, and what makes it all important.

Formally known as Matt Jantz, Matty J is an Idaho native singer, songwriter, and performer. Growing up in Idaho Falls, he drew musical inspiration from his oldest brother, aspiring to be a musician just like him. At just 12 years old, drums became his first love and instrument of choice. In school, he played in jazz and pep band while looking up to bands like 311 and Goldfinger. After spending some formative years in Idaho Falls, Matty came to Boise to attend BSU, earning a marketing degree in 2008. He continued to play music as a hobby, and it was during this work/life period that he picked up the guitar. Soon after, he realized he could also carry quite a tune vocally after a few karaoke nights.

Photo submitted by Matty J. Ms. Mable by his side!

In 2018, Matty left his corporate job as a marketing director after some soul-searching and his father’s passing. “Life’s short, and I’m not doing what I want to do. I better get after this.” He set out on a 5-week trip all over the western United States to market his new drumming product, CajonAlone, and figure out what was next. After returning to Boise and dabbling in a few working ventures, he started gigging around the valley. 2020 propelled Matty into booking more venues amidst concerns and hesitations regarding public health. Many venues remained open during the pandemic and needed musicians so it became the perfect opportunity for Matty to take it to the next level. 

It takes a myriad of mental gymnastics to simultaneously sing, pick or strum guitar, and play the cajon with your feet, but Matty does so effortlessly. His solo act is unique to the Treasure Valley, offering a dynamic performance with his ability to “Cajon Alone.” CajonAlone is his solo act name and the name of his hands-free cajon invention. It was an idea Matty formed in 2016 when searching for a way to incorporate drums while performing solo. He worked on a prototype to create a hands-free drumming system consisting of an attachment plate, a short bass drum beater, and a long bass drum beater attached to a traditional cajon. The CajonAlone became a major addition to Matty’s style and dynamics when performing. 

After playing several solo sets, he realized he could start booking bigger venues with the accompaniment of a full band. Matty J and the Grays formed as a result, and the bigger stages started becoming available. Earlier this year, Matty J and the Grays opened for ZOSO, a Led Zeppelin tribute band, at the Knitting Factory. I was fortunate enough to be there in that electric crowd. When I asked Matty about it, he said, “It was my first time debuting most of my originals; the crowd was so supportive. It also came on the heels of two awful tragedies for me that week, and it showed me a little about my own resilience.” To date, this has been his favorite show. It was the largest crowd the band had played in front of and became a special moment for everyone involved. For solo sets, Matty likes places like Mother Earth Brewery for their hospitality and the Lowman Inn for its remote location and good times.

Photo by Rick Walters. Matty J and the Grays at the Knitting Factory. February 2025

When he writes, he draws influences from genres that resonate with the 90s: nostalgic punk, grunge, and reggae Sublimish tunes. He likes to layer lyrical melodies with guitar riffs and let it marinate over time with practice and live shows. He enjoys meddling with original songs at band rehearsal, allowing them to take the shape they’re meant to be. Matty has a robust list of well-known covers on his website for song requests during his solo sets. You’ll see him bust out a harmonica for several songs and interact with the crowd as much as possible. 

When asked what pointers he would give to someone wanting to follow in his footsteps, he had some sound advice: “Be patient, work hard, put in practice, and DON’T take booking personally.” 

Matty is a kind-hearted, humble dude with a lot of heart and practice in everything he does. He is quick to perform wherever and whenever he can and is accommodating to crowds with several song request options. He is a collaborator and enjoys jamming with other local musicians whenever possible. He loves the Treasure Valley. “I’ve traveled the country, and I haven’t met more friendly, amazing, open, sweet people than in Idaho.” I’m biased, but I couldn’t agree more! 

Follow Matty J on Facebook, Instagram, and Spotify! Also follow his band, Matty J and the Grays, on Instagram or Facebook. 

You can also see song requests and buy a CajonAlone HERE!

Check out this awesome Matty J photo gallery from photographer Rick Walters. Subscribe to Live Treasure Valley Music to stay up to date on all of Matty’s upcoming shows!

Interested in being featured in a “Deep Dive”? Contact us HERE!

Music Open Mics of Treasure Valley

Hoping to craft your perfect sound with practice and a supportive community? The Treasure Valley is a perfect setting to do so. Below you will find a comprehensive list of open mics throughout the valley along with their hosts, their vibe, and what to expect. 

Monday

Sturmans Wine & Cigars
4204 W Chinden Blvd, Garden City, ID
Hosted by Joseph Lyle
6pm – 9pm

Expect a very supportive community of musicians on the beautiful back patio. Joseph Lyle opens up the set with some of his own songs to get the night started. He is accommodating to solo artists, duets, comics, and small three-piece band setups and adjusts sound as needed. Enjoy wine and cigars from their vast selection while listening to some incredible open mic’rs. A three-song limit is typical. 

The Reef
105 S 6th St, Boise
Hosted by Luke Leger
7pm – 10pm

Main stage at the Reef! It’s the newest addition to open mics in the valley. Expect a fun atmosphere in classic downtown Boise with excellent food and drinks available from the restaurant. A 2-3 song limit is typical. Luke is accommodating to small band setups, solo artists, duets, and comics.

Tuesday

Westy’s (in the Player’s Pub area)
5504 W Alworth Street
Garden City, ID
Hosted by Landonious
7pm – 10pm

Yes, Westy’s is a bowling alley. However, the Player’s Pub area doesn’t experience any distracting sounds from the bowling alley. There is a full food and drink menu at the bar and plenty of tables and chairs for groups of musicians. Landon is more than happy to jam with open mic guests. Expect a respectful, listening crowd.


The Social (EVERY OTHER TUESDAY)
404 South 8th Street, Suite L120, Boise, Idaho
Hosted by Scotty Mac of Scotty Mac and the Nugs
6:30pm – 10pm

The cozy downstairs space at the Social on Eighth is one of the best settings for open mic nights. The Social offers a selection of wine, beer, mocktails, and light snacks. It takes place every other Tuesday and always has a variety of musicians showing up to make it the best time! The night is often collaborative with a ton of support from fellow musicians. 

Whiskey River
113 13th Ave S. Nampa, ID
Hosted by Andrew Chappell and Dave Nudo
6:30pm (signups)

Whiskey River is a country dive bar with great food and drinks in downtown Nampa. They regularly feature live music throughout the week, but Tuesdays are reserved for open mic! Inviting atmosphere with exceptional people. 

Idaho Songwriters Association (HELD MONTHLY ON LAST TUESDAY OF THE MONTH)

In the summer months, it is held at Mad Swede in downtown Boise. In winter months, it is held in the Sapphire Room at Riverside. (check page for details)
Hosted by Dan Costello
Sign-ups are from 5:30pm to 6:30pm and typically last until 10pm.

Limited to songwriters performing 1 original song. The Mad Swede Brew Hall has a selection of beers, seltzers, hard cider, and wine. They also feature a menu with charcuterie and gourmet hot dogs. In the winter months, the event is held in the Sapphire Room at Riverside, which features a full drink and food menu. 

Wednesday

Heritage Social 
5467 N. Glenwood St, Garden City, ID
Hosted by James McMahan
7pm – 10pm

Heritage Social is a fun venue with a professional stage and sound. Open mic nights are fun, supportive, and can turn into jams. They have a decent-sized menu for light dinners and drinks: burgers, wraps, and salads.

O’Michaels
2433 N Bogus Basin Rd, Boise, ID
Hosted by Saro
7pm-10pm

O’Michaels has a full menu and bar. The open mic takes place in a separate room from the restaurant and fills up quickly! Saro plays for 30 minutes as an opener and then jumps into the sign-up list for the remainder of the night. 

Eastside Tavern 
1228 S Oakland Ave Boise, ID
Hosted by Matt
8pm – 11pm

Eastside is rockin’ with a full band. If you’re looking to sit in and play or have your song backed by a full band, this is the place for you. Fun environment with affordable drinks and pool tables.

Crescent Brewery
1521 Front St, Nampa, ID
Hosted by Kyler Burke
7pm – 10pm

Crescent Brewery always has friendly staff and light-hearted vibes. Acoustic solo or duo sets are most suitable here. Crescent Brewery has great beers on tap and you can bring your dog!

The Hive
3907 Custer Dr. Boise, ID
6:30pm – 9pm (last Wednesday of the month)

Along with hosting a monthly open mic, the Hive offers rehearsal spaces at affordable prices. Their mission is important, offering mental health services and resources for musicians. 

Vista Bar
813 S Vista Ave, Boise, ID
Hosted by David Henry
8pm start (every other Wednesday)

Thursday

Suite 104 (MONTHLY)
280 N 8th St. Suite 104 Boise, ID
Hosted by Jace Kempke
7pm – LATE 

You can’t beat the natural acoustics of Suite 104. High ceilings and killer sound from Jace make it a fun performative atmosphere. The bar has inventive cocktails and an attentive staff. 

Friday

Karuna Kava
5220 N Sawyer Ave Unit A, Garden City, ID
Hosted by Tennyson Callen
9pm – 11pm

Karuna Kava has a great stage set up. The ambiance of the environment is welcoming and aesthetically pleasing. A full Kava menu is available along with teas, sodas, kombucha, and coffees.

Saturday 

No events

Sunday

Solid
405 S. 8th Street Ste. 100 Boise, ID
Hosted by Davis French
2pm – 5pm

Stay up to date with live music in the Treasure Valley by following us on Instagram or Facebook. 

If you have an open-mic you would like added to the list, please contact us HERE