We Built this City on Trees & We’ll Grow it on Rock & Roll (Or, Treefort Music Fest: A Forward-Looking Retrospective)
April 27th, 2012 | No Comments
Reposted from April 5, with permission from Dead Horse March and Catie.
A week or so ago, I lost the battle with my jelly legs and ringing ears. Inside the most packed, sweaty Neurolux I’ve seen in my limited 21+ lifespan, even the sweet sound of the Cave Singers couldn’t keep me from fleeing to topple into bed by eleven o’clock on the closing night of Boise‘s inaugural Treefort Music Fest. Sitting on a sparsely populated, sunny Sunday Neurolux patio now, I reflect. Wristbands have been shed, the unmarked van to car ratio has evened out, and the wait for oatmeal at Big City Coffee this Saturday was fifteen minutes instead of fifty. As much as I enjoy my own private Idaho most of the time, I’m not exactly glad to see Treefort go. The bustle that populated my usual stomping grounds seemed to belong in a way I wasn’t expecting. There is a reason we Boiseans choose to live here, and for a few days, several hundred extra people had the opportunity to figure it out.
There is often talk, late at night, in the darkness of (until recently) smoke-filled basement bars, of Boise and its potential, of its emerging as a center for creative folk. This isn’t a new idea, but recently it feels like one that’s becoming much more concrete. When I first got wind of Treefort in October of last year, I thought, “Please, oh please, oh please, be awesome.” There was plenty of fear that it would turn out similarly to previous attempts, portraying Boise, yet again, as a self-limiting toddler city. Contrarily, and I have done my best not to approach this as a Boise-loving, hometown-pride-touting maniac, Treefort easily surpassed my hopes and not only helped cement Boise into the minds of newcomers, but did so with prowess unexpected. Treefort, from the perspective of musicians and attendees alike, was a classy festival. Artists were treated like your grandma’s house guests with free bike rentals and hotel rooms. It felt as though all of Boise, including the weather, went out of its way to ensure a resounding nod of approval. So, we want you to like us. Maybe we try too hard. We’re like that here – nice, genuine, hospitable – and we’re not apologizing for it.
Oh, and the music. Yeah, that was okay too. The conflicted daze of choosing whether to see Built to Spill or Lemolo, Delicate Steve or Pickwick, and AU, Red Hands Black Feet or Solomon’s Hollow? Now, that’s the mark of a good festival. Highlights? This is a music blog after all . . .
- Finn Riggins kicking it off to a 6 p.m. on Thursday, full-up Neurolux
- Dance party at the Linen Building with Pickwick and Sallie Ford & the Sound Outside
- Blitzen Trapper’s super earnest three-person in-store at the Record Exchange with an appearance by some of those sweet Parson Redheads
- Lemolo’s same-time-as-Built-to-Spill set that eventually brought The Red Room to capacity and a glossy-eyed girl crush coma
- Motopony have so much energy I thought their singer’s eyeballs might explode
Best new/newly realized finds: Learning Team, Solomon’s Hollow, Snake Rattle Rattle Snake
The “emerging artist” bent of Treefort fits Boise’s present tense well. And while many of the artists mentioned here are hardly “emerging,” I am eager to watch them, this festival, and Boise itself find energy and growth in each other.
– Catie
Horseback Riding, Wine Tours, and Fall Recipes. Harvest Idaho: One Bite at a Time.
October 4th, 2011 | No Comments
Week 8: October 17 – 23
As we get closer to Halloween and the cool Idaho air gives us a reprieve from the summer heat, rich wines and hearty dishes of comfort foods take center stage. It’s not too late to enjoy an outdoor adventure and ease into fall with these great Idaho events.
October 23 – 29: 7-Day Wine Tasting Getaway, Red Horse Mountain Ranch, Harrison
Sample over 30 regional wines, be delighted with chef prepared meals, and enjoy a wide range of guided adventures including horseback riding, sporting clays, kayaking, and boat tours.
October 21: Pend d’Oreille Winery Live Music Line-up
Savor some delicious wine and listen to the soft, acoustic, indie folk/rock of Jean Mann from coastal Washington. Concert is from 5 pm – 8pm.
Sip Your Way Through Idaho Wine Country: Idaho Wine Passport Program
In partnership with the Idaho Statesman, the Idaho Wine Commission created the Idaho Wine Passport Program. Passport holders receive special deals at the 20 participating wineries located throughout Idaho, and will be entered to win a stellar grand wine prize. Passport is valid through the end of April, 2012.
With fall comes an abundance of gourds. Courtesy of the Idaho Preferred recipe library, this delicious recipe is perfect for warming up as the temperatures cool down.
Beef-Picadillo-Stuffed Acorn Squash
1 pound ground beef
1 cup torn Romaine
1 medium onion, chopped
1 tablespoon Mexican Seasoning Mix
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
⅓ cup raisins
1 acorn squash, quartered, cooked
1 tablespoon slivered almonds (optional)
1. Brown ground beef in large nonstick skillet over medium heat 8 to 10 minutes or until beef is no longer pink, breaking up into ¾-inch crumbles. Pour off drippings.
2. Sprinkle seasoning mix and cinnamon over beef; mix well. Stir in tomato sauce and raisins, bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve over squash. Garnish with almonds, if desired.
Enjoy local food and wine at these Idaho restaurants.
Farmers Market Guide
A Harvest Guideto farm festivals, pumpkin patches and corn mazes
Culinary Event Calendar for August 29 – September 5
Culinary Event Calendar for September 6 – 11
Culinary Event Calendar for September 12 – 17
Culinary Event Calendar September 18 – 25
Culinary Event Calendar September 26 – October 2
Culinary Event Calendar October 3 – October 9
Culinary Event Calendar October 10 – 16
Culinary Event Calendar October 17 – 23
Culinary Event Calendar October 24 – 30
Culinary Event Calendar October 31 – November 6
Redfish Lake Lodge
August 1st, 2011 | 1 Comment
Written by guest blogger Emily Engelhardt.
A place in Idaho, a place in the Sawtooth Mountains, a place in my heart, Redfish Lake Lodge. As I sit here and write this I am reminded of what summer at Redfish Lake is. Its sandy beaches, crystal clear water, families, boating, ice cream, live music on the lawn, laughing, Bloody Mary on a Sunday afternoon, campfires, star gazing, sightseeing….and the list goes on and on.
If you are familiar with the area you probably have your very own favorite activities but if you not, here are some suggested Redfish Lake ‘Bucket Lists:’
If you had one day to spend at Redfish Lake here are some ideas:
- Take a Lady of Lake Tour to learn all about the lake
- Jump off ‘Jump Rock’ with 10,000’’ peaks looming above you
- Enjoy a lunch at the Outdoor Gazebo with ‘Livin’ the Dream’ Soft Serve Ice Cream
- Chase and possibly catch minnows in the warmer, shallow water
- Soak up the fresh mountain air and sun
- Do a back flip off the docks
- Take a stroll on the board walk at the Redfish Visitor’s Center
- Listen to live music on the lawn, lakeside
- Relax on the beach with a good book
- Test your balance on a paddle board
If you had two or more days to spend:
- Take a boat shuttle across the lake for a hike to Lilly Ponds, Alpine Lake, Bench Lake, Saddleback lakes, or the Baron Divide. Relax on the beach
- Listen to live music on the lawn, lakeside
- Rent a paddle board, fishing boat, kayak, canoe, or a paddle boat and feed your adventuress soul.
- Fish the clear waters of the inlet
- Lay under the stars during a meteor shower
- Experience Happy Hour at the Rustic Lounge
- Go whitewater rafting on the Salmon River
- Dive off ‘Jump Rock’ into the clear water at the far end of the lake
- Relax on the beach with a Bloody Mary or a Margarita
- Enjoy a horseback ride to a mountain lake
These Redfish ‘bucket lists’ don’t even come close for experiencing one of the greatest playgrounds! Redfish Lake is very special to many people. It’s a place where families and friends build lasting memories; it’s a place where traditions are created, and most of all it feels like home.
This summer there are many amazing and memorable events happening at the lake. We hope you can make one or all of them.
Here’s to a wonderful summer season!
Summer Festivals
June 8th, 2011 | No Comments
Looking for some fun summer festivals to check out this summer? Idaho has you covered. From food to bicycles, for families to singles – Idaho offers a wide array of events to attend. A complete list of summer festivals and events can be found here.
Savor Idaho
The Idaho Grape Growers and Wine Producers Commission hosts the third annual Savor Idahoon June 12, from 2pm to 6pm at the Idaho Botanical Gardens in Boise, ID. Savor Idaho letsguests sample from a diverse assortment of Idaho wineries and restaurants. More than 20wineries, and 15 restaurants and exhibitors will make this summer day a memorable one.Reserve your spot and complementary wine glass now at Savor Idaho. Tickets are $40 for 21 andover and can be purchased online and at local wine shops and tasting rooms.
Boise Rec Fest
Come celebrate Idaho recreation at the second annual Boise Rec Fest in beautiful Ann MorrisonPark, June 25-26. Anyone who enjoys recreation will feel right at home at Rec Fest, whereattendees can learn about Idaho’s recreation opportunities through workshops, exhibits anddemonstrations. There will be giveaways, entertainment and food and beverages available forpurchase. Bring the family and learn how to have fun while living an active, healthy lifestyle.Hours are Saturday, 10am – 8pm and Sunday, 1am – 5pm.
Teton Valley Summer Festival
This classic family celebration in Teton Valley, Idaho celebrates the Fourth of July with four days of fun July 1-4. Watch daily hot air balloon launches, a rodeo and parade and find unexpectedtreasures at the antique show and street fair. A pancake breakfast, barbecue and live music addto the fun with fireworks the evening of July 2nd. Hot air balloon rides are available July 3rd and4th by reservation only — contact tvcc@tetonvalleychamber.com or call 208-354-2500.
Ride Sun Valley Bike Festival
Sun Valley will host the first annual Ride Sun Valley Bike Festival July 11-17. The festivalshowcases the area’s 400-plus miles of continuous single track trail and 32 miles of multi-use paved bike paths. Watch the USA Cycling’s Olympic Mountain Bike Cross County NationalChampionships on the slopes of Sun Valley’s rugged Baldy Mountain. Other activities include the Avett Brothers in concert, Fat Tire Criterium and “Geared: the Culture of Bicycles” exhibitat the Sun Valley Center for the Arts. At the lower River Run parking areas, a technical Expo willbe open daily, featuring top cycling vendors from around the world displaying the newest andlatest in cycling gear and equipment.
St. Ignatius Basque Festival
In honor of St. Ignatius of Loyola, Boise’s Annual Basque Festival celebrates the Basque culturethrough music, games, dancing and food, providing a true Basque experience. Held July 29-31 and located on the Basque Block in downtown Boise, this festival offers a glimpse into thecolorful Basque traditions and heritage.
Festival at Sandpoint
Held August 4-14, the Festival at Sandpoint features eight nights of eclectic music under thestars at Memorial Field on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille in Sandpoint, ID. This internationallyrenowned summer concert series is casual, relaxed and audience friendly. Feast on fabulousfood and beverages on “Festival Street,” or bring a picnic, stretch out on a blanket or dance thenight away.
Visit Idaho’s Weekend Roundup
August 5th, 2010 | 2 Comments
The weekend’s almost here! Here’s just a hint of what’s happening throughout the state so you can start planning and get your mind right for a fantastic first weekend of August!
1. Boise Beer Fest: It’s going to be a scorcher of a weekend, so you might as well roll or stroll on down to Boise’s Ann Morrison Park this Friday, Saturday, AND Sunday and cool off while tasting more than 50 craft microbrews at the Boise Beer Fest! Visit www.boisebeerfest.com for all the info you want and need. Proceeds from this festival go to charitable causes too, which is always a swell reason to enjoy delicious beer.
2. Yellowpine Harmonica Festival: “You mean there’s a huge harmonica festival that draws thousands of people to a town that usually has a population of some 40 people?!?!?” asks the newcomer.
“Yes, that’s exactly what I mean,” says the native Idahoan with a grin. “And it’s like nothing you’ve ever experienced. And it promises to be a GOOD TIME.”
If you’re looking for a mini road trip + fabulous live music + good times for all + camping + more scenery than you could imagine, then head to Yellowpine for the 21st Annual Harmonica Festival. Yellowpine is located at the entrance of the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, the second largest federally protected wilderness area in the lower 48. Which means there are abundant outdoor adventures to enjoy as well.
Visit www.yellowpineharmonicacontest.com for more information.
3. Bam Jam 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament Find some sports entertainment in Boise this weekend and check out the 3-on-3 basketball street tournament that will be going on smack in the middle of downtown on Friday and Saturday. www.bamjamboise.com
4. Portneuf River Bluegrass Festival in Lava Hot Springs
Beginning Friday, the Portneuf River Bluegrass Festival will deliver live performances, lots of jam sessions, workshops, a beer garden, and camping within walking distance of the festival. Not to mention a weekend to explore Lava Hot Springs. The festival is $15 per day to attend. Visit www.portneufriverbluegrass.homestead.com/Home.html for additional information.
5. Ride Idaho: Okay, so registration is no longer available for “Idaho’s Most Memorable Bicycle Ride,” but we wanted to give this event a shout-out because it’s so awesome, and you should sign up next year! For seven days, 300 cyclists will travel the state on bikes, enjoying Idaho’s endless scenery up close and personal. If you’re out on the roads and see the group – of course use caution. If you see the herd of cyclists roll into your town, give them a shout of support and warm welcome. Riding the state of Idaho is quite a trek.
Yellowpine Harmonica Festival
August 3rd, 2010 | No Comments
Make plans to head to Yellowpine August 6-8 for the legendary Yellowpine Harmonica Festival!
With a population of approximately 35, this little “town” is tucked on the edge of the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, the largest federally protected wilderness area in the lower 48 states.
The concert festivities begin Friday afternoon with an open mike that lets harmonica extraordinaires please the crowd in a freestyle environment. The festival continues with judged harmonica concerts, live bands, harmonica lessons and more.
Festival goers can camp in and around Yellowpine in official campsites or less official, but still established campsites. The laissez faire but environmentally responsible environment is part of the fun of attending this festival and hanging out in Yellowpine. There is free and fee camping, although the free spots fill up quickly. Visit the festival’s website at www.harmonicacontest.com for additional information on traveling to the festival and camping in and near Yellowpine.
While you’re up there, make sure to visit the Corner Bar (21 and over) for a unique local experience. Bring a set of golf clubs too, because Yellowpine has its own golf course. Sure, the greens are located amidst stands of pine, and the fairways are layered with pine needles and cones, but the abundant flora and fauna on the course are what make golfing in Yellowpine a unique experience.
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