Totally Boise Blog

Treefort is right around the corner, and it’s bigger and better than ever before. 440 bands are set to play this year across 22 various venues in Downtown Boise. The mix of artists spans from indie-rock to bluegrass to rap and a whole lot in between.

The diverse lineup along with the other aspects of Treefort such as Comedyfort, Alefort, Foodfort, Yogafort, Kidfort, Filmfort, Storyfort, and Hackfort, are going to make March 20-24 in Boise a week to remember.

1. Mt. Joy

Friday, March 22 - 7 pm @ Main Stage

Photo Credit: IMDb

You might have heard a song or two off their self-titled album Mt.Joy, and if that’s the case then you know how rad the five-member band is. If you haven’t, we suggest you start with their billboard charting song “Silver Lining.” The Indie Rock band sings about love and all the great things in life with melodies that will make you want to sing along too.

Fans also like: Rayland Baxter, Houndmouth, Yoke Lore

2. The Bright Light Social Hour

Saturday, March 23 - 8 pm @ El Korah Shrine

If opening up for Aerosmith doesn’t make you a big deal, then well, what does? With intelligent lyrics and unconventional hypnotic beats, The Bright Light Social Hour puts on a truly uniform and high energy show. The American psychedelic rock band originated in Austin, and we can’t wait to see what they’re about to bring to Boise.

Fans also like: My Morning Jacket, Ghostland Observatory

3. Toro Y Moi

Sunday, March 24 - 7:40 pm @ Main Stage

His identified music style is linked closely to the chillwave movement. Chillwave is a broad genre consisting if synth pop, psychedelic rock and a little bit of house beats mixed somewhere in between. His latest album release Outer Peace dropped on January 18, of this year and is hearing praise from all over. The album features some big names and truly highlights his killer vocal mechanics. Chazwick Bradley Bundick a.k.a Toro Y Moi will surely put on an unforgettable show at the Main Stage.

Fans also like: Neon Indian, washed out, Real Estate

4. Anemone

Friday, March 22 - 8 pm @ El Korah Shrine

Photo Credit: Thestar.com

Frontwoman Chloé Soldevila sings and writes the tunes, and is backed up by a four-man group that no-doubt have a sound that is undeniably irresistible. Anemone’s “limitless pop” makes ya wanna groove and dance, and leaves you with music that will be with you forever -- in a good way. We suggest bringing all your friends, and to be prepared to dance like no one's watching.

Fans also like: Video Age, Munya and Helena Deland

5. Flint Eastwood

Friday, March 22 - 10:50 pm @ El Korah Shrine

Photo Credit: Seattle Music Insider

A play on names for sure, Flint Eastwood makes sure the last name Eastwood is tied into the style of music she’s going for: “spaghetti western-inspired” style. You’ll often hear a jingle of a tambourine to complement her unique voice and great mixes. Her voice is showcased beautifully on one of our favorite tracks featuring GRiZ, called “Rewind”.

Fans also like: Mallrat, Kira Puru, King Princess

6. American Football

Saturday, March 23 - 10:30 pm @ The Knitting Factory

Photo Credit: The Independent

First releasing an album back in 1998, the band took a hiatus and reunited in 2014. The best way to describe American Football is Indie-rock with pop hooks and even a little blend of jazzy tempos. With over a 11 million listens on Spotify, their single "Never Meant" has intricate and introspective lyrics that makes us so happy they’ve decided to reunite and show us what they’ve got this year at Treefort.

Fans also like: Tigers Jaw, Joan of Arc

7. Undercover Dream Lovers

Thursday, March 21 - 6:40 pm @ El Korah Shrine

Photo Credit: Genius.com

The name speaks for itself. The band produces smooth and groovy sounds and has a bass line that is electrifying. When we say band, it is a one-man project created by Matt Koenig that goes by the moniker of The Undercover Dream Lovers. Koenig writes the songs and produces straight from his bedroom. The first release was in 2016, and he has since come out with new music that flows from track to track. Check out this show to see what new wave- indie rock is all about.

Fans also like: Day Wave, Still Woozy, and Geowulf

8. Esmé Patterson

Friday, March 22 - 3:30 pm @ Main Stage

Once featured in Rolling Stone Magazine for her album “We Were Wild”, Esmé Patterson is a singer-songwriter with a voice that is so versatile and raw that makes each song exclusive in its own way. Her music has been described as Sixties soul, but also has a taste of indie rock. The collaboration with Shakey Graves on the track “Dearly Departed,” is where you might recognize her voice most. But all we know is, is the girl has some pipes and she’ll have a crowd at the Main Stage come March 22.

Fans also like: Shovels & Rope, Shakey Graves, and Wild Child

9. Mandolin Orange

Saturday, March 23 - 3 pm @ Main Stage

Photo Credit: WUNC.com

Duo Andrew Marlin and Emily Frantz produce truly warm and angelic music that has a slow-burning acoustic feel. Six albums later, each song continues to leave you feeling calm and warm inside. Their newest album Tides of a Teardrop was released February 1st of this year and includes songs that speak to life lessons and hearts that have been broken. Expect to hear Martin singing his deep lyrics and finely tuned melodies, and see Frantz on various string instruments, while also back-up singing.

Fans also like: Trampled by Turtles, The Head and the Heart, Parker Millsap

From Our Very Own Totally Boise Team:

Western Daughter

Saturday, March 23 - 7 pm @ The Knitting Factory

Gathering from various parts of Idaho, Western Daughter is made up of five unbelievably talented souls. The Indie rock quintet released their album Driftwood Songs in March 2017 and each track highlights the band's sense of lyrical depth and melody driven roots. Expect to be captivated by the vocals and compelling rhythm of this must-see band.

Wild Spells

Thursday, March 21 - 6:30 pm @ The Olympic

Formed in 2015, Wild Spells has a distinct sound that’s destined to be heard. A mix of rock, metal and even a little folk is the best way to describe the band. The lyrical ingenuity is highlighted in songs like "The Storm". As for the rest of their discography, you can expect songs about identity, politics, heartbreak, and religion. The contrast of silky vocals and a solid guitar and bass background make for a collective and unique sound.