From Lori B! Thomas
Music in Boise

While sitting at the carwash, waiting for my car, I noticed the newspaper sitting on one of the tables. I saw the “Scene” with Alive After Five on the front cover. I opened it up to see the AAF schedule and much to my surprise (or after last year, NOT) there was not one local band listed on the schedule for 2007. I can’t tell you my disappointment, especially after the Downtown Boise Association (hereinafter DBA) brought in mostly outside music for 2006, and in attending some of the events, not such great music at that.

I moved to Boise in 1998 and AAF was the first event I attended and have since attended almost every Wednesday. I have made many friends and have had a lot of fun. Last year was not so fun and this year, well, I guess I won’t be attending at all. It seems that DBA stated they were “excited” to bring in music from outside Idaho. I don’t know about you, but I am in a Boise band and I know the incredible talent/music we have in our own community. Why do we need to go outside Idaho and get music when we have such great music/talent here? I know that great bands like Soul Purpose, Rebecca Scott, Cyndie Lee and Streetwise, Lori B! and the Boys, Hoochie Coochie Men, John Nemeth, (just to name a few,) drew great crowds. I have had several people come up to me and ask why there aren’t any local bands playing this year? DBA?

In looking at DBA’s website, they set forth their “Vision” as follows:

Downtown Boise is diverse and vibrant; it is the political, business and financial capital of the state.
Downtown Boise is an active pedestrian-friendly place, a social and visual focal point for the community, providing opportunities for living, dining, entertainment, shopping and personal services, as well as providing areas for hosting community events.
Downtown Boise is the model for progressive urban growth and development.
Downtown Boise is the central location for cultural and civic facilities, welcoming to visitors and a source of community pride for residents and businesses.

If we as Boiseans are trying to bring in outside visitors to our great city, why don’t we show them our great local talent instead of bringing outside talent? I know when I travel to other cities, I want to hear their local talent as I believe local bands are what make that city. (Example: “I was in Boise, heard this band, am going back to Boise to hear them as I had such a great time.”) You know what I am trying to say.

Idaho is a great place to live and Boise is exceptional. (look at the national statistics) DBA is paying musicians from outside our state to travel to Boise, play “music,” then take our money back to their state and spend it. How much is DBA paying each of those groups to travel to Boise and play? Our musicians are every bit as good, if not BETTER, than those from out of state. Our musicians live in this area, pay taxes, rent, utilities, buy food, shop at local merchants’ stores, etc. Why aren’t we supporting them? DBA?

I don’t plan on attending AAF again until DBA starts booking local talent again and keeps Boise money in Boise. I hope all of you will join me in letting DBA know, not only do you feel the same, but you won’t be attending AAF until we get our local event local again (or at least mix it up) and our money spent in our own community.

cc: Downtown Boise Association
Mayor’s Office/City Counsel
Idaho Statesman
Boise Weekly
Boise Blues Society
Local Musicians
Friends