Got a quick peak at the new Boise City Grill. Man is it going to be nice. Christine and Mitch have done a fantastic job of keeping the grace of the old bank while updating the restaurant with classy touches like hardwood floors. Ever conscious of color Chris has picked the traditional contrast of green(Billiard Table) and gloss black. Can’t wait for a scotch at the bar. Shouldn’t be to long. The partners have everything staged upstairs and are just waiting for final paperwork to clear.
More loss
Private Idaho’s Victor Picania has lost his fight to pancreatic cancer. Victor was an inspiration to anyone who enjoyed goods music. His KBSU radio show was a fixture for years. As a former radio dj, Victor’s easy, unassuming style help mold my Blues Highway persona.. Another great loss. Here is the imfromation about a memorial at Edward's Greenhouse.
Memorial Services for Victor Pacania, the host of KBSU's Saturday "Private Idaho" show since 1977, will be held at EDWARD'S GREENHOUSE, 4106 Sandcreek St, Boise on Monday July 2 at 7pm.
Edward's Greenhouse is located off Hill Road, several blocks WEST of 36th Street. Victor asked that this be a simple, casual event. Please feel free to bring blankets for relaxing among the gardens while Victor's life is celebrated.
Were is King Kong?
Been a hard, sad week. Even missed photo Friday!
Lisa Villano
Downtown Boise is sad tonight. Good friend Lisa Villano has passed way to young.
Lisa’s big smile and hearty laugh are gone.
As with so many others I was blessed to call her my friend. She will be sorely missed.
There is a memorial in the works, most likely July 9th at the Rose Room
Curtis Stiegers
Caught Jazz hotshot Curtis Stiegers at the Band Shell during the Julia Davis celebration. Curtis charmed the crowd with tunes and stories from Boise and his world travels.
There was something wonderful about seeing Curtis in a band shell named for his musical mentor Gene Harris.
Western Wisdom
Bodo Bistro to Lou
Looks like Chef Lou Aaron is set to take over the beleaguered Bodo Bistro location. The slow decline from the Koffee/Kluture Klatch days at this location has been sad. The West Side star will open a mid level dinner style restaurant. Think Goldy’s with more room and food all day. Should work.
Alive After Five- Lori B!
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.â€) 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
DUFFY BISHOP
Nancy M. McIntosh writes . . . Greetings BBS Members and Friends: Duffy Bishop is coming to town - THIS WEDNESDAY at TERRAPIN STATION! Let's all show up to give Duffy a packed house!
Duffy use to slay us at the Blues Bouquet. She is a gracious as she is talented. I would not miss this one for love or money. If I don't see you there-you will miss a great show. You don't have to be a BBS member(but why not), just smart enought to enjoy a powerful singer with style and sass.
Monday Follies-Miss Idaho
Millions were talkin' millions-Barbacoa
After a reported FIVE million dollars the old Jakers location on Park Center pond is headed for an opening as Barbacoa. We are hearing of cheap drinks and fun by the water.
Could be cool, but it takes a lot of two for ones to pay back that debt.
Monday Follies-For sale at IGA
Fake ID's may spell downtown trouble
This is such an inflammatory rumor that I will disclose very little. Apparently, owner/management of one of the downtown bar groups is under suspicion for forgery and fraud. It involves fake ID’s. IF this is true, a well know business person will go to jail. More if I get more confirmation. At this point let’s just call it “heard on the streets.â€
A Martini with John Nemeth
Got a martini with the super star John Nemeth 1st Thursday night. Happy to report John looks and sounds great. When I ask about sales of the new CD he told me.“It’s doing great! Especially in europe. Blind Pig is happy and so am I†John's been on the “BBQ circuit†since early in the year promoting Magic Touch. By the time you read this he will be back out on the road.
John and Jonah and Pengillys
Travel well my friend see you, next time your buyin'.Downtown Business assc.
The DBA has a new slogan. "Boise 20 years in the making."
It is just this sort of myopic thinking that has brought us Steamy Cracks, gaping holes and orchid winning zero set-back brick BODO monstrosities.
Next? How about a glut load of condos and no buyers.
Gas Prices again.
Been getting a bunch of e-mails asking me to lobby congress to have the gas companies stop “Gouging†us with “high†gas prices. As long time readers of Boisee.com know this is a pet peeve of mine. Here was my response to one e-mail. In real inflation dollars gas costs about what it did in the 60's! Remember the 60's? When a Cadillac cost way under $10,000.00. A gallon of bottled water, or ice cream now cost more than gas by the gallon. In the old days, water was free and ice cream was a nickel a scoop. Those evil water sellers should be STOPPED.
Wouldn't it be easier to stand up to our government. They profit the most from gas prices. In most states, Idaho included-at least SEVENTY FIVE CENTS of your gas price is TAX. Guess that isn't as politically correct as bashing business! Â As John Stosel says . . .Give me a break!
Mix-Off Winner
Who makes the best Classic Martini in Boise? No surprise here. Classy guy and and all around great friend Kevin Farney took home the prize for best “Classic†Martini at the Mix-off party Saturday Night.
Keven and Mix-off organizer Karen Ellis
Pair's Christine Reid
Another good friend Jen Koble and her bar Pair took most of the other prizes. Other winners included Red Feather, Bardenay.
Nancy Macintosh writes. . .
Tomorrow is the first night of the Lake Harbor "Music on the Lake" series. Show is called AMERICANA: A Roots Music Journey through America featuring musicians such as Gayle Chapman (formerly with PRINCE), Jimmy Bivins, Kevin Sam, and Tracy Underwood. John Knox on drums and Richard Soliz on bass. Here''s the flyer (attached) - music starts at 6 pm. Hope to see lots of your smiling faces. Jo Fryberger and crew will be on hand for purchasing drinks and soft drinks. The Kanak Attack will serve pulled pork etc. Great food! I've personally eaten their grub! It is awesome! Come down for music and dinner! Bring a lawn chair - outdoor seating is limited! See you there! 
Nathan Jay
Just got this from Nathan.. . . Nathan Jay & The 1/4 Tons @ Mr. Lucky's 8:45 P.M. Thursday Chinden Blvd.
Lori B! and the Boys will be making our return to the club scene
since we went to Memphis in February. Come check it out at the
Frontier this weekend.
Lori B! & The Boys @ The Frontier in Meridian. 9:00 P.M.
Friday & Saturday
Fun Time in Meridain. B!'s sounding better than ever and the band rocks!
One Lucky Dog
The Lucky Dog Travern is going into the old Mc Donalds location on lower Fairveiw. Across from the Downtowner. More soon.