Noise in the Neighborhood
Heidi Kraay for The Boise Picayune
The popular “Just Think Local” push is influencing forces beyond restaurants, bars, coffee houses and retail stores. Thanks to refreshing events like this live and local series, it is also reaching out to help recognize our artists and musicians about town. New art galleries and music festivals are opening all over Boise and many bring in exclusively local talent. Go Listen Boise was created in part by Ali and Travis Ward ofHillfolk Noir and is aimed at promoting the Boise Music Scene for it to be more “positive, supportive, collaborative and creatively rich and gratifying.” By supporting these concerts born in Idaho, we are supporting our friends and loved ones. Let’s keep Boise bred art in high demand.
Tim Andreae
The full night on Thursday included two shows and six acts. It is a recipe that Ali Ward and other Go Listen Boise creators hope to continue in all their events: one all ages concert followed by “a more rockin’ bar room show.” Their inaugural all ages show was free and acoustic at Record Exchange. Also, it was lucky enough to have the always fresh, inventive and endearing Tim Andreae kick off the evening. Tim is the sort of musician that is increa
singly more rare: one who visibly enjoys his work. Thanks to his humble enthusiasm—as well as craftsmanship—makes it a reward to see him perform. An artist’s attitude and perspective affects their craft, and that un-teachable truth works for Mr. Andreae’s benefit every time. On his guitar or in his lyrics (or on concertina while tap dancing), and will take a risk without blinking, knowing it will be overall worthwhile. If you ever get the chance to bob along to his sing-song rhythm, please notice how Tim Andreae’s music speaks to make a difference. It is wholly to his credit as a craftsman and a human being. We could use many, many more of his kind. Too many miss the point entirely. Tim gets it. You can read it on his face as clear as day.
Kris Doty
With her undeniable and irresistible charm, it is no wonder Kris is such a crowd-pleaser. Thankfully, her musicality backs Ms. Doty up right away and the humanity that bleeds out of her ever-so-warped songs—elegant yet rugged, sharp and brash but hearty and sweet—leaves everybody thirsting for a longer set. Her rich strum-pluck-pick pattern mixes with impeccable contrast to her distinct vocal pattern, one having precision comparable to a flamenco dancer’s stomps, claps and castanets. Kris Doty’s folk sound is the frosted ice sculptured formed off of a hot springs sulphurous steam on a sunny January afternoon. No wonder she is beloved in Idaho.
Travis Ward
Slipping into a backwoods-Appalachian-style-blues-folk sound, Travis Wardcompletes the acoustic half of the first Go Listen Boise concert. His enchanting mid-range vocals trap a listener like a deer crossing the path of a pick-up and its headlights, but just as he eases into a melody he simmers into a slight grating finish that stings like the last sip off a satisfying India Pale Ale. A finger-picker whose music is thick with lyrics like Grandma’s stew—and pointed at the same era, Travis sings about hard times, pine boxes, dirt roads, and barstools (don’t forget zombies, either) in a mood and pace just upbeat of Tom Brosseau.
The First Ladies
So far Go Listen Boise has been a tasty night of acoustic solos. As promised, the energy and noise picks up to a rockin’ second half atNeurolux, beginning with The First Ladies. This fun four-set on guitar, drums, bass and keys put together lively, danceable beats, progressive chords and plenty of potential.
Craters of the Moon
Bringing back some sounds from the first half, here is another drop of folk, but now high-charged and bursting with big sound and a rugged discordant edge. The three vocalists make a silken, buttery base for the jagged instrumental landscape from two guitars, a bass and drums. Craters of the Moon are Richard and Linda Thompson as a quartet.
Speedboat
Now these headliners are an absolute wild ride on an electronic extravaganza express train. Luke Hayhurst, Zach Jones and Ben Mulkey create a futuristic machinal soundscape before the Neurolux Crown, plugging synth upon pedal via synth onto KORG and through keys, all enhanced by their portable lightbox. Once setup is complete, the three musicians are better Robots than humans, driven by wacko ambient force to make a hot power surge of electricity and performance. When the Speedboat dance party strikes up, it takes hard work to stay 2 kewl 4 skewl and stay seated.
Keep your eyes out for the next Go Listen Boise music series event (and save all your buddies stuck on the couch going limp by the light of their television). Everyone come on down!
As reported weeks ago, former Hanger owner Carl Pense is remodeling the piano bar in the Mode/North Face building into a club.
OK, blues fans, here is another one. Fat Tuesday at Liquid.
What started as a couple of friends in white shrits and thin black ties has turned in to a huge Blues success story. 
