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.
Monday Folllies-
This happy face is in the alley behind the downtown Java.
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
Monday Folllies-Big Johnson
For Happy Buying and Selling!
Thanks Don O. for sending this!
Julia Davis
In honour of her birthday celebration
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
International in the rain
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.
No more teachers-no more books
Spent many a cool afternoon here
BTW it is South not Lowell
Monday Follies-Miss Idaho
Magic in the Air
Photo Friday-Flag Day
Cars and Guitars and the star
What could be cooler than owning a signed Carroll Shelby-John Bolin designed guitar? Being the rock star Nathan Jay Moody who plays it.
They both look grand from down here on the dance floor!! As close as I'll ever get.
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.
Fast Cars
After weeks of assorted turmoil, things have gone quiet. Good for the blood pressure not so good for finding interesting stories. Think I will post a cool racing picture that is a collaboration with with racing photographer Warren Busse. 
Image my Warren, a little photoshop magic by me.