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| My View :) |
The month of August was quite busy for me. In my world, this is called, “Band and Orchestra season,” which simply defined means that we are gearing up for all the new and skilled students planning to play an instrument in school. The whole store is buzzing with excitement—picture black Friday at Christmas—the difference is, it doesn’t end the next day. I happen to love this time of year…but it became even more frenzied for me! In the middle of all this, I flew to New York for some extra training from Steinway…it’s a rough life, but someone has to do it. :)
When I say "I get it," I really do...we all work hard, and this work provides for our families and hopefully moments of escape from time to time—this brings me to why I love Boise, Idaho and my sole purpose for this newsletter...
I hope to create excitement about all the art and music in our valley and to encourage readers to embrace the beauty that is all around us. I want to eliminate “there’s nothing to do” from our vocabulary! With the right perspective, every day can feel like a small retreat; we just have to get out there and be a part of it.
I love that I can step out of my front door and experience every facet of life and entertainment without making it a weekend trip. On my day off, I can sleep in, eat a leisurely breakfast, watch one of my mindless episodes of (fill-in-the-blank) on Netflix—then on a whim, decide to drive to the mountains for a picnic. After this, I might head back home, drop my raft into the Boise River and enjoy a lazy two-hour float. Or sometimes I just hop on my bike and take a ride down the greenbelt, stop in at one of our little restaurants or cafes, relax and listen to one of the many amazing artists that happen to be performing. Everything is so close to home—and outside of gas, the original equipment investment and basic needs—it costs me nothing…and if you’ve been reading the monthly newsletter…you know…I love free!
The first concert I decided to pop-into was at the Sandbar Patio Bar and Grill to listen to some “modern Mediterranean groove” performed byTambalka.
This outdoor venue sits near the greenbelt and is part of the Riverside Hotel. If you have not had a chance to visit the Riverside Hotel, you are completely missing out. I guarantee this will not be the last newsletter that I write about the Riverside Hotel. There are several venues speckled throughout the campus that offer musical performances, in all different genres. The renovation that has taken place, and continues to take place, at this establishment, is spectacular! For this article, I will focus on the Sandbar which has a real vacation-vibe to it. I may have peddled my bike a mere two miles to get there, but I felt as though I just entered a different part of the world, and even more so with Tambalka playing.
This outdoor venue sits near the greenbelt and is part of the Riverside Hotel. If you have not had a chance to visit the Riverside Hotel, you are completely missing out. I guarantee this will not be the last newsletter that I write about the Riverside Hotel. There are several venues speckled throughout the campus that offer musical performances, in all different genres. The renovation that has taken place, and continues to take place, at this establishment, is spectacular! For this article, I will focus on the Sandbar which has a real vacation-vibe to it. I may have peddled my bike a mere two miles to get there, but I felt as though I just entered a different part of the world, and even more so with Tambalka playing.
We arrived at the performance around 2:30 pm and the venue itself was very kid friendly. It had tables speckled around the stage area and an overflow area just across the hotel walking path that carried the same ambiance. The restaurant serves a full menu and drinks of every kind—our family ordered the steak fingers with fries, the Sandbar burger with housemade chips and a side order of sweet potato fries—my husband and I also had their amazing sangria.
The food was very tasty, but I suggest that when attending one of these events… go early. The reason being is, the seating is limited and it will take a while to get your food if you come late. So… if you go late (as we did) please have patience with your server and just enjoy the whole experience.
The food was very tasty, but I suggest that when attending one of these events… go early. The reason being is, the seating is limited and it will take a while to get your food if you come late. So… if you go late (as we did) please have patience with your server and just enjoy the whole experience.
As promised, Tamblaka brought a true Mediterranean feel—with solid bass lines by Shayla Lewis, smooth percussion by Lindsey Shearer, ebullient dancing guitar solos by Esteban Anastasio and lively supportive guitar layered with haunting, rich vocals performed by Ashley Rose.
The band itself was fun and friendly, always smiling and interacting with the audience. During their break, the band took time to greet people and smile for photos; they were just all around fabulous entertainers as well as top-of-the-line professionals. If you are looking for that vacation get-a-way moment here in your hometown, this type of performance will deliver.
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A few days later, I decided to ride my bike to the new Albertsons to check out Broadway on the Rocks and listen to the amazing duo Blaze and Kelly. I know what you are thinking…ALBERTSONS?…a grocery store?!
This venue completely surprised me, with a large seating area and high ceilings and walls of glass. Because I was not sure if the venue allowed children, this outing I decided to attend with just my husband. Once I got there, I asked the server if kids were welcome and the answer? Yes! Bring kids… obviously, they are not allowed at the bar, but tables that surround the stage are all kid-friendly.
Bordering on perfection, the folk-rock style of Blaze and Kelly completely delivered an incredible performance.
Their harmonies are totally on-point, and the skill within their vocals allowed me to let my mind go, sit back and relax. They sang a mix of familiar and original songs. Though, judging by the crowd (who sang every lyric to every song), the originals… were only unfamiliar…to me.
So as you can see, you can find music and art everywhere…even a grocery store! And it doesn’t have to be a well thought out plan; you can jump in your car, hop on your bike or even walk to a local venue and spend a few moments taking in this beautiful gift that these artists are freely pouring into their community.
Working around musicians, I get to hear the stories, the heart, and passion, and I see the time they put into each performance. I recognize that I have taken these efforts for granted—I assumed that they would always be out there, giving moments of reprieve by way of their talent. But, that “struggling artist,” thing… well, it’s real. Which brings me to a little suggestion… tip your artists! There… I said it… the “T” word…but I truly have a reason.
I work with a lot of these gifted musicians and let me tell you; it is hard work with a lot of rehearsals in-between their 9-5 jobs. Often they invest a lot of money in instruments, sound equipment, you name it—and by-golly! (yes, I’m dipping into 1950 for that euphemism)— I want to keep them in business! So tip them, buy their music online, attend their concerts so that the venues keep them coming back. This whole “art” thing can only survive if we truly support their work, which is why I’m doing these little newsletters, and why I have chosen to focus on artists in our area. I want all of us… me, you, our neighbors, to drink-in the beauty and art all around us, enriching our lives and at the same time… we are giving back to the artist.
I love it! What’s not to love? …everybody wins. :)
Here are links to the venues that are featured in this months calendar.
Hyde Park Street Fair 2018
Hazelwood Village
Sully's
Click calendar for Addam's facebook
I work with a lot of these gifted musicians and let me tell you; it is hard work with a lot of rehearsals in-between their 9-5 jobs. Often they invest a lot of money in instruments, sound equipment, you name it—and by-golly! (yes, I’m dipping into 1950 for that euphemism)— I want to keep them in business! So tip them, buy their music online, attend their concerts so that the venues keep them coming back. This whole “art” thing can only survive if we truly support their work, which is why I’m doing these little newsletters, and why I have chosen to focus on artists in our area. I want all of us… me, you, our neighbors, to drink-in the beauty and art all around us, enriching our lives and at the same time… we are giving back to the artist.
I love it! What’s not to love? …everybody wins. :)
Showcased this month:
Click their name to visit their page.
Accidental Preacher has a classic rock sound, with lead vocals performed by Tanya and John Hiner-McKay. The strong vocals supported by a full band of talented musicians are sure to get you moving. Their performance is filled with songs that you love to hear and wish you could hear them more often. I'm so excited to attend one of their concerts, well worth the trip! Sept 8th (Hazlewood Village) Sept 12th (Sully's)
Hyde Park Street fair is sure to have something for everyone. This event will have artists such as Ben Burdick Quartet featuring Amy Rose, Blaze & Kelly, the Rebecca Scott Band and so much more. Check out the website and facebook page for more details. Sept. 16th - 18th
Boise State Outdoor Jazz Concert -- Love this concert! sept. 10th
Justin Neilsen also has a fabulous event coming up that you won't want to miss. Such a talented musician!
Boise State Outdoor Jazz Concert -- Love this concert! sept. 10th
Justin Neilsen also has a fabulous event coming up that you won't want to miss. Such a talented musician!
Here are links to the venues that are featured in this months calendar.
Hyde Park Street Fair 2018
Hazelwood Village
Sully's
Click calendar for Addam's facebook