Comedians Kevin Hart, Jo Koy to headline Boise arenas. You’ll surrender your phone at one

Two extremely funny men are coming to the Treasure Valley for separate shows.

But you’ll only be able keep memories from one on your phone.

Actor and comedy superstar Kevin Hart will bring his Reality Check Tour to the Ford Idaho Center in Nampa on Dec. 1. Tickets become available to the general public at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 16, at fordidahocenter.com for $45 to $127

Comedian Jo Koy will roll into Idaho Central Arena in downtown Boise on Feb. 4, 2023. It will be part of the Jo Koy World Tour. Tickets go on sale to the general public at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 16, at Ticketmaster for $49.50 to $99.50.

Koy’s show will feature typical arena rules.

But Hart’s concert? It might be a test for smartphone addicts who can’t resist shooting video at performances.

Hart’s show will be “a phone-free experience,” according to a media release. “Use of phones will not be permitted in the performance space.”

Worried about controlling yourself? Don’t be.

“Upon arrival at the venue, phones will be secured in individual Yondr pouches that will be opened at the end of the event,” the release says. “Guests maintain possession of their devices at all times, and can access them throughout the event only in designated Phone Use Areas within the venue.

“All devices will be re-secured in Yondr pouches before returning to the performance space. All pouches and equipment are routinely sanitized. The Yondr staff is trained and required to follow safety guidelines and hygiene protocols to practice social distancing, minimal contact and wear required personal protective equipment.”

Thinking about trying to open that locked pouch? Is Judas Priest’s “Breaking the Law” stuck in your head?

“Anyone seen using a device during the performance will be escorted out of the venue by security,” the release says. “We appreciate your cooperation in creating a phone-free experience.”

Yondr pouches aren’t new. The company “has been making schools phone-free since 2014,” according to its website.

But the magnetically locked pouches also have become popular with artists who don’t want their performances captured by smartphones. Comedians, in particular, might want to test material on stage that they’d rather not see immortalized later on YouTube.

Benassi, Yungblud concerts

▪ Freaky Fest 5 featuring Benny Benassi will roll into the Revolution Concert House and Event Center at 8 p.m. Oct. 27. Tickets to the Halloween-themed event go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 16, at Ticketmaster for $35 general admission (first 100 cost $30), $40 at the door, $65 VIP and $100 meet-and-greet. There’s a presale from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sept. 15. Promo code: REV22. Benassi is a world-renowned Italian DJ and producer.

▪ British singer and songwriter Yungblud will perform at the Revolution Concert House on May 2, 2023. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 16, at Ticketmaster for $39.50 general admission, $59.50 upstairs VIP. Yungblud’s recently released third album, which is self-titled, hit #1 in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand.

This story was originally published September 12, 2022 at 1:30 PM.