Overwhelmed by Treefort Music Fest, Boise? Here are 20 recommended acts — some shows free
With roughly 480 acts expected to rock Treefort Music Fest, wrapping your head around a battle strategy can be daunting.
Enter Eric Gilbert.
As festival director, he’s heard — or personally seen — all of the performers.
Exclusively for Idaho Statesman readers, Gilbert has picked 20 acts to check out at the 13th iteration of Treefort, which will invade downtown Boise from Wednesday through Sunday.
They’re a mix of under-the-radar and established musicians in a wide variety of styles.
Find something you like? It might lead down a band-discovery rabbit hole. Treefort’s website features genre-specific playlists. And the app and website offer curated schedules for various genres. “We’re always trying to find ways to help narrow the lanes for folks,” Gilbert says, “to maybe get at least a starting place, right?”
Speaking of starting places, the festival core is in Julia Davis Park. But heads up, Treefort veterans: This year, park events have been reduced to four days — Thursday through Sunday.
Also new in 2025? Festivalgoers won’t need to purchase tokens to buy drinks in the park; beverage transactions will be direct. (One exception: The Alefort beer festival still will require tokens.)
In addition to beer and wine, Treefort also will sell liquor in the park. “We encourage everyone, as always, to drink responsibly,” Gilbert says, adding that Treefort is “still very family-friendly.”
For more information or to purchase Treefort passes, visit treefortmusicfest.com. And remember, you don’t have to buy a full festival wristband. A wallet-friendlier way to enjoy a huge taste of Treefort is to purchase a single-day Main Stage pass, which includes access to the adjacent Hideout stage. There’s also lots of free music around the festival, too.
Here are Treefort acts highlighted by Gilbert, including his descriptions.
Timeworm — 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Treefort Music Hall, 722 W. Broad St.; and 7:40 p.m. Thursday, Lost Grove Brewing, 1026 S. La Pointe St. (free; wristband holders get priority if near capacity): “Take Pacific Northwest indie rock, funk, pop and psychedelia, and mix it into a blender, then pour out a melodic, high-energy performance.”
The Barbaras — 2:40 p.m. Thursday, Main Stage, Julia Davis Park: “Opening the Main Stage on Thursday with a cool collaboration between sisters Weezy and Sallie Ford. Expect a retro-inspired set of midcentury country, doo-wop and rock ‘n’ roll.”
Josh Ritter & The Royal City Band — 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Main Stage, Julia Davis Park: “A timeless blend of storytelling, Americana and folk-rock jams led by Moscow, Idaho, native Josh Ritter.”
Reckless Kelly — 7 p.m. Thursday, Main Stage: “Led by Idaho-born brothers Willy and Cody Braun. Gritty, heartfelt Americana with a rock edge and Texas twang.”
múm — 9 p.m. Thursday, Treefort Music Hall: “Pronounced ‘moom.’ Experimental Icelandic electronics, glitchy beats and soft vocals with innovative sampling. The Icelandic legends will certainly be one of the most intriguing sets of the fest.”
Angélica Garcia — 10:30 p.m. Thursday, Treefort Music Hall: “A genre-defying artist blending experimental pop and alt-rock, rooted in Latinx heritage. Very excited for this one.”
BIG SIS — 12:50 a.m. (late) Thursday, Neurolux, 111 N. 11th St. (over 21 only); and 11:30 p.m. Friday, Hap Hap Lounge, 722 W. Broad St. (over 21 only): “Sibling duo from Liverpool with cheeky lyrics and Euro pop-dance beats. Two chances to dance it out with BIG SIS.”
Pom Poko — 4:50 p.m. Friday, The Hideout stage, Julia Davis Park: “Norwegian chaos in the best way. A perfect blend of noisy math rock, post-punk, pop-infused sound paired with strikingly sweet vocals. It’s like listening to a sugar rush.”
Crack Cloud — 8 p.m. Friday, Boise Brewing (free; wristband holders get priority if near capacity): “Canadian art-punk collective that blends post-punk jams with percussive chaos and spoken-word vocals. A fun one for those looking for a free show on Friday night.”
Remi Wolf — 8:40 p.m. Friday, Main Stage: “A swirl of funk, pop, soul, quirky charisma and feel-good tunes. Her powerhouse vocals and wildly talented band make this one a must-see.”
Frog — 11:50 p.m. Friday, Shrine Social Club basement, 1118 W. Idaho St.: Two-person guitar band from New York with off-kilter indie rock that mixes Americana, emo and freak-folk. One of my personal must-sees.”
PawPaw Rod — 12:30 a.m. (late) Friday, Treefort Music Hall: “Laid-back rap meets buttery ’60s soul and slick house grooves. Feels like cruising into a hazy sunset.”
corook — 4 p.m. Saturday, Main Stage: “Honest, weird, wonderful pop from a genre-blending singer-songwriter. My daughter is also pumped for this show.”
Yasmin Williams — 4:40 p.m. Saturday, Gene Harris Bandshell (free show): “Missed her in 2021? Don’t make the same mistake. Her crisp, fingerpicked guitar work is mesmerizing.”
Joshua Ray Walker — 6:20 p.m. Saturday, The Hideout: “Powerhouse country storytelling with gut-punch vocals, honky-tonk roots and sharp lyrical wit.”
True Loves — 9:10 p.m. Saturday, Gene Harris Bandshell (free show): “Seattle-based, horn-fueled funk outfit delivering feel-good instrumental grooves. Guaranteed to get you moving.”
DJ Escuby — 12:50 a.m. (late) Saturday, Shrine Social Club basement; and 11:40 p.m. Sunday, Treefort Music Hall: “One of my favorites from Treefort 2024. Electrifying sets that fuse Mexican roots with dance-floor-ready beats. More than just a DJ set — an experience.”
La Lom — 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Main Stage: “An excellent, easy-listening Sunday show. Romantic guitar-driven tunes blending boleros, cumbia, chicha and vintage soul.”
Hinds — 5 p.m. Sunday, Main Stage: Madrid garage-rock quartet with jangly guitars, punkish charm and lo-fi fun. Great energy to close out your weekend.”
The Bug Club — 8:50 p.m. Sunday, Shrine Social Club ballroom: “Scrappy, shout-along garage rock fun. Dueling vocals, relentless riffs and clever lyrics that pack a punch.”