Boise’s Treefort Fest expects record crowds. Here are the bands you need to see
Is Treefort Music Fest giving you a bad case of FOMO already?
The sheer magnitude of 560 or so acts performing in downtown Boise over five days has that effect.
Take a deep breath. Let Eric Gilbert hold your hand. As the festival’s co-founder and talent buyer, he’s familiar with every band.
Exclusively for Idaho Statesman readers, Gilbert has highlighted 35 acts to see at the annual event, which rocks multiple venues Wednesday through Sunday. These aren’t obvious names like St. Paul & The Broken Bones, who will trigger Main Stage dance frenzies Saturday at Julia Davis Park. Or Father John Misty, who will headline there for adoring fans on Sunday evening.
Instead, Gilbert has highlighted a mix of under-the-radar and established musicians in a variety of styles. “I’m hoping it just helps give a starting place for folks who are overwhelmed by the lineup,” he says.
Despite a relatively balmy weather forecast, there is one cold reality. You’ll never see all of Gilbert’s picks. For one thing, full-festival wristbands sold out earlier this week. Under-21 college passes? Also gone. Single-day festival passes for Wednesday and Saturday are history, too. Oh, and both Comedyfort headliners — Hannibal Buress and Joe Pera — are sold out.
“It’ll definitely be record attendance this year,” Gilbert says, “based on where we’re already at.”
The fantastic news? Tickets remain available for the Main Stage at Julia Davis Park. They include access to the adjacent Hideout Stage, too. “There’s still room at the park,” Gilbert says. “You can still buy tickets if you just want to go to a single day of the Main Stage.” And remember, there’s lots of free music around the festival, too — including the Gene Harris Bandshell at the park. For more information about Treefort or to purchase passes, visit treefortmusicfest.com.
Below are Gilbert’s recommended acts. Find a few you like? They might lead down a rewarding rabbit hole. Treefort offers genre-specific playlists on Spotify. “That’s a great way for people to sort of chase their own tastes a little bit more,” Gilbert says. The Treefort app also has a cool new “roster” feature this year that helps you discover bands as well as plan and optimize your schedule.
Wednesday
Kassa Overall — 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Treefort Music Hall: “Grammy-nominated jazz artist, drummer, emcee and producer from Seattle,” Gilbert says. “Revered in future jazz circles, he’s known for blurring the lines between avant-garde jazz and hip-hop production.”
Kokein — 8 p.m. Wednesday, Boise Brewing; 7:50 p.m. Thursday, Basque Center: “Kokein brings their take on modern rock from the Basque Country as this year’s representative in our recent tradition of bringing a modern Basque band to Treefort.”
SPY — 8:40 p.m. Wednesday, Shrine Social Club Ballroom: “Bay Area hardcore band SPY are part of a growing wave of hardcore and hardcore-adjacent artists on the Treefort lineup. They are one of the best on the circuit right now and are part of a stellar lineup at Shrine on Wednesday night featuring White Reaper, Drug Church, Death Lens, locals Slow Exit and much more.”
Son Little — 9 p.m. Wednesday, Treefort Music Hall: “Son Little’s brand-new album Cityfolk was recorded in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, and just came out on March 20 on Anti- Records. Criss-crosses the worlds of neo-soul, modern blues and the indie scene.”
Mondo Pondo — 10:10 p.m. Wednesday, Reef: “Up-and-coming Boise funkers emerged out of a local funk jam and have been evolving into a regular party favorite in the local scene. Head wrangler is Scott ‘Scotcho’ Eisele who will be playing double duty this week as he is also the leader of the Treefort Volunteer Team.”
Andy Frasco & The U.N. — Midnight Wednesday, Treefort Music Hall: “We always remind everyone that Treefort is a marathon and not a sprint, but having Andy and the band play late night on Wednesday is certainly not encouraging taking it easy on opening night. If you’ve never experienced the unhinged rock ‘n’ roll glory of keyboardist/singer-songwriter Andy Frasco and his band, fair warning: Come prepared to have the time of your life. See you on the dance floor.”
Thursday
Maci Mattravers — 2:40 p.m. Thursday, Main Stage, Julia Davis Park: “Kicking off the Main Stage this year is Boise newcomer Maci Mattravers, fresh off the release of her debut album ‘All Things Considered.’ As her bio states, she is inspired by artists like Joni Mitchell, Brandi Carlile, and Madison Cunningham — to give you a starting point. Backed by a great band, this is a promising young Boise artist that you don’t want to miss the boat on.”
Witch Post — 3:30 p.m. Thursday, The Hideout, Julia Davis Park: “Indie rock duo from Livingston, Scotland, and Livingston, Montana, are one of the buzziest bands on Partisan Records (home of artists like Geese, IDLES, Fontaines D.C.) and just put out a great new EP called Butterfly on March 13.”
Cat Clyde — 6 p.m. Thursday, Gene Harris Bandshell, Julia Davis Park: “Her bio does a good job of painting the picture: ‘Cat Clyde is a singer/songwriter based out of rural Ontario, Canada. A combination of driven, soulful blues and sweet, folk-tinged, dulcet tones that carry a particular sense of familiarity provide the structure on which she creates her unique sound. With influences ranging from Patsy Cline and Lead Belly to Karen Dalton and Bobbie Gentry, this patchwork of musical significance, when stitched to her modern approach, fits like a well-tailored, corduroy-road cloth.’ ”
Adira Sharkey — 8:10 p.m. Thursday, Pengilly Saloon: “Her version of ‘The L&N Don’t Stop Here Anymore,’ a Jean Ritchie cover, knocked me out when I heard it, and I still can’t stop listening to it. I’m excited for her to bring her unique voice to Treefort and the hallowed halls of Pengilly Saloon.”
The Beaches — 7 p.m. Thursday, Main Stage, Julia Davis Park: “A month after Treefort 2023, we brought The Beaches to Boise for a show at The Shredder, playing to a modest crowd of around 100 people that caught their wave right before they blew up soon after riding the success of their global hit ‘Blame Brett.’ We’re excited to have them back to Boise three years later following all of their much-deserved acclaim to play Treefort Main Stage. For fans of modern rock/pop as well as ‘80s power pop like Pat Benatar and The Pretenders.”
Home Front — 10:40 p.m. Thursday, Shrine Social Club Ballroom: “I can’t stop listening to this band from Edmonton. Definitely one of the sets I am most excited about. This bit from a feature in Premiere Guitar Magazine from December sums them up well: ‘The style that they created combines the jangly sheen of synth-pop, the sneering attitude of old-school punk rock, and the hard-stomping force of oi! and hardcore. The band nicknamed it ‘bootwave,’ a reference to the distinct sound of winter boots marching on ice-crusted snow or the cold concrete of the streets of Edmonton.’ ”
Toody Cole & Her Band — 10:10 p.m. Thursday, Neurolux: “Founding member of Dead Moon and Pierced Arrows, Toody Cole is often referred to as the ‘Godmother of DIY Rock & Roll.’ She and her music have inspired countless great bands that have played Treefort over the years. Having her grace the legendary crowned stage of Neurolux at this year’s Treefort is a true honor.”
Friday
John Roseboro — 3:10 p.m. Friday, Gene Harris Bandshell, Julia Davis Park: “From his website: ‘Known for his buttery voice and distinct strumming, guitarist, singer-songwriter and bandleader John Roseboro has been making a name for himself in the Brooklyn indie scene, redefining and innovating the genre with Brazilian jazz and mysticism. ... The new artist has received praise from indie giants Men I Trust, Frankie Cosmos, Field Medic, Thee Sacred Souls, drawing comparisons to King Krule, Steve Lacy, Burt Bacharach, and Elliott Smith.’ ”
Sessa — 4:30 p.m. Friday, Gene Harris Bandshell, Julia Davis Park: “This is from The Fix magazine: ‘Sergio Sayeg (aka Sessa) is one of the most compelling figures in contemporary Brazilian music. Inspired by late-‘70s Música Popular Brasileira (MPB) legends such as Erasmo Carlos, as well as esteemed luminaries from the Tropicalia movement like Caetano Veloso, the São Paulo native doesn’t so much resurrect these traditions but tilt them off-axis. Incorporating elements of psych-soul and funk into minimal orchestrations, the singer songwriter specializes in unhurried and unspooling songs.’ ”
Hemlocke Springs — 5:40 p.m. Friday, Main Stage, Julia Davis Park: “I saw her play with Chappell Roan last October. Very intriguing pop music with unique arrangements and irresistible hooks. Quirky and fun addition to a very dancey femme-forward night at the Main Stage, as she’ll be followed by INJI and then Magdalena Bay.”
Fust — 7 p.m. Friday, Shrine Social Club Ballroom: “Durham, North Carolina alt-country outfit has been quickly rising amongst their peers. For fans of MJ Lenderman, Drive-By Truckers, Son Volt, Lucinda Williams.”
Cure For Paranoia — 8:50 p.m. Friday, Treefort Music Hall: “As their bio reads, ‘Cure for Paranoia is a hip-hop collective redefining the boundaries of modern rap with a sound inspired by legends like Outkast, The Roots, Odd Future and A Tribe Called Quest. Famed for their genre-bending approach and magnetic live shows, the group blends soulful instrumentals, razor-sharp lyricism, and infectious grooves with a mission to uplift.’ ”
Heathers — 9:10 p.m. Friday, Shrine Social Club Basement: “After hearing a sneak peek of their unreleased record, booking them for Treefort was a no-brainer. This could very well be the hottest rock ‘n’ roll tip you’ll receive this year. There’s not much music online, but check out their recent single, ‘Utopia,’ released on YouTube.”
Eddie 9V — 11:20 p.m. Friday, The Olympic; 6:10 p.m. Saturday, Gene Harris Bandshell, Julia Davis Park: “You’ll have two chances to catch this fast-rising Atlanta-based Southern soul and blues artist at Treefort this year. Signed to Dan Auerbach’s (The Black Keys) Easy Eye Sound label gives you a general sense as to where this lands. Definitely will be a hit at this year’s festival.”
Saturday
Moon Owl’s Mages — 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Main Stage, Julia Davis Park; 1 a.m. Sunday night, Shrine Social Club Basement: “One of Boise’s best kicking off Main Stage on Saturday, our biggest day, and closing out the festival after Built To Spill at Shrine Social Club on Sunday night. The two sets will showcase their versatility across genres such as punky alternative, funky rock ‘n’ roll, garage-y psych-rock and spacey prog. What feels like it started as a bedroom project during the pandemic has blossomed into one of Boise’s best live bands. This year’s Treefort sets should only further contribute to their lore.”
Yuuf — 2 p.m. Saturday, The Hideout, Julia Davis Park: “London-based quartet have been fast rising in the global psychedlic worlds. For fans of Khruangbin, BALTHVS, or Hermanos Gutiérrez.”
Buffalo Surfers — 3 p.m. Saturday, Rhodes Skate Park, Skatefort: “Local legends playing a Butthole Surfers tribute set? Yes please. Not officially on the Treefort lineup, but this trio features members of at least four bands playing Treefort this year. You’ll have to see it to believe it.”
corto.alto — 5:40 p.m. Saturday, Treefort Music Hall: “From his bio: ‘Scottish composer, producer and multi-instrumentalist Liam Shortall, aka corto.alto has had an incredible couple of years: his debut album ‘Bad With Names’ was shortlisted for the iconic MercuryPrize (2024), won Best Album at the Scottish Jazz Awards, and won Act Of The Year at the Jazz FM Awards (2025), public vote with Ezra Collective and Nubya Garcia, the other two nominees.’ “
Whitmer Thomas — 6 p.m. Saturday, Cyclops Stage (NIVA Showcase), 8th Street next to The Warehouse: “One of two artists appearing both at Comedyfort and on the music lineup this year (Hannibal Buress is the other one; his music project, Eshu Tune, plays Friday at Treefort Music Hall). Whitmer is adored in both the indie music and up-and-coming comedy circles and is one of the more prominent ‘fort crossovers’ this year.”
Mother Mother — 7 p.m. Saturday, Main Stage, Julia Davis Park: “Sandwiched between St. Paul & The Broken Bones and indie superstars Geese on the Main Stage on Saturday is quirky Canadian alt-rock phenomenon Mother Mother. The Vancouver, B.C., band has had a resurgence in their 10-plus album career with recent streaming success that led to a big co-headline tour with fellow internet sensation Cavetown last year.”
Oh He Dead — 7:50 p.m. Saturday, Gene Harris Bandshell, Julia Davis Park: “We saw this five-piece indie funk and soul band in their hometown of Washington D.C. at our friends’ venue Songbyrd in 2023 and were all blown away.”
Silverada — 9 p.m. Saturday, Boise Brewing: “Austin, Texas, country band Silverada are well-known around these parts from their earlier days as Mike and the Moonpies. Running with the likes of Reckless Kelly, having played Braun Brothers Reunion several times, these guys have a second home in Idaho and we are excited to have them play their first Treefort by closing out the Boise Brewing block party stage on Saturday night.”
Gelli Haha — 11:20 p.m. Saturday, Treefort Music Hall: “One of the hottest tickets at this year’s Treefort will be to see Gelli Haha, a new project from longtime pillar of the Boise music scene Angel Abaya. After moving to Los Angeles a couple of years ago, she rolled this new project out last year. Gelli Haha’s debut record ‘Switcheroo’ (Innovative Leisure) found its way onto many ‘best of’ lists of 2025. She and her band of merrymaking, dance-party-inducing bandmates and performers have been landing big opening slots with the likes of Polo & Pan, Magdalena Bay and others as well as landing several big festival slots this year at Primavera, Kilby Block Party, Capitol Hill Block Party and this primetime slot at her hometown festival: Treefort.”
Wine Lips — 12:30 a.m. Saturday night, Shrine Social Club Ballroom: “It wouldn’t be a proper Treefort without some shreddy garage-psych to turn up the Shrine Ballroom. This will be a rowdy and wild late night set to rival many of the most legendary Treefort sets over the years.”
Sunday
Go Kurosawa — 3 p.m. Sunday, Gene Harris Bandshell, Julia Davis Park: “Japanese psych/minimalist artist. From his bio: ‘Go Kurosawa is a multi-instrumentalist, producer, and co-founder of the independent label Guruguru Brain. Best known as the drummer and vocalist of Kikagaku Moyo, he has spent the past decade building bridges between East and West, sound and silence, rock and ritual.’ ”
Degler — 4:50 p.m. Sunday, Shrine Social Club Ballroom: “Hot Boise newcomers Degler are one to keep your eyes and ears one. First two singles from their forthcoming album are a great glimpse, but only but a glimpse into their vast sonic world. Great live band featuring several familiar faces from the Boise scene. Get in early on this one.”
The Belair Lip Bombs — 4:50 p.m. Sunday, The Hideout, Julia Davis Park: “This is my No. 1 for this year. I have been addicted to these Australians. Their album ‘Again’ that came out on Third Man Records last year has been in constant rotation. I first fell in love with them after the release of their debut album ‘Lush Life’ in 2023 and have been trying to get them to Boise since. Very excited it is finally happening — and on Sunday of Treefort, my favorite day of Treefort, no less. Check them out. Mix of alternative, power pop and the cool jangle that Australian indie rockers do so well.”
Amber Mark — 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Main Stage, Julia Davis Park: “Probably my No. 2 on this year’s lineup. We have been trying to get Amber Mark to Boise for a few years now and are so excited to have this Grammy-nominated R&B / global pop star at Treefort this year. She plays after the groovy Yellow Days and before Father John Misty closes out the final night of Main Stage. Never miss a Sunday show.”
Kaleena Zanders — 10:50 p.m. Sunday, Treefort Music Hall: “Kaleena Zanders headlined the return of Snowfort in 2024. Her high-energy, soulful, DJ set and vocal performance brought the house down and instantly endeared her to the Treefort team and faithful. Playing her first Treefort, she’ll be taking the Treefort closing night party to the next level. Those tired feet and legs of yours will have no choice but to dance into the wee hours — soaking in all the feels and good times as Treefort 14 comes to a close.”