From concerts to street performers, music played vital role for Idaho pioneers

Music was an important part of pioneer life in Idaho, whether for dancing or just listening. In 1873, for example, the Idaho Tri-weekly Statesman reported: “The long talked of jubilee concert came off Friday evening, a large and respectable audience being present. Considering the ‘stringency of the money market,’ the manager has reason to congratulate himself on the fine turnout.

“The opening overture ‘Caliph of Bagdad’ was splendidly executed and no doubt the finest music ever presented to a Boise City audience. Taken all in all the concert was well worth listening to, though it cannot be doubted than one or two attempts at singing were excruciatingly execrable. There is a great deal of work to be done in getting up a performance of this kind, and Mr. Chapman labored incessantly to have everything go off smooth and proper.” (Except for the singing!)

A deaf organ grinder who played on the streets of Nampa and Boise in the summer of 1889 was asked to leave those towns because “he made too much noise at night.” How he must have hated having his best musical efforts called “noise.”

A few days before Christmas 1889: “Mrs. Dr. Moar gave a musicale yesterday afternoon, at which the best musical talent of the city was fully represented. These musical entertainments are growing in favor among the ladies of Boise, and are already recognized as the most pleasant and instructive feature of the winter’s social movements.”

In September 1890, the Statesman reported on “a Successful Concert: The entertainment last night at Sonna’s Opera House was a decided success in every way, and was witnessed by a large audience. The first number on the program was an overture by the orchestra, after which the curtain slowly rose disclosing a brilliant picture of a gypsy camp. The ladies were resplendent in typical gypsy costumes of various colors, and the gentlemen were sufficiently brigandish in their attire to satisfy the most exacting taste. Among the chorus were noted Mrs. McDonald, Mrs. Van Kuren, Mrs. Tage, Mrs. Swift, and the Misses Pattee, Bradford, Coffin, Ellsworth and Agnew. They rendered the gypsy chorus from ‘the Bohemian Girl’ and Mrs. J.F. Curtis sang ‘Then You’ll Remember Me.’”

The rest of the evening was reported in detail, with the Statesman’s comment, “The program’s success from beginning to end was most gratifying.”

The Statesman thought J.M. Navoni, a violinist who had played in Boise at the Natatorium and in other valley towns, and had skipped Silver City in 1892 owing $500 in gambling debts, “ought to be roasted.” The headline on the story read, “VANISHED VIRTUOSO.” We doubt he ever dared to come back to Idaho.

The Statesman reported in October 1892 that “many society ladies” are taking up the banjo. “Even a husband was found in the attic plunking away. He claims it is because he is in the sheep business and ought to encourage the use of an instrument that uses sheep hide and sheep gut.”

A mandolin club was organized the following year by a group of Boise City’s leading society ladies. Whatever your musical interests, there was a club for you.

This story was originally published February 8, 2020 at 5:00 AM.