I started writing about the Treefort Music Festival and was putting the finishing touches on it when this pretty spot-on review, written for people who never have attended Treefort, was published by Thrillist.com.

Rather than toss my work into the proverbial trash can, I’ll offer it up. It’s slightly duplicative, but my version is shorter and includes bands highlights and memories.

Treefort is what I call the best five days each year in Boise, Idaho. Our little music festival celebrated its 10th anniversary from March 23-27 with more than 450 artists from 35 states and 17 countries. 

Nearly every genre of music you can imagine is represented. Most are bands you’ve probably never heard or even knew existed. It doesn’t matter – the event is magical.

Cliff notes version of my five days: I took in all or parts of 86 sets from 83 different artists between 4:20 p.m. Wednesday and 2:30 a.m. Sunday at 20 different venues. I walked 90,597 steps according to the health app on my iPhone. 

It was glorious. 

How do I see so many bands? Most of the time I listen to three or more songs of a performance. Usually it’s because I arrived late because I was walking from another show or leaving early to catch a different act.

I’ve never attended any other multiday music festival, but I can’t imagine one that’s done better and means as much to the community than Treefort. The festival’s main stage and hub for the past 10 years is a parking lot near the center of downtown. Music also happens in bars, clubs, arcades, old temples, theaters, hotel parking lots and a skatepark that are all within about a mile of each other. It energizes our city, businesses and brings us scores of musical acts that otherwise never would tour through Idaho.

I know it’s cliché when bands call something their favorite festival, city, venue, etc. But when the frontman from up-and-comer Wilderado says with sincerity that it’s the highlight of their tour, you believe him. Especially after he says they hightailed it up to Idaho after appearing on Jimmy Kimmel the previous night. That same praise was repeated over and over again like a catchy song’s chorus from artist after artist. It never got old.

That’s why many of the acts return year after year. Musicians tell me they are treated well and people attending Treefort are appreciative and supportive. It’s a sense of community. Honestly, it reminds me of Watershed weekends when many travel to Columbus for shows. It’s that same heart-is-full feeling that gives me PTSD (Post Treefort Super Depression) the next few days after the festival ends.

I urge everyone to experience Treefort at least once. It’s a chance to visit Idaho, experience a bunch of bands for an affordable experience. All-festival passes can usually be had for $249, and food/drink are reasonable. Main stage beers were $8, but you can get $3 beers in many of the venues. No rental car is required, and the number of AirBNBs and hotels keep prices competitive.

Now to the music:

Nick’s Top Treefort Memories

2013: My very first Treefort show was Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings. Temperatures were in the low teens and the wind chill made it worse at the outside main stage. You had to finish your 16 oz. can of beer quickly or it turned to slush. She and her band heated up the place. I’ve never been so cold and happy.

2017: No one knew Lizzo. She hadn’t broken out yet – that would happen a few months/years later. Her performance is the second-biggest “wow” moment of my concert history (KISS in 1978 is No. 1). My jaw hit the parking lot when she came out in did her thing. I didn’t know what to expect but that wasn’t it. I never need to see Lizzo again, but that is a moment that truly stands out.

2018: I decided to stop in an abandoned Urban Outfitters store that been fitted with a stage. I had heard a song sample on the Treefort app (which is state-of-the-art and another great thing about the festival) from The Regrettes and wanted to give them a shot. I became a fan that night. My wife and I saw them in San Diego the next year, and they were main stagers this year. Talented, fun and catchy as hell.

2021: I saw Larkin Poe open for Elvis Costello a few years back when they did an acoustic show. I was going to skip their Treefort set until another band I had wanted to see canceled. Lucky me, this was the full-on electric banger of a show that blew me away.

My 20 Favorite Sets From 2022 in no particular order:

• Monsterwatch: Power punk rock trio from Seattle.

• Slothrust: A friend said they were a must-see and he was right.

• Lung: A cello and drums. Amazing duo from Cincinnati.

• Guided by Voices: Fact, I had never really listened to GBV or owned any of their music. My bad.

• Beverly Crusher: Another Seattle trio. Highly recommend “Scared” and “Gimme The Power” from them. I saw them twice.

• Gustaf: Another friend said don’t miss them. He was right. They are playing the Ace of Cups in early April. See this show, Columbus friends!

• Deafheaven: Wow. So powerful yet clean sounding. I didn’t think I’d last more than a few songs but I stayed for their entire set.

• The Prids: A Portland alternative rock band was tight and fun to watch.

• Wilderado: I think they’re going to be huge.

• The Bobby Lees: My cousin recommended them and a fun, energetic punk rock show was what I enjoyed.

• Ducks Ltd.: This Toronto band reminded me of a combination of The Plimsouls, The Cure and Talking Heads at times. Good stuff.

• Thorn: This was a group of 10 sixth and seventh-graders from San Francisco. Three drummers, two keyboardists, two bass players, one guitar and two singers. They performed songs I’d never heard, so probably originals or written by the teacher. Very cool. Parents wore concert shirts that read “I Knew Them Before They Were Big.”

• Peculias Geniales: This Mexico City band took the stage in costume. One guy as a slice of pepperoni pizza, two others with animal masks on and the drummer in an ugly Boise State sweater. Fun rock en espanol.

• Kari Faux: I’m not a hip-hop fan outside of Run-DMC. She was great, writing songs about money in my pocket, chasing liquor with liquor and even a tune about former NBA star Tracy McGrady.

• The Plagiarists: A local Boise band I’d never seen. They looked like the only act I saw who probably also have white-collar jobs. Their song “Smash Together” is a 7-minute journey that spoke to me.

• The Nude Party: Sixties frat-band rock played by guys about 10 years out of college.

• Nordista Freeze: Nashville’s hardest working band. They played at least four shows, and the energy & antics (stripping, running around venues, climbing things) of the front man are entertaining. I saw them twice.

• Power House: Amazing story. This very young guitarist from Boise played the very last club gig back in 2020 before everything shut down. Talented but raw then, but now is a full-on rock star playing rock that is classic 80’s style. The band just returned from a tour the morning they played.

• Calva Louise: Based in England, though none of the members are originally from there. Heavy alternative/punk rock.

• Vision Video: Fronted by a former U.S. soldier that served in Afghanistan who dresses goth and plays fun tunes.

Nick’s picks From YouTube: