13 Must-See Concerts Coming To The Treasure Valley
This year is an utter lighting rod for excellent concerts. Now that venues have reopened, the world’s biggest musical acts are touring their 2021 albums, rescheduled tours are underway, and indie and local artists are taking the opportunity to preview their newest material. Here is a look at some of the artists headed to the Treasure Valley.
Choir Boy - 4/16 Neurolux
Courtesy of daisrecords.com
This dream-pop foursome hailing from Salt Lake City, Utah, are steadily growing a cult following since their debut release, Passive With Desire, came out in 2016. Heavily rooted in ‘80s synth-pop, the band has drawn comparisons to Brandon Flowers, Kate Bush, and Boy George.
Tech N9ne - 4/28 Revolution Concert House
Courtesy of strangemusicinc.com
This insanely talented hip-hop artist is a Treasure Valley favorite. With his cut to the bone lyrics and fast, chopper-like delivery, Tech N9ne’s high-energy shows never disappoint. With over two million albums sold and multiple features in movies and television shows, everyone from Dwayne Johnson to Elton John has been seen vibing to his albums.
Beach Bunny - 4/30 El Korah Shrine
Courtesy of Beach Bunny Facebook
Beach Bunny began as a solo bedroom project for lead singer Lili Trifilio that eventually blossomed into a four-piece band. The Chicago-based power-pop act is known for the emotional clarity and honesty of their lyrics. Their debut album, Oh Honeymoon, was released in 2020. The group’s live shows have been described as “bursting with vital, life-affirming energy.”
Delta Spirit - 5/10 The Olympic Venue
Courtesy of Delta Spirit Twitter
Delta Spirit is no stranger to the Treasure Valley. They opened for Nathanial Ratliff and the Night Sweats at Ford Idaho Center last Fall. With their new album, One Is One, set to drop on May 20th, Delta Spirit will be making a headlining stop in Boise next month. Sitting comfortably between indie-rock and alt-country, the San Diego group’s sound makes for a foot-stomping, rowdy good time.
The French Tips - 5/13 Neurolux
Courtesy of The French Tips Bandcamp
This Boise-based threesome is set to release their sophomore album, All The Rage, on May 13th. They will be celebrating the occasion with an album release show, accompanied by fellow Boise local acts Blix and Rat Champion. Combining heavy riffs, danceable hooks, and airy vocals, The French Tips serve up their special recipe for guitar rock.
Snow Tha Product - 5/29 Knitting Factory
Courtesy of forbes.com
This California native is skillfully raising the bar for independent hip-hop artists. With heavy, danceable beats masterfully overlaid with rich lyrics, Snow Tha Product is a bright spot in the west coast hip-hop universe. While her upcoming second album has yet to be released, Snow’s Dale Gas tour officially kicked off this month.
Lord Huron - 5/29 Idaho Botanical Gardens
Courtesy of npr.org
Lord Huron is finally touring their 2021 release, Long Lost. There is a reason their song “Mine Forever” came in at number five on our “Top 21 Songs of 2021” list. The single and subsequent album are led by dreamy guitar twangs and nostalgic lyrics that conjure old western movies and wide-open prairie landscapes. The Idaho Botanical Gardens was made for this Los Angels foursome.
Halsey - 6/15 Ford Idaho Center
Photo by Jake Michaels, courtesy of nytimes.com
Their latest album, If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power, covers a lot of territories, including motherhood and the choice to use she/they pronouns. Known for her poignant lyrics and honest delivery, Halsey’s Idaho tour stop will undoubtedly have the kind of high-end production we expect to see from internationally acclaimed pop stars.
Rainbow Kitten Surprise - 7/15 Idaho Botanical Gardens
Courtesy of Rainbow Kitten Surprise Facebook
Much like their name suggests, Rainbow Kitten Surprise is a mixed bag of delightful, alt-rock fun. The North Carolina fivesome recently dropped their new single “Workout” and will be making a stop in Boise on their summer tour. With influences ranging from Modest Mouse to Frank Ocean and Schoolboy Q, Rainbow Kitten Surprise offers a varied selection of harmony-heavy dance numbers and folk-inspired slow burns.
Charli XCX - 7/23 Knitting Factory
Photo by Terrence O’Connor, courtesy of theatlantic.com
The British pop star is stopping in Boise to promote her latest release, Crash. Embarking on her fifth studio album, Charli XCX has established herself as the gritty, step-sister alternative to shiny, polished pop. Charli XCX’s show will undoubtedly be a sweaty good time with influences ranging from punk and hip-hop to dance and electronic.
The Head and the Heart - 8/9 Idaho Botanical Gardens
Photo by Alex Currie, courtesy of rollingstone.com
Yet another group ideally suited for the Botanical Gardens venue. The Head and the Heart’s fifth studio album, Every Shade of Blue, will release on April 29th. The three singles that have already dropped, “Tiebreaker,” “Virginia,” and “Every Shade of Blue,” feature a decidedly poignant shift in sound for the band. We spoke with Charity Rose Thielen about that shift in sound and the group's upcoming tour. The Seattle sextet still draws heavily from folk-pop influences, creating a breathable wall of sound that perfectly complements a cool summer night.
Mt. Joy - 8/15 Idaho Botanical Gardens
Courtesy of shorefire.com
Mt. Joy sounds like they would be just as at home strumming a guitar on the tailgate of a truck as they are on stage. This folk group conjures ‘60s legends like The Grateful Dead with their laid-back riffs and powerhouse vocals. Their latest single, “Orange Blood,” will be released this month, with the hope that a new album will shortly follow. Their Boise tour stop will feature recent Treefort act Wilderado; you can read our interview with them here.
ODESZA - 9/27 Ford Idaho Center
Photo by Avi Loud, courtesy of edm.com
This electro-pop duo from Bellingham, Washington, will be releasing their latest album, The Last Goodbye, this summer. Often collaborating with other artists, ODESZA has mastered the dance, soul combination. Their Nampa tour stop is bound to be the early Autumn dance party we all deserve.
