Margo Cilker Gets Rowdy… And Unapologetically Honest

Margo Cilker performing at The Neurolux, photo by April Massey

Standing at the bar in a long, brightly colored dress and her signature cowboy boots, Margo Cilker calmly orders a drink. She’s minutes away from taking the small stage at The Neurolux in downtown Boise, Idaho. Joined by her band, including partner Forrest Van Tuyl and sister Sarah Cilker, Margo Cilker has toured the U.S. and Europe over the past several years, steadily building a loyal following. In April, Cilker played to a sold-out audience, opening for Hayes Carll at The Olympic Venue. That outing undoubtedly garnered the singer-songwriter a fair amount of new fans in the city of trees that were more than happy to see her return to town last Friday for a headlining tour stop. 

John Calvin Abney and Forrest Van Tuyl performing with Margo Cilker at The Neurolux, photo by April Massey

Having spent a good portion of her life in the Pacific Northwest, Margo Cilker’s music is steeped in the rebelliously honest traditions of the region's unique brand of country music. Her debut album, Pohorylle, expands on those traditions with raw, confrontational lyrics combined with the woven tapestry of sound from Cilker’s global travels. 

Nevada Sowle performing with Margo Cilker at The Neurolux, photo by April Massey

While the dark walls of The Neurolux were not filled to capacity, the moderately sized crowd was up for a rowdy, honky-tonkin’ good time, which Margo Cilker and her band expertly delivered. Cilker opened the show by coaxing everyone closer to the stage, announcing, “I’m not shy, and you shouldn’t be either.”  The band did not waste time, launching into “That River,” the lead single off Cilker’s album.

The incredible energy continued throughout the evening, with Cilker taking advantage of the intimate setting to lead the crowd in a sing-a-long of the Hoyt Axton classic “Boney Fingers.” The energetic playing of featured guitarist John Calvin Abney was a particular high point in an evening full of stellar performances. Margo Cilker is currently touring the west coast. You can find upcoming dates and purchase her latest album through her website. Read our recent interview with Margo Cillker here.