THROUGH THE LENS: Treefort Music Fest 2025 — The SXSW of the Rocky Mountains

When one thinks of locations for world class multi-disciplinary arts festivals, Idaho may not immediately come to mind. But with more than 420 bands, artists, storytellers, comedians, workshops, film presentations and other activities, the Treefort Music Fest in Boise has become just that. With 13 “forts” spread across 46 venues (more descriptions here), the festival celebrated its 13^th incarnation when it took over the downtown area of its state capitol for five days in March 2025.

Peter Dervin has reported on Treefort every year since 2019, and this year is no exception. As many of the artists he caught are new to No Depression, I suggest you pay particular attention to his report and photos. The festival is truly one of discovery.

Treefort Music Fest 2025, by Peter Dervin 

Treefort is disbursed around downtown Boise, all very walkable or easily accessible by the dedicated Treefort bus line (which occasionally featured musicians busking in transit). Many of the local brewing establishments, such as Boise Brewing and Payette Brewing Company, hosted a variety of roots, rock, and Americana bands. Pengilly’s Saloon proved to be the hotspot for bluegrass and country music. The District Coffee House provided a comfortable setting for singer-songwriters. The Treefort Music Hall showcased a variety of music from the Icelandic ambient pop band múm to progressive jazz by The Bad Plus, and an exhilarating performance by Virginia’s Angélica Garcia.

This year, I attended a couple Storyfort events, two of which featured my photographer colleagues in presenting Photofort 101 and another session entitled “Capture This!” with touring photographers. I also caught a panel discussion from music insiders called “Navigating the Modern Music Landscape” with folks from Seattle, Nashville, Chicago, and Los Angeles.

Boise has an amazing music ecosystem with several bands that keeps the local scene going. Bands like Floating Witch’s Head, Blood Lemon, Ealdor Bealum, and Mobius Trip highlight a growing prog-psych adventure. The bluegrass-country bands around Idaho are top-notch, such as Tree City Travelers, High Pine Whiskey Yell, Hillfolk Noir, and Sheep Bridge Jumpers.

Singer-songwriters provided an opportunity to explore the more quiet moments of the fest. Sam Steffen and Annie Bartholomew had outstanding sets at the District Coffee House. Mac Cornish and Tyler John Kraehling also had great sets. Seattle favorites Smokey Brights played an amazing set at the Olympic Venue, and Byland drew a great crowd at the Gene Harris Bandshell.

Better-known artists were some of the most attended shows. In addition to his set on the Main Stage, Josh Ritter also did a busking set at The Record Exchange. The Wood Brothers played a fantastic set at the Treefort Music Hall. Vincent Neil Emerson brought his country vibe to the Main Stage, Yasmin Williams played the Gene Harris Bandshell, and ND favorite Joshua Ray Walker did Americana country proud.

World music was also in full force. Moldes from Lima, Peru was rockin’ and BULEGO’s music from Spain’s Basque Country killed it! Ramona from Tijuana, Mexico brought some great energy and Nampa, Idaho’s own Tejano Outlaw made a great splash with their brand of Tex-Mex music. Hinds, from Madrid, Spain had an energetic set on the Main Stage.

Indie-punk was front and center while Nashville’s Be Your Own Pet ragged on the Main Stage. Prism Bitch from Albuquerque, New Mexico thrashed about in their set and Cab Ellis from Brooklyn were unbelievable on The Hideout Stage. Boot Juice from Sacramento, California had the jam band vibe going on at The Basque Center.

Up-and-comers such as Clover County, Asa Menlove & Sixteen Fluid Ounces, The Barbaras, and LA LOM (The Los Angeles League of Musicians) also got ample exposure. I closed out my long weekend with local Americana artist Jeff Crosby who had his band on fire at Boise Brewing.

Once again, the Treefort Music Fest brought in people from around the county to experience the many musical flavors found at this unique festival. If you’ve never gone, put it on your list, it truly is a fun and welcoming event.

Click on any photo to view the gallery as a full-size slideshow.