BeatRoute Magazine BC Edition - March 2020

TRAVEL
BOISE, IDAHO:
TREEFORT MUSIC
FESTIVAL
SPUDS, BUDS AND
DESTINATIONLESS
EXPLORATION IN THE
CITY OF TREES
By MELISSA VINCENT
ALDEN SKEIE
In 2019, Forbes named Boise, Idaho the
fastest-growing American city, and last
year, The City of Trees took the top spot
for overall livability when it was ranked the
best place to live for millennials. But looking
beyond the weight of impressive accolades,
a casual visit to Boise quickly reveals a city
whose spirit tells its own narrative.
With the easy-going charm of Canada’s west coast, and the “come as
you are" tolerance of the Mountain states, all jammed into the ever-evolving
bustle of a budding metropolis attempting to carve out a new identity, there’s
something familiar, compelling, and, if you give in, undeniably irresistible
about Boise. Because below a sprawling mountain backdrop, and adjacent to
Boise State University’s famously blue football field, the city’s wide sidewalks,
bike-friendly streets, and noticeable street culture invites destinationless
exploration.
Due to this, it’s difficult to imagine a festival like Treefort Festival — the
city’s exceptional multi-genre, multidisciplinary music festival, now in its ninth
year—serving as a better representation of the very best of the city come
to life. And because of its ability to capture the life-sized humility of a small
town with world class musicians, internationally renowned artists and writers,
and a remarkably curious approach to programing rooted in inclusion and
representation; it’s similarly difficult to imagine Treefort happening in another
American city.
With past headliners including Vince Staples, Toro Y Moi, and Parliament
Funkadelic, 2020 welcomes silken-pop revisionist Omar Apollo, electroniceverything
innovators Chromatics, sun-baked desert rockers Calexico, and,
as always, local boys Built to Spill, a clear example that the festival continues
to offer a slice of something for everyone.
30 BEATROUTE MARCH 2020
Treefort Festival
Mar. 25 - Mar. 29, 2020
treefortmusicfest.com
Tix: $125-$210
DESTINATIONS
Idaho State Museum
610 Julia Davis Dr
Originally built in 1950, the Idaho State Museum
celebrated its grand reopening two years ago
with an ambition to accurately tell the story
of the state, through the story of its people.
During Treefort festival, the museum morphs
into the landing site of a diverse range of talks
on subjects like exploring the human diaspora,
and understanding the benchmarks of activism,
alongside more eclectic talks like a deep dive
(pun intended) into the the state’s river systems.
Rhodes Skatepark (4)
1555 W Front St.
Stretching across 1.2 acres under Interstate 184,
Rhodes skatepark is impressive due to its sheer
size. Since its construction, the world-class
skatepark has served as a crucial community
hub and support for at-risk youth, but those
with a flair for adventure might come looking for
something more. For the last three years, the
park has hosted the X Games Qualifier, offering
the opportunity to see pros at the top of their
game.
EATS & DRINKS
Petite 4
4 N. Latah St.
Sarah Kelly cut her teeth as a self-taught chef
at both grocery stores and fine dining restaurants
before opening the beloved Bleubird
sandwich shop, which she shuttered with
partner David to open Petite 4. Serving a wide
range of French bistro-inspired dishes, expect
staff in pinstriped aprons, a rotating dessert
menu, or if you’re in luck, a Friday night oyster
cart announced 24 hours in advance via Instagram.
Madre
1034 S La Pointe St.
It’s very likely that even the most devoted taco
aficionados have never had a taco quite like
Madre’s non-traditional upscale tacos. James
Beard House is devoted to using sustainably-sourced
ingredients. Ever had an Idaho
spud and chorizo taco? Or a vegetarian pineapple
al pastor taco? Now’s your chance.