Treefort Music Festival has some music for everyone. Whether you feed your soul with heavy metal or enjoy the relaxing sound of soothing music to deeply relax to there is a band for that. There is also a place for that. More than 300 bands and entertainment are filling every corner of every bar and restaurant this week in Boise. If you only go out once or twice a year, Get To Treefort now!
Idaho has always had its share of world class musicians, singers, songwriters. A very few have got thru to the national stage. Idaho has not had the industry to help launch this local talent to the national spotlight. Idaho is growing and some of that industry is beginning to arise to enable Idaho artists to earn a living while progressing to their potential. Jeff Crosby is rising to his potential and Treefort has given us another chance to see our homegrown boy.
Jeff Crosby was quickly looking thru bins of merchandise when I approached him. He looked tired, a bit stressed like being in a hurry as he explains to me they were booked in Texas but had been cancelled. I introduced myself and expressed my interest in hearing him perform in a few minutes at the El Korah Shrine. I have been on the road. I knew I was not valued at that moment. I left so I could get ready to hear what many are calling “Idaho’s premier singer songwriter”. Most of the questions I had regarding his singing and song writing were answered during his 90 minute set.
Jeff looks the part of a rising star with good looks and long blond hair. He leads the opening song as he leads the entire set, with a confidence from years of being the lead man. He and the band warm up (and us up) with two solid songs. On the third song Jeff begins to get into his grove and the band is there with him. The crowd, which was smaller than anticipated, was listening. The Treefort and Jeff Crosby fans that made this choice (over hundreds of other entertainment choices) were there to see and hear a part of emerging Idaho history! They know.
We listened to Jeff and his talented band. I could not help but notice that it was clear Jeff loves Idaho but see’s much more than the trees and wildlife as part of its makeup. Jeff lyrically wrestles with life, love, loss, fear and hope. Hold This Town Together is full of hope that people can love and hope that the world can be better. I am with him on that! His lyrics are so real you can walk with him as he sings them. Runnin’ Free is a down home Idaho song that is very relatable to any one in an Idaho zip code. I get the feeling Jeff closes his eyes often as the world approaches with all its rules and regulations.
As the set progresses, Jeff shows us he can play guitar and has a lot of fun with the peddle player and his bassist in solo’s that are always a treat for the band and audience. I loved the drummer as he sets down a very tight and punchy foundation with the bass player. It is clear the band is good. I was not the only one whom wanted to and began to dance. When Jeff used his acoustic guitar his song writing and voice were more in the spotlight. He did not disappoint. He can hold an audience just as close or closer.
Jeff Crosby has recorded 3 CD’s and released his new single Idaho. He is also available on your favorite streaming service. I have streamed him on Spotify many times. I suggest when you hear Jeff Crosby’s name, that you hear his music. It is unlikely you will be able to see him in any high school talent contests. Or even in Idaho, in the near future.
Jeff Crosby website
Jeff Crosby Facebook Page
Photos by Ed Simon for The Boise Beat
