by Michael StricklandEvery so often, one of those events comes around that you just shouldn't miss. Check out this terrific experience that is coming to the Nampa Civic Center. Here's why:
It's perfect sunny day music. I have not always been the biggest country fan. That is why I couldn't help but notice a certain perfect match—like peanut butter and jelly. I have often witnessed people who are not avid country listeners jamming to Blake Shelton or Luke Bryan ... When? When it is sunny outside. Similarly, Eilen Jewell's music goes along with blue skies and stretches of roads. I think that's why country concerts are the best summer concerts out there.
Eilen Jewell concerts are incredibly fun. Picture this: 80 degree weather, tank tops and flip flops, a cold drink, and live music. That's just regular day at the Nampa Civic Center. And lovely, tantalizing jazz/country dominates Jewell's playlist. An American Songwriter reviewer wrote: "Jewell is in wonderful voice using her Billie Holiday phrasing to infuse soul and emotion to the slow, sticky swamp of “Down the Road,” the sweet Neil Young styled country folk of “Some Things Weren’t Meant to Be” and “Here With Me”’s languid, sultry club noir."
This is a great opportunity to see her near Boise. Because of her vast popularity, Jewell isn't always around. "One of Idaho’s musical gems, Eilen Jewell, will perform in Nampa on Thursday, July 13, to kick off the Snake River Stampede Community Festival and Rodeo with a barbecue dinner and concert," writes Michael Deeds of the Idaho Statesman.
A singer and guitarist, Jewell and her husband, drummer Jason Beek, moved to Boise in 2012. Jewell is now a part of the Treasure Valley’s vibrant music scene while also continuing her international travels. She is currently sweeping through Sweden with the Rocking Rootsy Revue, an annual tour of up-and-coming Americana artists.She’ll be back in Idaho for this dinner and show before heading out to performances throughout the West.
I can relate to her songs. Jewell writes beautiful lyrics that express heartbreak, long work days, first loves, patriotism, and a whole bunch of other parts of every day life. “Packed with vivid lyrics, steel guitars, and hot licks, Jewell’s Americana-driven brand of country music sounds tailor-made for sweltering, stagnant summer nights.” writes Eric Renner Brown of Entertainment Weekly.
There will be a barbecue. Dinner will be served in the Banquet Rooms at 6PM and includes BBQ Brisket or BBQ Chicken, pasta salad, potato salad, cornbread or rolls, ranch style baked beans, fruit salad and cobbler and to drink, ice tea or lemonade. A cash bar will also be available which will include Stampede Ale and Stampede Whiskey with mixers. After dinner, retire to the Theater to listen to Eilen Jewell at 7:30PM.
Jewell ranks among the best in the Americana genre today. As the reigning Queen of the Minor Key, Jewell leads a tight quartet who blend influences of surf noir, early blues, rockabilly, and 1960s era rock and roll.
Over the course of a decade, Eilen and her band have toured relentlessly. They have performed for legions of fans from Boston to Boise and Madrid to Melbourne at festivals, theaters, rock clubs and coffeehouses. Eilen’s fans marvel at her warmth, unique wit, and onstage humor alongside her beautiful songs and fiery performances. Jewell’s fifth studio album, Sundown Over Ghost Town (Signature Sounds), was recorded with Eilen’s longtime road band in her hometown of Boise, and is composed of twelve stunning, original compositions that feature some of her most personal stories yet.
Tickets are just $30 and they include both the dinner and the concert.
Even if you're not the biggest country fan, I encourage you you to give this show a try. You will probably find that you like it more than you thought. I have a lot of family and friends who have been converted into country music listeners by shows like this one. And there's just something great about any event at the Nampa Civic Center.
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