Dave Nudo, a country-music singer/songwriter from Boise, played last night at Swirl Wine Shop & Lounge in downtown Nampa. While doing mostly original music, he highlighted some some old and new Chris Stapleton music in one of his sets. I captured a song he co-wrote with some friends called “Fresh Ground” about being a duck out of water in the city.

dB101 is Southern Idaho’s rockin’ multi-genre party band who’s mission to keep you on your feet. We were on our feet for sure a week ago Saturday at Whiskey River in downtown Nampa. We danced to great tunes from Bill Withers, Three Dog Night, Stevie Wonder, Spencer Davis Group, The Clash, David Bowie, and this from Van Morrison.

The Ashley Rose Band (Ashley Rose on guitar & vocals, Louis McFarland on drums, Cody Hazelle on bass, Jennifer Kelso & Sandy Santa Cruz on backing vocals, Dominic Furiani on lead guitar) was the opening band for Tuesdays on the Creek at Indian Creek Plaza in Caldwell. The set was mostly originals, including their future single, Sugarbabe.

Push2Play is a Boise based band with a focus on upbeat, danceable music. They played some pop, rock and disco tunes a week ago on Saturday evening at The Riverside Hotel’s Sandbar patio bar and grill. We heard music from Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, The B-52’s, Journey, Walk The Moon, KC & The Sunshine Band, Earth Wind & Fire, and this one from Redbone.

Jay William Miller is a native of Boise who has been writing and playing music since he was 16 years old. Heavily influenced by scenes of mountains, rivers, and rowdy small town Idaho, Jay writes songs about hard times and hard-core parties. At the second annual Nampa Music Festival Friday night, Jay did this song about hating Los Angeles.

Ryan Curtis Band was the second of three bands to play the second annual Nampa Music Festival Friday at Lloyd Square. Ryan is originally from Chicago, calling Boise home for 15 years now. Here’s a song about bad habits.

Bill Coffey & His Cash Money Cousins was the opening band for Tuesdays on the Creek at Indian Creek Plaza in Caldwell. Bill is a songwriter, singer, guitar player and bandleader who seamlessly melds the heartfelt storytelling of country with the raw emotion and energy of classic soul. The show was all original and the variety of music styles was impressive.

Spencer Batt played a high-energy, fancy-pickin’ show at The Getaway Sunday afternoon. With his acoustic guitar, you hear this Jimmi Hendrix riff and wonder, “How is THAT going to work?”. And then he shows you! Here’s an original called “Road Less Traveled”.

Andy Crosby, a local singer/songwriter, played a evening of music Saturday at the Star Saloon. He grew up in Donnelly and loves the small-town life. In October, he will head for Austin for more recording. Here’s one written for his brother Jeff, In My Arms.

Michele Eastland is a Boise singer who specializes in jazz, blues, and timeless classics. Michele sang an evening of engaging music Friday evening at the Level Up Lounge in Meridian. I just love this Madonna tune and had to capture it.