Lee Penn Sky is an award-winning songwriter well known to the Treasure Valley and beyond. His story is one of overcoming physical hardship and circumstances to find his peace through music. He’s an accomplished musician and has made his mark on the Treasure Valley music scene with no signs of slowing down. He’s released 4 studio albums, shared the stage with countless well-known musicians, and has taken part in numerous songwriting ventures. When he’s not working on his music, he volunteers as a board member for the Idaho Songwriters Association or within some other avenue of the local music scene. To say that Lee is actively making our valley a better place for music is an understatement.

I met with Lee at Luxetone Studios, a second home to him when recording with his longtime buddy, Brandon Wallace. It’s easy to see why Lee loves recording there; it’s a comfortable, peaceful space with top-tier equipment and years of expertise with Brandon at the helm.

He first got into music when he was a little boy. His parents started him off with a violin. He took a few lessons and got frightened by the teacher mentioning his fingers would eventually turn into wood with enough practice. He was involved in choir but never felt his voice was up to par. Late in his teen years, he was singing in a metal band when he realized his voice wasn’t quite cutting it. He learned bass as a result and started a band with one of his best friends called Mr. Picasso Head. They gigged often around his home city of Ann Arbor, Michigan, and released an album called Love and Other Natural Disasters. During that process he picked up the guitar and started finding his way through that while writing songs. The band eventually broke up, he finished his grad program in social work, and he moved out to Idaho. He had secured a job working for a wilderness program for kids. He was excited to delve into all of the adventure sports that Idaho had to offer, being an avid adrenaline junkie.

On a fateful winter day, Lee stopped to assist a rollover on an icy, remote highway. While calling 911, he was struck by an oncoming vehicle, nearly losing his life. He had multiple surgeries on his leg and had to learn how to walk again twice within his recovery. He was able to return to work but kept reinjuring his leg. During this period, he poured a lot of time and angst into playing guitar and writing. He and his family moved to Boise in 2003 where he started promising himself he would play at open mics to get out there. After putting in some work on his vocals, style, and performance (his wife lovingly gave him vocal lessons as a wedding gift), he decided to do an album. Prelude to Hindsight was his first studio album. It took him another 9 years to do another. In 2015, he released 29 Left Down with his band, Lee Penn Sky and the Oliphants. It was produced by Steve Fulton at the Audio Lab. He was playing sets with his band at this point and had found success in festivals and various local venues. He met Brandon Wallace (Luxetone Studios) through shows at Treefort just as he was craving some bass time in a band. He decided to do a tryout of sorts for Brandon’s band, Ola Sweet. It ultimately did not pan out (hilariously noting how terrible his setup went). However, it started a friendship that blossomed into a beautiful collaboration. Brandon and Luxetone Studios is his happy place. It became a synchronistic relationship to deliver the exact sound he was looking for in his future albums.

Lee and his family stumbled upon some letters from Israel that had long been in the drawer of his great-grandmother, Sadie. These letters were written by his grandmother’s nephew, Jakob, accounting for his escape from the Holocaust. After some translation, they revealed Jakob’s story of finding that his entire family was gone when he returned to his village after work one day. He managed to evade the Nazis until the end of the war and immigrated to Israel to start over. Lee immediately started writing about the perceived emotions and feelings from the letters. His family located Jakob’s descendants in Israel and booked a trip to connect with their long-lost relatives. It served as a deeply impactful experience for Lee and his family, spurring many songs that became the album, Lean into the Letter.

He approached Brandon about doing the album and felt immediately that the music was in capable hands. Their friendship grew during the work put in on Lean into the Letter, which was released in early 2020. It inspired Lee to get to work on another album, which became Prophets and Pretenders, released in July of 2025. It’s had massive success on Spotify and YouTube. I’m partial to “The Painter”, as the lyrics navigate choosing art and passion over anything else. To me, it is about leaning in to purpose regardless of circumstance; something that all creatives can identify with. The success of Prophets and Pretenders has propelled him into continuing the momentum, and he is currently working on another album with Brandon by his side.

Lee loves big festival shows that he’s had the opportunity to be a part of, but his favorite types of shows are intimate house concerts with a sweet listening crowd. He is a storyteller at heart and a humble individual. He is quick to point out the times that he’s really thrown himself into scary beginnings and embraced sucking. Throughout hardships from his accident, he remained optimistic in his pivots and direction in life. He’s always taken these moments and turned them into learning and growth opportunities. It’s an example of persistence and ambition we can all admire and aspire to.

Lee’s advice to upcoming songwriters:

Go do it until you find your voice. Get the best equipment you can. Get a guitar that plays well and that resonates with you-it’s more inspiring to play.

When you are writing, keep the editor out of your head until the flow of ideas ends, then go back and start the flow again.

Lee spends his time giving back to the music community through serving as a board member for the Idaho Songwriters Association. The group hosts their songwriters forum every last Tuesday of the month, which is a fantastic opportunity for any songwriter to show off their skills and find community. They will also be hosting a fundraiser benefit on November 12th in the Sapphire Room; tickets are available on Eventbrite.

Be sure to follow Lee on Facebook, Instagram, or his website to stay up-to-date on performance schedules and announcements! You can find Lee’s albums on Spotify or Apple Music or delve into his music videos and live performances on YouTube.

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Mikey Borup, Brother Fantastic, is lighting the way for a genre-bending sound that is purely his. His original songs evoke a strong emotional reaction while also leaving you wondering just what the hell is going on. Listeners often describe the sound as folk rap, which paints a conflicting contradiction to anyone who hasn’t experienced it. Brother Fantastic manages to weave storytelling in a catchy beat melody combo that feels like entering a forest of unknowns. I’ve been lucky enough to work with Mikey on a few projects and caught up with him to go over his story and how Brother Fantastic came to be.

Mikey has been a musician since he was a kid. His mom forced him to learn piano first, which he wasn’t thrilled with. Fate stepped in when he found a guitar in the family garage. He spent his days finding online tabs off of OLGA, the online guitar archive used in the 90s for chord reference. He learned how to play songs he loved from sheets of misaligned chords on the OLGA index. While OLGA was all user-based contributions, he frequently came across one submitter named Geoffrey that coincidentally became his future college roommate.

In college, he played in a jazz band and joined a traveling show choir, playing guitar. They did a month-long tour through the U.S. with 24 shows and a little improvisation on Mikey’s part. He recalled pulling a solo together during “I Will Survive” against the script. They ended up keeping the solo throughout the tour. Cue the Brother Fantastic moment to shine.

After college, he married and had kids, limiting play to a few family get-togethers. He slowly let the guitar take up space in the corner, both physically and mentally. It ate at him over the years, prioritizing other life tasks above music. “Being creative and suppressing the thing that inspires you will always show its face in some way down the road.”

In 2020, he lost his faith, marriage, and his mother, all within 6 months of each other. It was a very trying year for Mikey, where foundations were rocked and perspective refocused. About a year later, he realized how much emotion had built up. He decided to seek out music once again to soothe and translate these emotions the best way he knew how. He joined open mics and started playing with various musicians. During this time, he tried his hand at rewriting unused lyrics from a friend. The result became his first complete song, “Fire Season.” This process inspired him to continue writing. From then on, he has averaged writing about 1 song a month.

When I asked about his process for songwriting, he expressed what many songwriters share: bits, lines, and unfinished melodies within the notes app, or “the graveyard.” For inspiration, he pulls thoughts from these bits or finds it while on a walk with his incredible other half, Amber. The practice of pulling this all together often comes late at night, when messing around with melodies. For Mikey, songs evolve with time and thought. His song “Cold as Hell” is on its fourth iteration with a different chord progression. He struggles sometimes with the deeply personal meanings behind songs and actually putting them into words without being too direct. Songs are very much healing and therapy for him. It’s been rewarding for Mikey to hear feedback on how unique his sound is. He’s noticed that his lyrics and offbeat style seem to capture men’s interest in particular, allowing an outlet for men to hear and feel some heavy emotional processing in action. His approach to songwriting mirrors the process of film. After working within that industry professionally for many years, this naturally emerges within the arc of his stories in songs. Epic battle climax and resolution that sometimes mirror the beginning. A learning curve. Evolution of ego death.

Mikey has been busy establishing the Brother Fantastic Trio, adding further layers of entertainment to the already compelling solo act. He’s joined by Landonious Monk, a longtime friend and collaborator, and a percussionist. They have their debut show coming up at the Reef on October 10th, 9:30 to 11:30. It’s sure to be a fantastic display of that genre-blending, catchy, urban-folk sound that’s been creating buzz in the valley.

Mikey is a rising contributor to the growing Boise music scene with a fresh perspective on being selective on shows and venues. He aims to make each performance special to the audience and pours a heap of heart and pride into those performances.

Brother Fantastic Advice:

Go to open mics. Support your musical friends. Enjoy the community you are a part of. Promote shows, make friends!

Be sure to follow Brother Fantastic on Instagram or his website to stay up-to-date on performance schedules! The Reef will be hosting the debut of the Brother Fantastic Trio on October 10th at 9:30 pm.

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The Wayne Byerly Band is made up of three members: Wayne, Bob, and Nick. The group is an unlikely mix of personalities, all hailing from vastly different backgrounds to form their special trio. Their strength is in their bond, their dedication to perfecting Wayne’s original sound, and their respect for each other’s work/life balance. They welcomed me to their practice space at Bob’s home studio to share their stories while also allowing me to share a bit of mine.

Wayne Byerly- The Vocals and Guitar

Wayne picked up a guitar for the very first time while serving a sentence in prison. He always dreamed of becoming a musician as an adolescent but never got the chance to pursue it. After a long stint of high-profile bank robberies, he found himself serving time and utilizing music as a way to pass the time. His cellmate was an experienced picker that taught him a few chords to start out with. Wayne was hooked on guitar from then on. During his last 3 years of sentencing, he practiced several hours every day. As he progressed, he began singing over chords and putting words to the melodies he was creating. He joined a band in prison named Mixed Nuts. They would play shows for the prisoners on holidays and special occasions, allowing him to get a feel for live audiences. He served his time, got out, committed more crimes, and served another sentence before marrying and having children. He didn’t touch the guitar for about 15 years as life and other priorities took precedence. He rebuilt a life with his family outside prison walls and became a fulfilled husband and father. After his mother passed, the family was cleaning out her home when he came across a lost tape recording of a Mixed Nuts performance. Hearing it reignited his passion. He started putting a studio together and playing again. After a couple of years, he built up the courage to attend local open mics. He met his bassist, Bob, during one of these performances, and they formed the duo that eventually became the trio. Wayne continues to write songs and practice his vocal lessons every day while he’s driving on his day job. Music gave him a voice, a second chance at life, and a way to cope with years of a high-stress life of crime. He has plenty to sing about and experiences to draw from, giving his lyrics the authentic grit of an outlaw turning his life around.

Bob—The Bassist

Bob is a retired automotive service manager with a love for all things music. He spent his career managing shops and service writing, limiting music to be a side hobby. Now that he has left the daily grind, he spends as much time in his home studio as possible. During high school, he attended many hard rock concerts. He loved music but didn’t quite have the drive to learn until a friend gave him a crash course on the bass. After borrowing it and practicing, he decided to keep at it after realizing he had an undeniable knack for it. Bob joined a cover band that eventually transitioned into creating and performing originals. He would write lyrics and bass lines for the band, and they would come together with their own parts to make it whole. He fell in love with the process of songwriting and recording, eventually building his own home studio to delve even further. He taught himself guitar and keys and brought in drummers to help him record his own tracks. About five years ago, Bob received a message from Wayne about putting a band together. Once they met and practiced together, they realized the fit was mutually perfect, and they formed the band. Bob is generous in assisting artists who want to record but don’t have enough funds to afford a big studio. He continues to record his own music alongside the band’s originals. He also manages the band’s communication, social media, booking, and recording performances for YouTube.

Nick- The Drummer

Nick was only 7 years old when he began playing drums. His dad was a professional trombonist, so he naturally took to that instrument as well. He focused on trombone primarily but later decided the drums had his heart. His Aunt Francis gave him different pieces of a drum set for each birthday, and he took lessons from a man named John Wacker from UNR. He was part of a couple bands in high school, Rottweiler and Freestyle, that played gigs at Elks lodges. He became a firefighter in Alaska before moving to Philly to attend Temple University for dental school. While attending university, he lived downtown and found the perfect ska/punk band to join. They toured and played parties, bars, and local gigs. After finishing dental school, he decided to become an oral surgeon and moved to Denver for schooling. There, he played in a band called Trashcan Fetus for a few years. He moved back to Idaho and opened his own practice in Caldwell. He played in Boise-based bands, Blind Fury and Tower 9, before joining The Wayne Byerly Band.

The band strives to play a live show every few months, planning and balancing performance with their lives outside of music. They have fun together and focus on delivery of Wayne’s originals over covers but aren’t opposed to throwing a couple fun ones into shows.

Be sure to follow The Wayne Byerly Band on their website, YouTube channel, and Facebook to stay up-to-date on their performance schedules! They’re also looking to add a lead guitarist to the mix, so if you’re out there reading this, reach out to Bob!

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EpicUnion is a seven-piece band focused on high-energy covers to get everyone up and moving on the dance floor. Their setlists are packed with memorable classics and popular new hits that keep crowds engaged. I caught up with each member at band practice and got to witness the epic union of personalities and talents that mesh so naturally.

Their manager, Dave Ficks, started EpicUnion with the intention of exciting crowds and making it a fun, performative show. They’ve played at places like Cactus Pete’s, The Heritage Social, and Westy’s, but have bigger sights in the coming years. They have a playful energy and take their camaraderie seriously. They keep each other supported through banter, encouragement, and lighthearted conversation. It is apparent how much each band member truly enjoys being a part of EpicUnion and the friendships that have formed from it. Their energy translates to the stage effortlessly, creating a fantastic dynamic of undeniable good vibes.

Dave Ficks: Band Manager and Drummer

Dave is the manager and founder of EpicUnion. He’s been in management throughout most of his career, so when he was inspired to start a band, leading it came quite naturally. He started playing drums at the age of 45 when his mother became ill, practicing while spending time with her. To recruit musicians, he put ads out on Craigslist. What resulted was the formation of his first band called Chronology. It was successful, with multiple members coming and going. Dave began EpicUnion as his vision evolved for what he wanted out of performances. After a period of gigging with both bands, and the eventual departure of some longtime Chronology members, he decided to shift gears and focus solely on EpicUnion. When I asked what advice he would give to anyone hoping to start a band, he said, “Define what success means for you.” Dave loves when the crowd is engaged and responding well to the music. He expresses so much love to his band members: “This group pulls out that energy and feedback.” He feels so grateful to have this group of people all collaborating and making play a priority.

Lori Power: Vocals

Lori Power started singing when she was 8 years old. She intuitively knew at her young age that it’s what she wanted to do for life. She got into dance and acting lessons during her adolescence and attended a musical arts college on a scholarship. When she graduated, she joined a cover band called Nightshift that toured Europe and Japan for a few years. Lori spent the next three years in Hawaii as the lead singer for The Blue Note Jazz Orchestra and a year singing and dancing for a dinner theater show in Tennessee. Shortly after, she became the lead production singer with Princess cruise lines and toured the world with them. After marrying and having children, her family settled in the Treasure Valley, where she opened Power Music & Dance Studio in Kuna. The studio has been wildly successful with over 500 students. She returned to the stage after joining EpicUnion two years ago, fulfilling her love of performing. She loves listening to everything and absorbing inspiration from all genres. Her presence is alluring and so fun to watch; she truly was made for performance.

Roger Leatham: Vocals

Roger has spent his whole life loving music and singing in particular. At age 13, he went to a Christian home and learned how to play “Jessie’s Girl” on the guitar through a few friends. He notes this because it ended up being his future wife’s favorite song-truly meant to be. After high school, Roger served 2 combat tours in the United States Marine Corps, earning several medals and ribbons during his service. When he returned home, he purchased an acoustic guitar and started playing and singing again. During this time of rediscovering his love for music, he heard his neighbor playing drums one day and decided to act. He wandered over and explained he wanted to start singing in a band setting. They ended up forming a band called Bucket List and played all over the valley. He’s also been a part of bands called DFZ and Classic Vinyl. He’s been with EpicUnion for about 8 months and feels at home with them. Roger is a huge family man; time spent with his family is his greatest joy next to performing music.

Sean Crawford: Keys/Synth

Sean grew up in Nampa, Idaho. His dad was a guitar player and taught him basic chords on piano. He took piano lessons for 8 years and became classically trained in his adolescence. In early adulthood, Sean became a DJ at a local skating rink and eventually formed his own wedding and event DJ business. He found EpicUnion on Craigslist and joined about 4 or 5 years ago after feeling it was the right move for him musically. Sean finds inspiration through all kinds of music, but Billy Joel and Bon Jovi are two of his favorites. He stays versatile with his taste in music, which helps immensely in the approach of the band’s range of genres. His greatest piece of advice for anyone pursuing music is finding the joy in it all. “When it stops being fun is when it becomes work.” He loves being able to crack jokes with the band and keep it lighthearted.

Miguel Socias: Guitar

Miguel began his musical journey in 7th grade playing trumpet. He played bass in his high school band and eventually worked with a Grammy-winning producer in 2010, recording at El Paso’s Sonic Ranch, Steakhouse Records, and Studio B in Nashville. He came to Idaho to sell real estate but ended up doing 80 shows with local bands during his first year in Boise. Miguel is a busy bee, subbing in at Humpin Hannah’s, playing bass in various bands in Boise, serving part-time, and selling real estate. He is a bass player by trade but plays lead guitar for EpicUnion, allowing him to expand his talents and tackle different complexities. Practice is a huge part of his process, and he takes it very seriously. Miguel appreciates the amount of grace that EpicUnion provides everyone. Playing guitar is not his first musical language, so it’s been a good setting to explore this avenue of play. His advice to anyone looking to get into music is just “go to shows and say ‘hi’ to people.” And of course, “practice your ass off.” He enjoys connecting with other musicians, it has led him to many different opportunities in the valley.

Kevin Sorrells: Guitar

Kevin’s mother, Rosalie Sorrels, was an international folk legend from Idaho. She gave him his first guitar when he was 7 years old. He approached her guitar player, Mitch Greenhill, to teach him. He taught him just one chord, E, and finger placement. Young Kevin started expanding off of that and practicing his newfound love, returning later to Mitch to play him the ‘E’ song. His first band was the Black Jackitz in high school, and he played in various bands in New York through the early 80s. He’s played in disco bands, metal bands, dance bands, and blues bands (notably jamming with BB King) and has met or worked with several prominent musicians. Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page are huge influences on his play. Kevin moved to Idaho in 1985 and got into a serious motorcycle accident in 1987 that required a reconstruction of his left hand. He couldn’t play guitar for about 7 years. During this period of time, he transitioned into the painting industry, doing commercial projects and taking a break from music. Kevin’s mother passed away in 2017, but before she passed, he made a pact with her that he would start playing guitar again. He joined Sista Sarah & Pocket of Bones, got involved with the blues society, and put together a music festival in honor of his mother in 2019—The Rosalie Sorrels Music Festival. Kevin first auditioned for the EpicUnion band in 2023 but didn’t officially join until 2025. His advice to band members: “Do your homework, no drama, and keep personal stuff out of it; work within the community and get involved, and always be on time for rehearsals.”

Matthew Galardi: Bass

Matthew always wanted to learn how to play guitar in childhood. He was inspired by all genres of music. He was about 20 years old when he picked up the guitar for the first time. After spending his life in the Bay Area, he felt the need to pursue another place to settle and ended up in Idaho to be near family in 2016. He joined Dave’s band, Chronology, soon after as a guitar player. When their bassist left, he volunteered to switch instruments to keep the band momentum going. He took to playing bass naturally and feels like he’s found his niche with it.

Since coming to Idaho, he has also played with various bands like “Alternate Wednesdays,” “Cabeza,” “X Degenerates,” “Lauren and The Nostalgics,” “Highway45,” “The Mike Johnston Band,” and “WickID Garden.” Alongside his presence in Epic Union, he currently plays with “Limited Edition” and the country band “ShotGlass.”

He loves EpicUnion for the camaraderie; he would go get a beer just to hang out with any one of them. “It feels like a sense of family.” He feels valued within the band and praises Dave for his management of the group. His advice for musicians: “Know that you’re going to make mistakes. Just go with the flow of making errors and recovering from them.”

Be sure to follow EpicUnion on their website, Instagram, and Facebook to stay up-to-date on their performance schedules!

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On September 12th and 13th, the Old Idaho Penitentiary will host their annual event showcasing 13 Stories, a film competition based on the lives of various prisoners over the course of the prison’s history. The event is open to the public with paid admission and will take place on both nights from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Guests can explore the grounds of the Old Idaho Penitentiary before screenings begin and purchase concessions.

We, at Treasure Valley Notes, are a wee bit biased on our favorite film in the mix. Our photographer, Rick Walters, has been hard at work writing and directing the film and pulling connections together to make it possible. His vision for the story of “Scoop,” Darrel Thurston, has taken on a creative life of its own after recruiting several Treasure Valley musicians to take part in the making of the film. Over the summer, the rambunctious bunch has managed to create melodies, lyrics, and scenes to portray the life of Darrel Thurston (with a few fictional embellishments). Members of Scotty Mac & the Nugs, 2 Shades of Gray, and Dozey Dubs are just a few local faces you may recognize throughout the film. Every song you hear and every face you see is directly correlated to the Treasure Valley music scene. There have also been countless volunteers from the community who have been involved in donating their time, space, vehicles, skills, and equipment. Rick attributes his success in gathering so many talented, accommodating individuals to making connections at open mics in the valley throughout the past year of living in Boise.

“The Boise open mic phenomenon (I call it that because that’s what it is, a phenomenon) is full of incredibly talented people, and all of them put in the effort and the time, practicing their work, meeting people, and putting themselves out there. It’s all very much a scene. I’ve only been in Boise for a year, but I knew early on that every one of us wanted to do something cool. So it was not a far stretch for all of my friends to say yes and jump on to do something really cool. After having lived on both coasts and in all of the major metropolises, I have to say that Boise’s open mic scene is the fastest moving, most creatively collaborative place I’ve ever been.

I think the outcome [of the movie] is really badass. It’s a 7-minute original musical from start to finish, all composed of local musicians. It’s the community that has evolved from it and the actionable relationships that have already become strong bonds that make it special.”

The storyline weaves through flashes of past and present as Darrell Thurston (played by Scotty Mac of Scotty Mac & the Nugs) settles into his sentencing at the Idaho Penitentiary. There are beautiful displays of lost love, hoots and hollers after bank robberies, harsh realizations of solitary confinement, and finding purpose in sport.

Local musician Dylan Olson (of Dozey Dubs or his solo project, Lover) has worked closely with Rick to score the film.

“I have always wanted to score a film, but this experience has reframed that experience in a new light for me. Instead of me interpreting a film and transcribing it musically, it has instead been a collaborative adventure with my peers whom I respect and trust. There has been no power struggle, and egos have been left at the door. Rather than a selfish proclamation, this film has felt like a group of archaeologists unearthing some ancient relic that they all suspected existed but didn’t fully believe could be real.”

Local violinist legend and singer/songwriter Alyssa Joy Claffey has been a huge asset to the project as well. “When I create violin parts for other people’s visions in the recording studio, I imagine myself as a paintbrush, waiting to be plucked up by the hands of a master and utilized to the utmost of my ability. Rick’s professionalism, preparedness, and ability to clearly articulate his vision, while instilling confidence and trust through his innate understanding of the dichotomy of steadfast support and space artists need to reach new heights, created the perfect conditions for artistic collaboration. Working with a composer of Dylan’s caliber opened doors in my brain that don’t normally get tapped into, and the synergy between our musical minds made movie music magic. It gave me chills, and it will give the audience chills too.”

Guests can expect a fun night in celebrating hard work and creative collaboration. Our Treasure Valley Notes crew will be present along with the cast and crew of “Scoop” to make this a truly special honoring of our local talent. This historical night will be one you don’t want to miss! Buy your tickets soon, as seating is limited. We will see you there!

Purchase tickets for Friday, September 12th.
Purchase tickets for Saturday, September 13th.

Devyn Rae has a wonderful, refreshing sound. I first heard her play at an open mic at Sturman’s Wine and Cigars about a year ago. I admired her style and how she carried herself with the crowd of listeners. She was confident and unafraid to be herself or take her music seriously. Her foresty green guitar is memorable, a semi hollow body Diamond Coupe Schecter. She proudly bought it from a longtime family dealer in Denver called Drum City Guitar Land. I was excited to catch up with her at Pig Latin in Eagle (one of the coolest atmospheres in the Treasure Valley); we had a lovely conversation about timing, the importance of staying true to your music, and navigating new territory as a musician in the Treasure Valley.

Devyn moved to the Boise area after a successful music tenure in the Denver area. She grew up in Colorado, watching her father play drums and setting her heart ablaze for songwriting and music of all genres. She got to experience a perfect blend of city life and living with her grandparents on their cattle ranch, instilling a deep appreciation for hard work. She started writing songs at just 8 years old, recalling the first one being about goldfish snacks. As she progressed, she learned guitar from her dad’s bandmate and continued to focus on lyrics to perceive her everyday life. She tagged along with her father at band practice (One From None) and loved everything about it: the routine of practice, the banter, and the work put in. When she was in middle school, she came home one day to tell her grandpa that she wanted to be a songwriter. His reaction was blunt: “No, don’t do that.” Her father, even in his successful musicianship, told her it would be difficult.

Despite this real-world advice, Devyn remained consistent in her practice, though a little apprehensive of the goal. She entered a talent show during her senior year in high school with an original song and placed 2nd. This unleashed a stage confidence that would carry her to her next aspirations. She drew inspiration from being an early 2000s emo girlie meshed with the alternative and rock bands her father was into. She also attributes much of her versatile taste to her mother, who loves rap, soul, and the blues. She notes Hiatus Kaiyote, an Australian R&B/soul band, as impactful on her own taste and approach to music.

Her mother also put her in contact with a producer friend, Mario Romero. Devyn started working with him in his studios and learned how to record and get comfortable with the stage. He was a mentor and a reality check with the music world. It was a hard lesson during this time about the reality of what is expected of women in music. “You plan on working out, right?” They were looking at her as a product. She was also given the suggestion of creating a target audience. She kept getting feedback she wasn’t expecting, but it kept her fueled. She eventually veered off of that pursuit and started doing open mic nights to get to know people during college.

Devyn dabbled in various degrees, playing music on the side. She met bandmates during this time and started Devyn Rae Music in 2013, playing gigs all over the Denver area (notably opening for Hello, Goodbye). In 2020 she decided to put all of her focus on music and earned her BA in music with a minor in songwriting. She was also part of a prog rock band called Cista Vinum-Latin for box wine. They played regularly for 5 years before breaking apart. A year later, her fiancé got a new job, and they chose to come to Boise after hearing about the budding music scene.

Devyn has since been working with Huston Vineyards and working on her music. She released her most recent EP, Heart of Soup, in November of 2024. Her earlier single releases, Gold, Little Things, and Ghost, all feature her father on the drums, something she is incredibly proud of. She gigs wherever and whenever she can and is continuing to navigate the whole new world of the Idaho music scene.

We talked about the struggle to feel impactful as a musician and sometimes letting our minds get away with us. How there are friends and family who are chasing selfless work and how this lifestyle feels a bit selfish at times. But on the other side of that, realizing that music plays such an incredible role in our lives, achievements, heartache, and love. Songwriters expose feelings that listeners can relate to and feel heard. Music is a connective tissue that has bonded humans since the dawn of time.

When I asked Devyn what advice she would give to anyone looking to pursue music, she related it to speaking to her younger self, little Dev. “Just continue to believe in what you’re doing. Believe that it is something good, not just for yourself but for others around you. Believe that there’s more to life than just what you’re doing right now, but don’t get tunnel vision. Don’t be so committed that you lose everything else in life. Don’t stop doing it for anyone. Keep going and believe that this is something that was supposed to happen. Believe that it’s something that matters. Try not to get stuck in the bullshit, and keep that little person inside of you inspired and alive. So much of it dies over time with so many of us. As musicians, our job is to keep the magic alive.”

Devyn is a warm person with so much talent to share with the world. I enjoy her personality and drive, her kindness, and her confident knowing of purpose.

Click here to find out more about Devyn or book her for a show! Give her a follow on Instagram and check out her original music on Spotify or Apple Music.

Subscribe to Treasure Valley Notes to stay up-to-date on all of Devyn’s upcoming shows!

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Landonious Monk, Landon, Lando, or Landog is a Boise local rocking stages all over the valley within several projects. He is savvy with just about any instrument he picks up, teaches guitar lessons out of Dorsey Music, and somehow balances his solo acts amongst 800 other projects. His stage name, Landonious Monk, is based off of the eccentric jazz piano player, Thelonious Monk.

He grew up in Salt Lake City but found home in Boise in the early 2000s. His earliest memories of music were with his dad, who introduced him to various styles. He recalled The Doors and Billy Joel specifically as being prominent during these formative years. He would become mesmerized by watching the hammers of the piano keys as his dad played. He started playing piano as his first instrument, but it didn’t quite stick after sloughing off practices with his sister. When he was 12, he saved all his money from birthdays to buy an acoustic guitar. He saw a Pearl Jam live performance on TV that inspired him to keep practicing and improving. His now brother-in-law was a huge influence on him musically after he sold him his first guitar. He became an enthusiastic teacher that Landon admired.

Landon played in a duo act with Nick G for several years part-time before moving to Boise. Landon then joined a band called The Rockafellas with his dad and several other experienced musicians. He attributes this span of time as a period of immense musical growth and learning. While music was always a part of his life in adolescence and into adulthood, he was always told to be realistic about it being a career. He had a daughter to care for by this time and sought out “real” jobs outside of his musical love. He  worked in IT for 10 years before finally calling it quits to pursue music full time. Three years ago, he had a real moment of clarity and decided he was only going to do what he loves, all the time: music.

The first year and a half was building the pipeline and learning several songs for various bands. He started getting the word out that he was teaching guitar and building a student base. He started working at Dorsey Music a few days a week, where he also hosts his guitar lessons. Now, it is constant, averaging 7 gigs a week between guitar lessons, guitar repair, and hosting the open mic at Westy’s on Tuesday nights. No days off for the love of the game! When I asked how he manages to keep it all organized, Landon explained his old-school method of a “big giant calendar.”

Landon takes part in several projects in the valley. He performs solo as Landonious Monk with a looper and the occasional weird instrument or two. He plays in Matty J and the Grays, a Ween tribute band called Boognish Rising, Lauren and the Nostalgics, Jupiter Holiday, Thomas Paul and Friends, and a duet called Those Nice Boys that plays in local retirement homes. He’s quick to agree to a last-minute fill-in for bands in need and is always looking for opportunities that interest him musically. He wakes up every morning to the strict routine of playing music from 6:30 to 8:30 before diving into his fully scheduled days.

Landon has an impressive 15 solo albums out. Last Week, the 15th installment to his discography was released just a few weeks ago. He likes to think of each album as a musical journal of his life.

When I asked what advice he would give to anyone looking to pursue music, he said, “Be authentic—there’s always going to be someone who doesn’t like what you’re doing. Be yourself and you’ll find the people who want to find you.”

I’ve known Landon from my nervous open mic nights, guitar lessons, watching him at various venues, to this interview, and selling me all my sound equipment to launch my own music journey. He is so supportive of the music community in the Treasure Valley and someone you want in your corner!

Follow Landon on Facebook and Instagram and message him to improve your guitar skills! Check out his full discography on Spotify or Apple Music.

Subscribe to Treasure Valley Notes to stay up-to-date on all of Landonious’ upcoming shows.

Interested in being featured in a “Deep Dive”? Contact us HERE!

When I think of Scotty Mac & The Nugs, I think of high energy. I think of a bunch of cool dudes having the time of their lives on stage and indulging every audience member in their reachable force field. Their vibrancy is infectious, their setlist is varied to perfection, and each of their individual talents placed together is something of magic. Every member of Scotty Mac & The Nugs has a genuine air about them. They are down-to-earth, kind men with an affinity for making everything around them a good time. They love their fans, they love Idaho and the people that inhabit this beautiful state. Their bond is strong; it’s incredibly evident on stage or off. This is why it works so well, combined with each of their undeniable talent, work ethic, and respect for each other. Every one of their shows is a gift from their rock star hearts. They’re doing what they love and pouring their souls into every performance.

I caught up with Scotty Mac & The Nugs at Heritage Social for an “all country” night. They were on at prime time, so I took each of them aside pre-show to discuss their musical backgrounds, what they love about it all, and how they maintain balance within the band.

Scotty Mac – The Lead Nug

Scotty was born and raised in Idaho. He spent his youth in sports and gives credit to his time as a high-level wrestler for teaching him how to lose but still remain vigilant in life and what he wants out of it. While he always appreciated music, observing his dad in bands growing up, he didn’t start playing until the age of 21. This is when he first picked up a guitar and started working on his vocals. He and his dad started playing duo sets around the valley. During this time, he met Max at an open mic. They became instant friends, creating a trio and propelling Scotty into the love of performing. He had caught the bug at that point, wanting nothing less than to be a musician and do this for the rest of his life. He found pleasure in being on stage and the adrenaline rush that accompanies it. With encouragement from his family and friends, he dialed in his sound and kept at it. Fast forward to today, and they’re playing for crowds of 1000+ and getting recognition all over Idaho and beyond. Earlier this year, the group got to open up for Sara Evans for a crowd of over 3000 people. It was a “special night.”

Scotty is forward thinking; he’s always got something going on to build on his musicianship or presence in the Idaho music community. He recently started Inspired Talent, an entertainment booking agency for artists in the Treasure Valley. He also hosts weekly open mics and will be starring in a short musical film to be released in September. Through all of this, Scotty remains humble and hardworking. The band and how they operate is always the priority. He’s excited about the band growing closer and revitalizing the buzz around writing, their community presence, and playing bigger shows. When I asked what advice he would have for anyone wanting to follow in his footsteps, he had this to say: “Shed the need for validation; just search within yourself for joy within what you are doing. Connect with people and know it’s going to be a journey. It can be fun, or it could be a bitch—it’s how you perceive it.”

Max – Guitar Nug and OG

Max is the guitarist and original member of Scotty Mac & the Nugs. His first ever gig was at Crescent Brewery in 2021, where he also ended up hosting an open mic. This is where Max and Scotty first met and started playing music together. Max fell in love with guitar and the thrill of it all in his early 20s. He played the trumpet all throughout middle and high school and drew inspiration for his music from bands like Def Leppard, Avenged Sevenfold, and Guns n Roses. He recalled hearing Def Leppard when he was 8 or 9 and it being a definitive moment of realization for him. A before and after. He was destined to play loud. His grandpa was the bass player in a band called Boney Jello in the Teton Valley, which also influenced his exposure to music early in life.

The energy is always a big difference maker for him at venues, and it can change often. The band is the priority, and, like the rest of the Nugs, he focuses on maintaining their friendships with each other. His advice for anyone wanting to follow in his footsteps would be to “play your instrument a lot, more than you think you need to.” At the same time, he advises getting out there and doing it. Go to open mics, network, and meet other musicians. This is exactly how Max and Scotty went about playing and growing the band…and it propelled them to where they are now.

Victor – Bassist Nug

When Victor was a kid, his dad would play the “guess the band” game. He would play him a song and be quizzed on whoever was performing. It’s when he first became aware of music and what a difference it would make in his life. He loved the Beatles and Ozzy Osbourne. When he was about 11, he and his sister were listening to Green Day’s Longview. He heard the bassline and decided he wanted to play that immediately. For his birthday, his parents gifted him a bass, and the start of a beautiful future began. Ever since he conceived it was possible to play bass professionally, he never considered anything else. He was born and raised in New Jersey, attending a performing arts high school where all of his teachers were well versed in various musical abilities and instruments. It gave him the skill set and confidence to take music seriously. He was offered a scholarship at Catawba in North Carolina but ended up taking a band gig instead. Victor learned so much during this period of time about performing and being on stage. He recalled one of his favorite places to play in Atlantic City, Boneyard Bar and Grill. He came out to Boise two years ago and joined the Nugs. While he misses some aspects of the East Coast, he loves the people here. The crowds and other musicians are kind and much cooler about things; it’s less competitive. He likes to keep it cool when things don’t go as planned, knowing that things never go as planned—’tis life, right?

His advice to aspiring musicians would be to keep practicing. “If your goal is to play music, you have to cut out whatever in your life that holds you back. The number one thing is to keep having fun. Stop playing with people that don’t make it fun and be comfortable on stage for the energy of the crowd.”

Kaleb – Guitar Nug

Kaleb is a Mississippi boy. The first band he was ever obsessed with was AC/DC, which propelled him down a rabbit hole. He originally started playing drums as a kid but picked up the guitar at age 13. The world became a better place because of it. He was inspired by a lot of 60’s music—the Stones, the Beatles, the Doors, and Jefferson Airplane—getting into Zeppelin and Hendrix later. He set out to be a trucker for his profession in life but realized his guitar skills could allow him to do it professionally. He came to Idaho to play with Tularosa after Casey Sheldon’s exit. He eventually left that project to go play guitar in Casey’s band. After a little hiatus, he was chatting with Scotty after several glasses of wine up in Idaho City when he agreed to play with the band.

He’s quick to give compliments to everyone that inspires him in the Treasure Valley—Noble Holt, Kevin Littrell, Casey Sheldon, Buddy DeVore, and the guys in Prairie Blue. He’s happy at the moment, enjoying life with the Nugs and playing, joking that he has a well-functioning writer’s block and no need to write music at the moment. He praises the band for how well they’re all able to function and specifically wanted a shout-out to the lighting guy at the Heritage—shout-out to Greg! (I paid attention to this during the show… and it really doesn’t get much better than what magic that guy was churning out). His best advice for anyone wanting to get into music is a Richard Pryor joke I’ll leave out for young readers. Hehe. He advises any musicians to not get complacent. Complacency will halt innovation. Also—don’t be judgmental and listen to everything.

Morgan Mason – The drummer Nug

Morgan is the newest member of the Nugs, joining in spring of 2025. He moved to the Boise area from Bend, Oregon, last year and has already made a name for himself. He started drumming when he was just 8 years old; he felt compelled to play music. His dad was a huge musical influence on him, sharing the love of Led Zeppelin, Metallica, and Rush. He and his dad got to see Rush live, and he notes Neal Peart as one of his biggest influences musically.

Morgan originally met Scotty at the Heritage. He started playing with the Nugs when they needed a replacement drummer and consequently joined the band. This came just in time to play a big show opening for Creed Fisher. He’s always wanted to be a musician; there was never a question in his mind about being or doing anything else. His advice for anyone following in his footsteps is to “put your head down and act like you already made it.” He’s the youngest member of the Nugs but fits in seamlessly. Morgan noted that he’s never felt more comfortable or appreciated in a band setting before. Being with the Nugs makes him feel grounded. They got to know each other quickly, and it has been the perfect opportunity for him to grow with a band.

You can follow Scotty Mac & the Nugs on Instagram and Facebook to catch an upcoming show. You can also listen to their originals on Spotify or Apple Music.

Stay up to date with live music events in the Treasure Valley with Treasure Valley Notes, and be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook! Also, don’t miss the complete photo gallery from Rick Walters.

Rita Hill is a rockin’ lady who has fulfilled many titles over the course of her life: abuelita, mom, law enforcement public information officer, photojournalist, business owner, and, what brought me to interview her, singer/songwriter. I met with her and her husband in downtown Nampa at Whiskey River. They were having their weekly open mic night, and I was eager to check it out. Rita and her husband, Mike, greeted me warmly upon entering the lively bar. We got right into the thick of living life and the thrill of a musical existence…while Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” played overhead. Fitting, somehow.

Rita and her husband moved to the Boise area two years ago from Lodi, California. They had fallen in love with Idaho years ago while on an RV trip and decided it would be their retirement destination. When they arrived in Boise, Rita connected with the music community immediately by joining the Idaho Songwriters Association and attending local open mics.

Music inspired Rita from a young age, spurred by a musically talented family. Her father was a musician in the local Tejano scene, and her brothers formed their own band. She recalled observing her two older brothers’ band practice while hiding under their bed to listen. She later found a beat-up guitar in an alleyway that those same brothers helped her restring and repair. She then taught herself how to play at the local library. By junior high and high school, Rita was writing songs regularly. She won a talent contest with one of those songs. It ended up being featured within the cheerleaders chant routine at games.

As life progressed, Rita grew into the ever-shifting life roles of mother and wife, setting her music aside to give her energy to her family. A writer’s mind can never lie completely dormant, however. Rita jotted down lines of songs between the demands of life and work that she would eventually revisit. When writing, her inspirations come in many forms. Movies or life events will spark ideas that come to her sometimes in the middle of the night. She loves feel-good songs but can spin a heartbreaker just as well.

After witnessing the terror of 9/11/2001, Rita felt compelled to write a song about the national tragedy. The very next day, she had a heartfelt tribute about being strong in light of the attacks. “Got to Be Strong” was picked up by the Fox network, and it was featured against a montage of footage alongside Rita performing it live within the news studios.

Rita met her current husband, Mike, while working for the sheriff’s department in Madera. She was hired to photograph his band, and the rest is history! He inspired her to continue writing and performing. She looks to him for encouragement and reassurance in times of self-doubt. Support like that goes a long way!

I was so happy we were in a setting where I could also see her perform. Her friendly personality comes alive onstage. She has a natural-born ability to weave words together in catchy melodies. Her lyrics flow in and out of English and Spanish, adding a distinctive sound and unexpected highlight when listening. I loved her unapologetic song, “Mama’s Rockin.” It’s a genre I’m deeming “classy mama wine rock.”

She is starting to take her songs more seriously, entering songwriting contests and looking to perform more throughout the Treasure Valley. She played in an all-female band called the ‘Cover Girls’ in Lodi. She would love to start something like this in Idaho (shoutout to any lady rockers looking for a band). Her heart is set on performing original songs, as covers feel a little foreign to her songwriter’s mind. Most recently, she has been playing at Nazca Coffee on the occasional Sunday. Rita also frequents Treasure Valley open mics.

When I asked Rita what advice she would have for someone wanting to follow in her footsteps, she quickly responded. “Write from the heart. Don’t try to be like someone else.” We discussed how authenticity is important when writing and performing. Audiences connect to lyrics that have been felt by the artist.

Rita is a gem of a human with a warm personality and a playful perspective on life and music. You can find her music on YouTube and follow her on Facebook to stay up to date on what’s in store!

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On the western edge of our beloved Treasure Valley, The Frosty Badger is a beacon for all things creative. With humble beginnings as a run-down building, Lee and Lisa Newman combined their passions and experience with renovation to create this beautiful event space in Ontario, Oregon.

The facility has over 9,000 square feet of space and includes a professional recording studio, art studio, full kitchen, lobby, outdoor courtyard, and main event area. It can accommodate medium-sized weddings, parties, concerts, or small get-togethers at a reasonable fee. Musicians can also book recording sessions in the studio space at a reasonable price. Darren Reynolds, a veteran engineer in recording and live audio, oversees the recording space.

The name “Frosty Badger” comes from a combination of conversations the couple had while living on the coast of Oregon. Lee used to point out “badger holes” to Lisa while hiking, and Lisa mistakenly thought the ocean mist was “frost” after spending most of her life in Michigan. They playfully made fun of these little naiveties in the name of their creative passion project. While The Frosty Badger name has a fun, personal meaning, I also think it’s a hell of a catchy name. Who will forget “The Frosty Badger”?

Both Lee and Lisa have creative aspirations. Lee is a singer/songwriter who had a goal of creating a welcoming, robust recording studio. Lisa is a visual artist, so it was equally important to the couple to include an art studio in the venture. Guests can observe the art gallery and purchase items while attending a show!

The restoration of the building was not all sunshine and rainbows. There were broken windows and evidence of squatters. The entire building had to be renovated. It was a huge project for the couple, but they were up to the task. As a result, they’ve provided an excellent space for Ontario and beyond to celebrate music, art, and life’s parties.

Lee and Lisa invited us out to The Frosty Badger for their recent concert hosting of the lovely Margo Cilker. I was immediately impressed. Lee and Lisa are welcoming hosts with a genuine, caring energy. It is evident how much love and passion went into renovating the building and creating a shared space for their neighbors, fellow Oregonians, Idahoans, and the creative collective to thrive. Upon entering, the lobby is large and inviting. It has space for artist merch and a host desk for greeting. The stage itself, lighting, and sound are dialed in perfectly. Lee gave a brief but heartfelt introduction to the band; he had been trying to get Margo out for quite some time and has been a fan for years. While introductions are typical at live music venues, this felt more personable. Lee and Lisa were present and engaged with the band, guests, and their employees. It was lovely to witness. The Frosty Badger feels like a local, 2nd home; a place for creatives to feel valued and praised.

In addition to the live music, a local food truck named Curb Appetit was present and able to utilize the kitchen space for guests. We munched on a teriyaki chicken bowl that was fabulous. Lee and Lisa have also gained a liquor license to serve beer and wine at events.

While live performances are limited, Lee and Lisa stay busy throughout the year with the space being rented out for businesses, parties, weddings, baby showers, dance classes, and a myriad of other community events. Our experience with The Frosty Badger was wonderful, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for Lee and Lisa!

Follow The Frosty Badger to stay up to date on any upcoming music events!

Book The Frosty Badger for a private event HERE!

Interested in booking recording studio time? Call or email The Frosty Badger for available rates and times!

Stay up to date with live music events in the Treasure Valley with Treasure Valley Notes and be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook! Also, don’t miss the complete photo gallery from Rick Walters.