Troy Lambert
Why do we love Treefort Boise so much? Well, a big part of it is the vibe. And as members of the media, we get a different insight into things. As I stood in the camera pit waiting for Shannon and the Clams to start their set, a couple of fans shouted encouragement for the band to start.
I turned and looked at them. “Hi, I’m Will,” one said, extending his hand to shake.
I took it. He and four of his friends had their faces painted and covered in glitter. “You got a little something on your cheek there,” I told him.
“Just a little,” he said, pointing to another friend. “It’s her fault. She’s the artist.” I noted, with a smile, that she only had glitter on her face, no paint like her male companions. She’d done a good job of glamming them all up.
We talked and laughed for a couple of minutes, talking about where we were from and why we were here. I should have taken a couple of quick shots of them. Instead, I just let the conversation happen. (The shot above was a more candid crowd shot)
“See you around,” Will told me.
“You know I will,” I said. And indeed, I saw them in the distance at another show later in the evening.
The Crowds
One of the coolest things about Treefort is the crowds. There were zero issues at any venue where I went, and everyone was respectful and kind. People naturally flowed around the stage for those who wanted to get a closer look, and people wandered in and out, and seemed conscious of trying not to block other people’s view.
It is important to understand that many of the venues, including the main stage, are standing room only. You won’t find a place to sit except at some of the bars and breweries. But there are plenty of places to take a break if you need one, including Alefort, which opens today.
Everyone has a stainless steel cup, at least those who are drinking, and you’ll see a variety of them from previous years and even other festivals.
If you’re a talkative person, you will find new friends in the crowd. (Or if you are a big guy like me wearing a media badge). But plenty of people are wearing masks, standing apart, and keeping to themselves if that is your vibe.
The Bands
As fans and attendees it is important to know that the bands are here to have fun and to meet new people. They want to reach out to fans when appropriate, but I was able to have candid, unscheduled chats with more than one band, including Guy Keltner of Acid Tongue.
There are some who want you to wear masks up close and personal, but most, including lo-fi (one of my favorites who I saw at Pengilly’s on Wednesday evening) are fine talking to fans.
“We’re having a blast,” the lead singer told me. “Treefort is one of our favorite events to attend and to participate in.”
If you are respectful when you approach, and you just act like - well, a human being - you could get a chance to talk to people you wouldn’t otherwise.
The Media
“Hi, I’m Steve,” one photographer introduced himself. “Who are you shooting for?”
That sparked a conversation between four of the photographers in the camera pit, waiting for the bands to begin. We shared who we were, where we were from (some from Everton, Salt Lake, and Portland), and why we were “working” at Treefort.
Similar to the crowd, camera and mic operators flowed around each other naturally, moving in for a shot, and them moving out to give another photographer that angle. It was warm in the pit at times, so we moved in and out, drank water, kept an eye on each other’s equipment bags, and more.
We didn’t know each other, yet we became a community for each show, all with a common goal: to share this event with the world.
And that’s what Treefort is really all about. This vibe. This community. If you can, join us.
And if you can’t, we’ll keep sharing these moments with you.
By Troy Lambert
