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 Meet a local artist |
1015 Main Street Boise, ID 83709 United States +1 208 331 3374 http://www.artsourcegallery.com/ |
The 60-foot wall in this artist-owned gallery will catch your attention. The hand-painted wall, titled "History of Art", displays the creativity of the gallery's artists. And it is just the tip of the iceberg. Oil, watercolor and acrylic paintings and pencil drawings unfold in this 40-artist gallery. There is a medium for every taste including pottery, jewelry, photography and sculpture. Featuring the largest gallery-owned collection of paintings in Boise, the gallery hosts local artists daily. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
 Calling all art-lovers |
700 South Capitol Boulevard (Julia Davis Park) Boise, ID 83702 United States +1 208 345 8330 http://www.boiseartmuseum.org |
This free event has been around since Leonardo Da Vinci painted the Mona Lisa. Well, the annual three-day festival may not be that antiquated, but it is one of the nation's best outdoor arts-and-crafts extravaganza. Held at the Julia Davis Park in early September, the festival hosts artists from around the West showing off and selling their works. It also offers food booths, face-painting for children (OK, adults, too), and live music. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Buddy Stone |
 Photo: Jared Desjarlais  |
 Photo: Jared Desjarlais |
 Photo: waynes377 |
 Modern and classical dance |
501 South Eighth Street Boise, ID 83702 United States +1 208 343 0556 http://www.balletidaho.org |
Under Artistic Director Toni Pimble's guidance, this local dance troupe offers performances that range from classical ballet to modern masterpieces. The dance company also teaches a wide variety of classes for young dancers to older students. Both the instructors and professional company have international backgrounds, dancing across the United States and world. Performances and classes take place throughout the year. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
 Dance the night away |
416 South Ninth Street Boise, ID 83702 United States +1 208 367 1212 http://www.bigeasyconcerts.com |
Adding a touch of New Orleans to the Eighth Street Marketplace, this concert venue offers national and local acts. Boasting well-known performers like James Brown, the club brings a Mardi Gras-style dance party to Boise. Offering beads, Cajun cuisine, New Orleans beverages and Disco dancing. It also features a New York-themed dance club with techno lights and sounds. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jason Davis |
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Dance to blues and rock |
1010 West Main Street Boise, ID 83702 United States +1 208 345 6605 |
This downtown nightspot offers you no choice but to get your groove on. The charming long, narrow bar has a New Orleans feel to it. The stage, near the back of the bar, draws various local blues, rock and reggae bands. On occasion, the venue features more prominent acts. Open since 1993, this club provides ample seating and two pool tables close to the Main Street entrance. Formerly called the "Bouqet," the bar has been at its original site since 1902. The clientele, although diverse, is generally aged 28-45. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Buddy Stone |
 Boise at its best! |
850 W Front St Boise, ID 83702 United States +1 208 336 8900 http://www.boisecentre.com |
Water gushes from a cascading fountain in the middle of the red brick courtyard of this entertainment complex in downtown Boise. The plaza is a gathering place for public events, especially musical concerts . The interior offers a convention center, banquet facilities for up to 1,800 diners, and 20 meeting rooms. The elegant Grove Hotel (The), A Coast Hotel is also located here along with the Italian eatery, Emilio's Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
 Enjoy area's best musicians |
516 South Ninth Street Boise, ID 83702 United States +1 208 344 7849 / +1 888 300 7849 http://www.boisephilharmonic.org |
Although country-western music still reigns in Idaho, the Philharmonic soothes classical music fans with a rich selection of concerts throughout the year. Performing in the Morrison Center for the Performing Arts or Swayne Auditorium in nearby Nampa, the area's best musicians perform everything from Berlioz to Beethoven, often attracting international artists. The repertoire includes Handel's Messiah in December and a free family concert in May. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Serving eclectic art since 1967 |
1022 Main Street Boise, ID 83702 United States +1 208 342 6661 |
Boxy letters in a plain script are the first things that visitors to this gallery notice. But once inside, the gallery is anything but plain. Bold paintings by regional and national artists jump out from the walls. Original art in a variety of media and styles make this gallery an eclectic place to browse. The prices also reflect the wide range of works offered. In addition, the gallery features appraisals, consultations, custom framing and restoration services. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Buddy Stone |
 Hands-on gallery |
598 West Main Street Boise, ID 83702 United States +1 208 342 3822 |
The brightly colored walls of this Old Boise gallery match the equally bright pottery scattered throughout the store. If the artist inside you is itching to get out, then check out this hands-on gallery. Customers can either order dinnerware to their specifications or make their own. The store provides all the materials, including pottery, paints, kiln and, of course, guidance. The gallery also provides party entertainment and offers a bridal registry. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Asian textiles and jewelry |
415 South Eighth Street Boise, ID 83702 United States +1 208 384 0514 |
This sleek, elegant gallery gives downtown Boise an exotic air. Luscious Oriental carpets and tribal rugs are prominently featured. The gallery, through a connection with a refugee weavers program, contributes its own line of handmade Turkish rugs, made from vegetable dyes. The gallery also displays Asian antique furnishings, accessories and jewelry. All of these items are found on the owners' yearly Asian excursions. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jason Densmer |
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Cross the Nile |
700 West Main Street Boise, ID 83702 United States +1 208 342 1441 |
Built in the 1920s, this Egyptian-inspired theater is a nostalgic downtown masterpiece. Located at the corner of Capitol Boulevard and Main Street, the cinema hosts hieroglyphs and Egyptian gods on the exterior and interior of the theater. The pipe organ, which at one time accompanied silent movies, is a reminder of Hollywood's golden era. Today, movie-goers enjoy current films in an original atmosphere and relive a bygone era. Admission prices vary. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Michael Sauers |
 Photo: Valerie Sinco |
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Center for opera, ballet and philharmonic |
516 South Ninth Street Boise, ID 83702 United States +1 208 345 9116 http://www.espaa.org |
Located in a 1910 warehouse and extensively remodeled, the brick performing arts center opened in 1992. Four bronze figures sit outside this performing arts center. One figure is a dancer. Another plays the violin, while the third one sings. The fourth figure symbolizes the audience. These four works of art come together perfectly to reflect what the center is all about: opera, dance and music. This establishment has given Opera Idaho,Ballet Idaho, and the Boise Philharmonic performance and office space. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Oldest commercial gallery |
112 North Sixth Street Boise, ID 83702 United States +1 208 385 0279 |
Three wooden pillars accent the porch on this small gallery established in 1935. Located in Boise's historic district, the gallery is considered to be the Northwest's oldest commercial gallery. Its history and location has made it a downtown mainstay. Visitors will find that local artists are well represented. Paintings by Delbert Gish and Archie B. Teater are often on display, as well as rotating displays by other local artists. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Home to Three Acting Companies |
854 Fulton St Boise, ID 83702 United States +1 208 331 9224 http://www.bctheater.org |
Rising from an old warehouse, this Boise theater is home to three acting companies. The 25,000 square-foot facility seats about 230 people in a simple, brick wall-lined space. However, theatergoers will find plenty of color in the lobby decorations and, of course, on stage. Boise Contemporary Theater and Balance Dance Company call it home, while the Idaho Shakespeare Festival offers classes and houses its administrative offices here. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Club provides plenty of laughs |
404 South Eighth St Suite 200 Boise, ID 83702 United States +1 208 331 2603 http://www.funnyboneusa.com/bo... |
Located in the Eighth Street Market Place, this dark and sometimes smoky night club was voted one of the Top 10 comedy clubs of its kind by USA Today. Fairly new to the area, it is a great place to see fresh talent before they make it big. So, if you need a good laugh, this is the place to go. It is hard to beat the admission price or the appetizers and drinks. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Daniel Foster |
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Regional and international art |
850 Main Street Boise, ID 83702 United States +1 208 336 5899 |
Unfolding in crisp, clean lines, this downtown gallery offers a mix of regional and international artists. Visitors will recognize many names, such as Bev Doolittle, James Christensen, Jane Wooster-Scott, Will Bullas and Simon Combes. Local artists, however, will also leave their mark on your memory with original paintings. Idaho and wildlife scenes accent the walls, while graphics and porcelains are also well represented. The gallery highlights its offerings with custom framing. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Mainstay offers live rock |
621 West Main Street Boise, ID 83702 United States +1 208 345 7557 |
This popular bar is one of the veterans of Boise's downtown nightlife. Live blues and rock acts pound out cover tunes at this centrally located watering hole. The Rocci Johnson Band, an old mainstay, plays its own original tunes here. A balcony overlooks the stage and dance floor. Darts, pool and video games also are located downstairs. Despite a smattering of college students, the clientèle is generally 30 and older. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Cut loose or lounge around |
107 South Sixth Street (corner of Sixth and Main streets) Boise, ID 83702 United States +1 208 345 2505 |
This rockin' place is located directly underneath Tom Grainey's Sporting Pub bar and provides an excellent outlet for Boise's rock and funk music scene. Boogie the night away to local disco band "$oul Purpo$e" or hear contemporary classics from "Eazy Loader". The club underwent a facelift in 1998 and created a more lounge like atmosphere. So, if you don't want to get down, lie around. Some advice: Be wary of low ceilings. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Delicious dinners and live entertainment |
333 South Ninth Street Boise, ID 83702 United States +1 208 385 0021 http://www.kedproductions.com/ |
The plays presented by this professional troupe of actors changes every season. However, customers are always guaranteed a great time. The dinner portion of the entertainment is completely catered and always delicious. The 160-seat theater, located near Eighth Street Marketplace, is ample yet intimate. Plays have included "One Special Gift" and "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum". Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Healthy food and soulful tunes |
409 South Eighth Street Boise, ID 83702 United States +1 208 345 0452 |
Boise's oldest coffee house is located in the even older Eighth Street Marketplace. Opening in 1979, this vegetarian-friendly coffee shop also hosts folk musicians on Friday and Saturday nights, and occasionally during weekdays. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, the restaurant specializes in organic food. Hearty sandwiches and wraps burst with vegetables, and spicy curry dishes satisfy those seeking a "hot" meal. Appetizers include homemade soups and a selection of salads. Dessert-lovers also find plenty to satisfy their desire for sugar. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Dining for the art-starved |
500 West Main Street Boise, ID 83702 United States +1 208 338 5006 |
Diners enjoy an artistic atmosphere in this small cafe, owned by former dancers with Ballet Idaho. Featuring a rotating display of paintings and sculptures, the colorful eatery offers artist-inspired sandwiches, like the Giacometti, a mixture of turkey, Gouda cheese, lettuce and onion. Appetizers include sampling platters and the Painters Palates, which feature delicacies such as Brie, blackberries and mushrooms. The wine list is generous, and the wait staff is helpful with its suggestions. Saturday nights bring live entertainment. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Eclectic music mecca |
111 North 11th Street Boise, ID 83702 United States +1 208 343 0886 http://www.neurolux.com |
Live music, a full bar...and an enormous blinking and flashing Best Western hotel sign behind the stage welcome visitors to perhaps the city's most hip club. In addition to often-peculiar patrons, pinball, pool and Ms. Pac-Man fill the space of the dim, smoke-filled narrow building on the periphery of downtown's nightlife. Bands, ranging from the obscure local to the borderline mainstream variety; Cherry Poppin' Daddies, Built to Spill; usually play Thursday through Saturday. Other nights, DJs spin music and wannabe models strut their stuff at fashion shows. Cover varies. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Poopy Lickles |
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Something for every opera lover |
501 South Eighth Street Boise, ID 83702 United States +1 208 345 3531 http://www.operaidaho.org |
For a state that is better known for its rodeo than opera, this local opera company lives up to its classical roots. Whether performing Mozart, Puccini or local composers, the performances always include both local and international talent. The Boise Philharmonic accompanies the Opera, making the performances talent-packed events. The Opera Idaho Children's Chorus also perform, often at the Idaho Shakespeare Festival outdoor amphitheater. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Specialty jewelry from 90 artists |
818 West Idaho Street Boise, ID 83702 United States +1 208 385 9337 http://www.rgreygallery.com |
Hand-crafted jewelry, creatively displayed in the large picture windows of this gallery, catches the eyes of passersby. Inside, the well-designed gallery space gives visitors plenty of room to move around and appreciate the delicate works of art. Open for 14 years and in the current location for the past six years, this gallery features pieces with an Asian influence by jewelry artist Passiko True and pottery by ceramic specialist Erik Kingston. Signature gallery works include Confetti Garnet, Dice Bracelet, Hydraform Rings, and Turquoise/Moonstone Necklace. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Slice of South Pacific art |
810 Bannock Street Boise, ID 83702 United States +1 208 343 8790 |
African masks gaze at customers and brightly-painted pottery and glassware adorn the shelves at this downtown gallery and shop that specializes in works from the South Pacific. Shoppers can browse through art from New Zealand, Australia, Tonga, Samoa and Fiji. Ranging from wood carvings to baskets, the store offers customers original art. Whimsical blue-framed paintings depict simple beach scenes, while pottery pieces take on eclectic shapes. Gift wrapping and shipping is also available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Live music hotspot |
109 South Sixth Street (corner of Sixth and Main streets) Boise, ID 83702 United States +1 208 345 2505 |
A hotspot for live music, this tavern also is one of Boise's most intimate bars. The immaculate and charming interior makes up for the downtown club's lack of space. Local rock-'n'-roll favorites "The Rebecca Scott Decision" and "Fat John & The Three Slims" jam regularly. There is limited seating, and the dance floor might fit 20 (thin) people. Downstairs is J.T. Toad's, another live music venue. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |