For many, a song can spend a lifetime quietly hidden in the pages of a journal, in a notes app or a 3 a.m. recording before it ever reaches the ears of an audience. Bluebird Social provided Treasure Valley musicians the opportunity to let those songs shine on stage at their first “Songwriters Showcase” early this month.
The showcase is one small part of what owners of the venue describe as a mission to curate a creative space where up-and-coming and established songwriters alike can dip their feet in Boise’s music scene and connect with audiences through the vulnerability that comes with performing an original piece of art.
“From our vendors, to our artists and our staff, we want Boise to take over this space,” Lyelca Rodrigues, creative director of Bluebird Social said, emphasizing that Bluebird Social strives to create an inclusive space where Boise residents can expand out of their comfort zones, experience new things and meet new people.
Bluebird Social first opened its doors in early June and has since hosted various events, including a World Cup watch party, showcases highlighting local and national artists and even beginner pilates classes. Located along the Greenbelt, the venue has something for everyone — whether you want to listen to some live music or an outdoor space to do your homework.
For local and emerging artist Olivia Frost, having access to a legitimate venue makes all the difference to establishing musicians, “I absolutely love what Bluebird’s doing because it is such a legit stage, and they give the opportunity to smaller artists to perform.”
Frost also adds that Bluebird Social’s marketing allows the Boise music community to connect with each other and discover music they may have never heard of.
“Having this environment where it feels really safe to play your music means everything to songwriters, especially up-and-coming artists,” she said.
However, having such an opportunity doesn’t necessarily make performing on stage any less nerve-wracking.
Christine Nygard, a local Boise musician and performer, explains that the songwriting process for many artists begins with a lot of self-reflection, making performing a finished piece that much more personal. At the same time, she said, opportunities like Bluebird Social’s Songwriters Showcase allow musicians to be able to move through their nerves.
“People are going to come out of their shell. The more there are, the more community there is,” Nygard said.
Rodrigues emphasized the Songwriters Showcase is a reflection of Bluebird Social’s bigger vision: to create community through events. “Bluebird Social wanted to be that sort of space where you can come in and talk to anybody,” he said.
Variety is intentional, with fun and community-driven events, such as Float Fest with DJs along the river and a musical lineup for Oktoberfest, Bluebird Social hopes to allow people the opportunity to expand out of their comfort zones and explore new things; and in the case of the Songwriters Showcase, new music.
The Boise scene can’t evolve with musicians alone, they need an audience willing to listen. Venues like Bluebird Social who are willing to take a chance on emerging artists and provide them a space to share their voices with the community encourages others to do the same. As Boise’s songwriting community continues to grow, more emerging artists might be given the opportunity to play the songs that otherwise would stay within the pages of a journal.
