2024 Artists
AJ DeGrasse
AJ DeGrasse, a Southern California-based pianist, vocalist, songwriter, producer, and music director, is celebrated for his intricate and unique musical style. His bold, soulful performances captivate audiences, blending technical prowess with heartfelt emotion. AJ's video web series showcases his impassioned artistry, making him a standout figure in contemporary music. With a rich background in both live and studio settings, AJ continues to push the boundaries of creativity and musical expression. WIll Friend on drums and Eddie Wheeler on Bass join AJ to entertain you on Friday and Saturday night!​​
www.ajdegrasse.com​​​​​
Friday 6:00 - 8:00 pm at Gem State Brewing
Saturday 7:00 - 10:00 pm at Finer Frames
Kobie Watkins Grouptet
Kobie Watkins, a native of Chicago, Illinois, began his musical journey as a toddler, inspired by his father’s church drumming. Starting with pots and pans, he developed a disciplined approach to music and life. His latest project, The Kobie Watkins Grouptet, aims to spiritually, creatively, and emotionally inspire audiences. Kobie has cultivated dynamic relationships within the jazz, Latin, and gospel communities as a drummer, percussionist, and music educator. He has performed and recorded with legends like Sonny Rollins, Kurt Elling, and Christopher McBride.
​​​​
​
Friday 7:00 - 9:30 pm at Rembrandts
Saturday 6:00 - 9:00 pm at Olive n Vyne
Thomas Hutchings
Hailing from Mountain Home, Idaho, Thomas Hutchings is a distinguished saxophonist, accomplished music producer, and dedicated educator based in New York City. He honed his skills at Boise State University and under acclaimed mentors like Bob Mover. Thomas's versatile style fuses rock, blues, EDM, jazz, and funk. He has performed at prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. As an educator and performer, Thomas uses music to heal and inspire, significantly impacting both the music industry and community.​​
​
www.thomashutchings.com​​​
​
Friday 8:00 - 11:00 pm at Finer Frames
Saturday 7:00 - 10:00 pm at Finer Frames
Jenna McLean
Jenna McLean is an accomplished modern jazz vocalist known for her improvisational prowess and contemporary take on timeless standards. A semi-finalist in the 2023 American Traditions Vocal Competition and winner of the 2019 Downbeat Student Music Awards, she teaches at Idaho State University. Jenna holds a Doctor of Arts degree in Jazz Studies from the University of Northern Colorado.
​
​
Saturday 6:00-7:30 & 8:30-10:00 pm at Rembrandts
Sam Tru
Idaho-raised and Pacific Northwest-based singer-songwriter Sam Tru blends jazz, soul, pop, and R&B into a unique style. Her debut album, "Cycle," reached #1 on Amazon’s Top 100 New Releases and was featured on over 200 radio stations globally. Tru has opened for artists like Gladys Knight and performed at notable festivals including the Portland Jazz Festival and Treefort Music Festival.
​
​
​
Saturday 6:00-7:30 & 8:30-10:00 pm at Rembrandts
Claire Bailey & Emma Young
Claire and Emma were part of the Next Generation Band at the 2023 Eagle Jazz Festival. Their hard work has paid off and are now singing for us professionally at the Joni's Jazz Journey performance this year!
​
​
​
​​
​
​
​
Saturday 6:00-7:30 & 8:30-10:00 pm at Rembrandts
The Kindness Trio
Jens Kuross, a critically acclaimed drummer, producer, and songwriter, began his music career at 15. A Berklee College of Music graduate with a master’s from Azusa Pacific University, he has performed with notable acts like Howling and RY X. Jens combines jazz roots with modern production in his solo and collaborative projects. Rounding out his trio are world class performers Justin Nielsen and Aaron Miller.​
​
​
​
​
​
Saturday 6:00-7:30 & 8:30-10:00 pm at Rembrandts
Jake Stigers Band
Jake Stigers is a seasoned musician who began performing as a child in church choirs, eventually pursuing music full-time. He gained recognition with his band, Velvet Roots, recording seven independent albums and performing over 600 live shows across prestigious venues in NYC, the UK, and beyond. Stigers' songwriting talent has earned him success in the Nashville market, with holds from country stars like Blake Shelton and Scotty McCreery. Recently, he’s collaborated with Thomas Hutchings on the EDM project, Styrofoam Monkeys. Playing soulful tunes on Friday evening with Dave John, Rob Hill & Andrew Cortens.
​
​
Friday 8:00 - 11:00 pm at Finer Frames
Nicole Christiansen
Nicole Christensen, an Eagle resident, is a multifaceted artist who sings, paints, and writes. She performs jazz standards with Ben Burdick on acoustic guitar, captivating audiences with her warm, sweet alto voice. Passionate about music, particularly jazz and blues, Christensen brings a soulful energy to every performance.
​
​
​
​
​
​
Friday 8:00-10:30 at Bodacious Pig
Alex Snydman Trio
Alex Snydman, a jazz drummer known for his progressive modern sound, performs with sophisticated style at major clubs and festivals across the East and West Coasts. He also shares his expertise through drum lessons, catering to students of all ages and skill levels. He will share the stage with Chris Amarotti on Bass and Jack Riordan on Guitar.
​
​
​
​
Friday 8:30 - 11:00 pm at The Vault Cigar Lounge
Jon Armstrong Quartet
Jonathan Armstrong, a versatile band-leader and contemporary composer, directs Jazz Studies at Idaho State University. His dynamic career spans performance and education. Leading a quartet with world-class drummer Kobie Watkins, Jonathan excels in jazz standards, enriching the music scene with his expertise and passion. Supported by Abraham Masso on Bass, Alex Sjobeck on Piano, Ryan Nielsen on Trunpet and Aaron Miller on Bass.
​
https://www.jonarmstrongmusic.com​
Friday 7:00 - 9:30 pm at Rembrandts
Saturday 6:00 - 9:00 pm at Olive n Vyne
Nick Monteiro Quartet
Nick Monteiro, hailed as "a serious piano force" by Live and Amplified, holds a BA in Piano Performance from Northwest Nazarene University. A classically trained pianist with rigorous jazz studies, he released his first single, "All I Need," in 2020 and the album "Jazz Revival." He owns Monteiro Studios, teaching piano, music theory, and more. Wade Short on bass, Sandon Mayhew on Sax will be joining Nick as he delights listeners on the keys.
​
​
​
Saturday 12:00-2:00 pm at Eagle Saturday Market
Mondo Pondo Band
Mondo Pondo, a fresh force on the Boise music scene, showcases young talent led by Scotcho on vocals, keys, and percussion. Known for their infectious grooves and danceable beats, this dynamic band is quickly gaining attention with their energetic performances and vibrant sound, making them a local favorite. This six piece band with Landon Lemieux, Ryan Cook, Johan Engelund, Greg Berger, Jack Johnson and Scott Eisele will get you on your feet all night long!
​
​
​
​
​
Saturday 7:30 - 10:30 pm at Schnitzel Garten
Christine Nygard
Christine Nygard, a Boise State student, made her mark at the first EJF in 2022 with the Next Generation Band. A rising star, she frequently performs with local jazz bands, captivating audiences with her youthful energy and talent. Christine's promising career in jazz continues to flourish on the Boise music scene. She is supported by Sabrina Thomas, Ben Graham, Robert Burns and Chris Nunn.
​​​​
​
​
​
Saturday 7:30 - 10:30 pm at Schnitzel Garten
Justin Nielsen
Justin Nielsen is a performer, composer, recording artist, and teacher, currently serving as Music Director of the Eagle Jazz & Blues Festival. His dynamic career includes performing and teaching with world-class musicians, writing scores for Angel Studios, and featuring on numerous recordings. He founded ArtsWest/Fresco Arts Academy in Eagle, Idaho, where his students earned over $5 million in scholarships. He owns Sing Music Academy and has released two albums: Divine Colors and Prayer for Peace.
​
Friday 7:00 - 9:30 pm at Rembrandts
Saturday 10:00 - 12:00 pm at Eagle Saturday Market
Saturday 6:00-7:30 pm at Rembrandts
Saturday 8:30-10:00 pm at Rembrandts