Who We Are

Our Roots

The Idaho Blues Society is a non-profit all-volunteer organization of blues music lovers committed to promoting and preserving blues music throughout Idaho. The organization was formed in 1992 as the Boise Blues Society and, in 2025, transitioned to the Idaho Blues Society to reflect our expanded statewide focus.

Our Mission

The mission of the Idaho Blues Society is to spread knowledge and appreciation of blues music throughout the state with programs to support blues music education and artist performances.

Our Vision

The Idaho Blues Society envisions a future in which blues music captures the attention and devotion of music lovers of all ages and thrives at venues across the state. We see our organization playing a key role in fulfilling this vision in Idaho.

What We do

Artist Performances

In keeping with our mission, the Idaho Blues Society hosts a multitude of performances by local and touring blues bands at a wide variety of venues throughout the year. Grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and Creative West help us attract some of the best touring artists in the regional northwest. What’s coming up?

Blues Jams

Feel like jammin’? The Idaho Blues Society hosts a monthly jam the last Sunday of each month (except December) at Watson’s Mystery Café in Boise. Local musicians are invited to take the stage and showcase their talents. The jams are a great place to meet other musicians and provide a sense of community and camaraderie among participating musicians as well. Blues fans of all ages are welcome to come and enjoy the show. Participation guidelines

Blues in the Schools

The BITS program seeks to expose youth of all ages to the blues and spark their interest in this music genre. At no cost to schools, Blues Society musicians talk about the history of the blues, demonstrate instruments used to play the blues, and perform blues songs at student assemblies. The program is flexible and can be tailored to the age of the students. Learn more about the BITS program and how to bring the program to your school.

Youth Incentives

Scholarships: To assist young and aspiring musicians in furthering their musical development, the Idaho Blues Society periodically awards $500 scholarships, typically to secondary and college students, as available funds allow. Applications are accepted and awards made year-round. Learn about eligibility requirements and apply here.

BSU Music Scholarships: In cooperation with Boise’s Riverside Hotel, the Idaho Blues Society has established two scholarship funds to assist the Boise State University Music Department in attracting talented music students regionally and nationally. Learn more: On the IBS website I On BSU’s Music Department website.

Instruments: Refurbished instruments that have been donated to the Idaho Blues Society through our Instrument Repair and Donation Program are also available to young people interested in learning to play or upgrade their current instrument. Eligible young students ranging from budding musicians in elementary school to novice and experienced middle and secondary school students are eligible, as supplies allow. Learn about eligibility requirements and apply here.

Instrument Repair & School Donations

Do you have a musical instrument you no longer use? Please consider donating it to the Idaho Blues Society. Donated used instruments are collected, repaired, and donated to music programs at middle and high schools or sold to raise funds to repair donated instruments. Potential donors, find out how to donate your used instrument; music teachers, let us know what you need.