Kamiah to host summer concerts Rhythms on the River, a project of River Arts Kamiah, is thrilled to be entering its third year of bringing music, art, and community together at Riverfront Park in Kamiah. This concert-in-the-park series is growing this year into a dynamic series of five events featuring excellent bands from Boise, McCall, Moscow, and Kamiah. The dates are June 13, July 10 and 24, and August 7 and 29. Each concert will continue to celebrate the spirit of togetherness that defines our community: families dancing under the stars, musicians sharing music, kids creating art, and food vendors serving up delicious local fare.  The Wildgrass String Band from Moscow plays a bluegrassy mix of old time favorites and new time melodies that will satisfy the dancer and spectator alike. Maggie Keefe (also of The Chelseas fame) rolls out compelling mando-melodies and rhythms; Angus Hughs picks out a storm on that jumbo that’ll keep you spinnin’ and howlin’; and Dave Vollmer will give y’all a place to land with that bass fiddle. Come on out and see us - we are lookin’ forward to playin’ for you!  The Merchants of Groove from McCall presents two ways to celebrate under the Idaho sky - exciting sounds of jazz or classic rock. This quintet of accomplished musicians can mellow out an old standard. They combine talents to make a standard jazz song soar to the roof-tops or offer a show-stopping solo. The Merchants will treat you to a trip down memory lane with something soft and sentimental. The Merchants of Groove will produce melodies to move your soul.  The Aaron Ball Band from Boise is an international touring and award-winning group. Their music is full of passion, dry wit and storytelling through Americana, Southern Rock, and Alternative Country styles. The band, led by Aaron Ball, has performed extensively across the USA and internationally, including tours in Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, Japan, and 14 Caribbean countries with Carnival Cruise Lines. The Aaron Ball Band has garnered numerous accolades over the years. Their song “Omaha” received recognition at the Academia Music Awards in Los Angeles in 2017. In 2023, the band was inducted into the Academia Hall of Fame. That same year, Jared Smith was nominated for the Josie Music Award’s Musician of the Year, and the band received nine nominations from the NW Country Music Award Association. Aaron, alongside bandmates Dave Bowman on keyboards and Jared Smith on drums, has built a reputation as a high-energy crowd-pleaser. They have shared the stage with top rock and country artists such as Daughtry, Jelly Roll, Andy Grammer, Shinedown, Rob Thomas, Shane Smith and the Saints, William Clark Green, The Wilder Blue, The Band Perry, Train, Sick Puppies, Them Dirty Roses, Redferrin, Great White, Nick Jonas, Mat Kearney, Echosmith, Granger Smith, and Smash Mouth.  Missing Parts is a beloved three-piece band from Idaho County, Idaho, featuring acoustic blues and more. John Henderson on harmonica and vocals, Thomas Simpson on bass and vocals, and Gordon Talley on guitar and vocals  For the past decade, Tylor & the Train Robbers of Boise have been blazing trails, carving a path through the heartland with their roots country and Americana music. With boots worn thin from relentless touring, they’ve crisscrossed the country, honing their craft and delivering electrifying performances, leaving a trail of devoted fans in their wake. Brothers Tylor Ketchum, Jason Bushman, and Tommy Bushman form the core of this musical powerhouse. Tylor, the eldest, takes the reins as the band’s frontman, rhythm guitarist, and songwriter, weaving stories through his lyrics. Jason, on bass and backup harmonies, and Tommy, on drums and vocals, provide the steady heartbeat and backbone that defines the band’s signature sound. Antonio Vazquez’s Electric Guitar chops add layers of depth and emotion to their music. Rounding out the Bands sound, Antonio Vazquez melds it all together with his melodically proficient Lead Guitar style. “Ketchum has a voice laced with the same western gravelly baritones that tend to stand out as ‘Western’ but his approach is decidedly more rock than country, and his delivery still touches on poetic. Perhaps no band combines what Western roots music has always been and what it will become quite like the Train Robbers. It is this combination of tradition and fresh take that makes them a must-listen.” - Josh Crutchmer The Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests will provide the 2026 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree to stand in front of the Nation’s Capitol in Washington, D.C. This tree, the first U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree from the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, will be the focal point of a year of community events and festivities. The goal is to create 10,000 unique ornaments celebrating the natural wonder of Idaho. River Arts will host Saturday classes and open studio projects to contribute to the ornament campaign. The classes are free to all ages and all supplies will be provided. Drop in; no registration required. Schedule: June 6: Painted Gourds Paint and decorate gourds as Christmas ornaments. June 13: Monarch Butterflies Come paint the state insect on wood cutouts. June 20: Pine Needle Stars Learn how to craft Christmas stars with pine needles. June 27: Pine cone Christmas Ornaments Elves, owls, and more – there is a lot you can create with pine cones! In addition all are welcome to stop by during open studio hours 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays for an array of other ornament projects. River Arts is located at 416 Main Street, Kamiah. For more information call/text 208-451-3206. |
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