Curtis Stigers at BCT: Four More Concerts before European Tour

There are a number of musicians that cause Boise to beam with honest pride. Artists recognized by the music industry worldwide, after being nurtured by their little city who watched them break from backyard potato concerts. Who are granted success and rave reviews while Boise cuts out their adventures from newsprint as they reach international stardom. True, the number of these musicians can easily be counted on one hand. Only more reason to celebrate our beloved artists when they perform for neighbors, friends and family before setting out yet again for another world tour. One such opportunity presents itself this week at Boise Contemporary Theater as five evenings with Curtis Stigers continues.

Curtis' new album, Lost in Dreams, renovates jazz standards, modern rock songs and singer-songwriter classics into brand new jazz tunes that bridge the gap between jazz, rock, pop and folk music. Putting his own material next to Sinatra, Roger Waters, Annie Lennox and John Lennon songs all arranged in new shuffling swing and soul sounds, Stigers creates an elegant fusion that settles in gorgeous jazz. It makes a listener beg what could warrant a separation between genres in the first place, as progressive rock remembers the backwater blues that bore it.

In this same way, Curtis Stigers' five nights live in concert at BCT unites genres and brings together enormous talent in rock, pop and jazz players on the intimate Fulton Street Theater stage. Last night and Wednesday features a "no jazz allowed" set as Curtis starts the show solo with acoustic guitar and strong vocals emitting a rugged coolness--in a Clint Eastwood way--alongside clever quips entertaining a house of familiar faces between songs. Even going to this show alone and watching an extraordinary player just a guitar pick's throw away, the night feels warm as a reunion surrounded by old friends.

During the acoustic set, he is soon joined by Ned Evett, called "the world's first fretless guitar rockstar" by Guitar Player Magazine, then by acoustic rocker and sound engineer Steve Fulton on keys and finally by Thomas Paul on mandolin. As each new artist helps thicken and flavor his smooth melodies that cut into a rich emotional vein, Curtis' smart lyrics and signature sound are further mastered richer and richer into a perfect blend with plenty of playfulness all the while, like Curtis dashing downstairs for a giant poofy wig and dark shades to poke fun at Ned Evett. Wednesday night will also feature roots-rock and retro-country player Bill Coffey. Thursday through Saturday at BCT Curtis will break out his saxophone on three evenings strictly swing and soul with his jazz band before their trip to Germany next week. Be sure to make it to Fulton Street by Saturday to see a music giant in his hometown. After all, Curtis "would rather play for friends than strangers."

All four remaining nights are a must see. If you don't have tickets already, go online to www.curtisstigers.com or call Boise Contemporary Theater at 208-442-3232. You can also visit the BCT Box Office (854 Fulton Street), the Idaho Center Box Office or Treasure Valley TCBY stores.