Boise’s jazz scene is experiencing a revival, and at the heart of it is Lala’s Jazz, a community-driven jazz series founded by professional jazz musician Alex Sjobeck. What began as a passion project has quickly grown into one of the most exciting cultural movements in the Treasure Valley—bringing world-class jazz artists, student musicians, and music lovers together in intentionally curated spaces across the region.
This spring, Lala’s Jazz is hosting a special seasonal run of shows at the Hemingway Center on Boise State University’s campus, while continuing to explore and collaborate with venues throughout Boise and the greater Treasure Valley. The goal isn’t to anchor jazz to one location—but to let it live, travel, and connect with different communities.
What Is Lala’s Jazz?
Lala’s Jazz is more than a concert series—it’s an experience built around connection, presence, and musical storytelling. The programming spans modern jazz, traditional swing, funk, and experimental styles, intentionally challenging the idea that jazz is inaccessible or niche.
Since launching, Lala’s Jazz has attracted audiences ranging from lifelong jazz enthusiasts to first-time listeners who discover—often to their own surprise—that they love jazz when they experience it live.
At its core, Lala’s Jazz is about:
- Bringing high-caliber jazz to Boise
- Supporting and spotlighting student musicians
- Creating warm, immersive environments that feel like real jazz clubs
- Building community through shared cultural experiences
Spring Jazz Shows at the Hemingway Center
For February, March, and April, Lala’s Jazz is partnering with Boise State University to host monthly shows at the Hemingway Center, one of the campus’s historic music spaces. While not a permanent home base, the venue offers a unique opportunity this spring to create an intimate jazz club atmosphere within a concert-style setting.
The space has been transformed with lounge seating, cocktail tables, candlelight, and flexible staging—giving audiences a cozy, immersive experience while allowing Lala’s Jazz full creative freedom.
These spring shows are part of a broader vision that includes rotating venues and collaborations throughout the valley.
Upcoming Lala’s Jazz Events in Boise & Beyond
February 13 – Modern Jazz Night
📍 Hemingway Center, Boise State University
Lala’s Jazz kicks off the spring series with a modern jazz performance featuring an acclaimed vocalist based out of the Czech Republic (originally from California), joined by international musicians from across the region.
The evening will open with a student jazz ensemble, giving young musicians the opportunity to share the stage before the featured performance.
March 6 – Women’s History Month Jazz Show
📍 Hemingway Center, Boise State University
This special performance celebrates Women’s History Month with two highly requested female instrumentalists traveling in from Los Angeles, joined by Boise-based musicians.
The show will open with Boise State University’s Gene Harris All Stars Jazz Program, continuing Lala’s Jazz mission of connecting student musicians with professional artists and live audiences.
April – Traditional Jazz & Swing
📍 Hemingway Center, Boise State University
April’s show features internationally recognized trumpeter and vocalist Benny Benack III, known for his classic swing style, jazz standards, and dynamic stage presence. This performance highlights traditional jazz while remaining accessible and engaging for modern audiences.
May 1 – Jazz Funk Night
📍 Iconic, Garden City
Lala’s Jazz expands beyond campus this spring with a funk-forward jazz show at Iconic in Garden City, a new venue already gaining attention for its intimate, jazz-club feel. This performance underscores Lala’s Jazz commitment to reaching different communities and creating unique experiences in diverse spaces across the Treasure Valley.
Building a Jazz Community in Boise
One of the defining elements of Lala’s Jazz is its emphasis on community collaboration. Student musicians regularly open shows, volunteers and interns help produce events, and audiences span generations—from teenagers and college students to longtime jazz fans.
These performances create rare moments where different ages, backgrounds, and musical experiences come together in one room—something increasingly hard to find in today’s fast-paced world.
Jazz, by nature, asks people to slow down, listen, and be present. Lala’s Jazz is intentionally creating spaces where that can happen.
Experience Live Jazz in the Treasure Valley
If you’re looking for:
- Live jazz in Boise
- Unique music experiences in the Treasure Valley
- Jazz clubs and pop-up performances in Idaho
- Community-driven arts and culture events
Lala’s Jazz is where it’s happening.
This spring’s shows at the Hemingway Center are just one chapter in a growing story—one that continues to evolve, move, and bring jazz to new corners of the valley.
Boise’s jazz scene isn’t tied to one building.
It’s being built—show by show. It’s becoming a Boise thing.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit lalajazz.com.
