Welcome to Boise Music Week 2026.

Since 1919 we have brought together outstanding local musical
talent to provide free performances every year to our community – the longest running free musical celebration in the United States. There really is nothing quite like it anywhere else – perhaps because there is nothing quite like the long-standing commitment of our community to value, encourage, and sustain music and the performing arts. As this year’s President, it is my honor invite you all to enjoy 9 days of free musical entertainment for all ages, brought to you through the contributions of many volunteers, generous sponsors, and faithful donors.

In 1995, our 4th grader sang with the Kiwanis Boys Choir at Boise Music Week’s School Night. Watching hundreds of young people perform in front of thousands of parents, educators, and friends was inspiring – quite a change from our previous experiences in a metropolitan school district with no general music or arts programs. Eventually, members of our family participated in eight Boise Music Week musicals, and we started volunteering as President’s members. With our children grown, I joined the Board of Directors in gratitude for all it has brought to our family and community.

Our 2026 season celebrates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. We start with Jazz Night (South Jr. High), Music in the Park (Gene Harris Band Shell) and the colorful Dance Night (Borah High Auditorium). Other returning favorites include Community Worship Night (First Presbyterian Church), Children’s Music Series (Hillcrest Branch/Boise Public Library), four days of Noon Organ Recitals (First Presbyterian Church), Showcase featuring the Treasure Valley Concert Band and the Biotzetik Basque Choir (Borah), and the ever-popular Silent Movie/Theater Organ performance (Egyptian Theater). Our production of the Broadway musical “How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” on the Morrison Center stage is a light-hearted look at life on the corporate ladder.

To better accommodate school calendars, two major events featuring the talented youth of our area have been moved to late fall. School Night now offers multiple concerts in the Morrison Center with selected choirs, bands, and orchestras from the Boise School District. A youth musical is also planned to be staged with gifted teen-aged singers and dancers in a fun-filled show.

Boise Music Week is an ALL-VOLUNTEER organization. There is always a place to help and we hope you will join us. We need volunteers in many capacities – from cast and crew for performances, event chairs and helpers, to set design and construction and event greeters. You may have something we don’t even know we need yet. Getting involved with Boise Music Week is easy, just check out the Volunteer link on our website. You can also contact me personally at kent.soelberg@boisemusicweek.org.

It takes a lot to bring all this free fun to you. Please consider donating to Boise Music Week. We thrive on our support from The Morrison Center Endowment Foundation, and from local corporations and patrons like you. Every donation is appreciated. Scan the QR code in tonight’s program, or click the DONATE tab on the website. Enjoy the shows!

Kent Soelberg
President, Boise Music Week