Preparing for the Mayhem Festival

Something about the Boise area seems to call to music tour promoters. It seems that it was just a short time ago that we were lucky to be a quick stop for mid-level acts that were just passing through to larger cities, like Seattle, and wanted to maximize their nights on the road with some extra income in the little city of trees. Now, premier acts look forward to visiting this growing mini-metropolis filled with top-notch fans that enjoy the music without some of the violence and drama that plagues large city venues (aside from the occasional thrown shoe).

This year, the Mayhem Festival passed over many larger cities to come to the Idaho Center in Nampa and the visit should cement a stop here for future tours.

A few notes about the Idaho Center as a venue that you need to consider:

• The only cameras that are allowed are point-and-shoot models that can fit in your pocket.
• No food or drink can be brought from outside the venue other than a single, unfrozen, sealed water bottle.
• There are no plans for locker or storage rentals.
• No bags of any kind will be allowed. This means backpacks, purses, etc.
• Since the only option for food is going to be from the venue, expect high prices and plan accordingly (i.e. eat big before coming).
• Leave your Discover and AMEX at home. Cash, debit, MC, and Visa are your payment options. Plan on cash being required for most merchandise purchases.
• Leave your pocket knives, wallet chains, etc. at home also since you will not be allowed to bring them into the Idaho Center venue.

Also, you don't have to be there for every show. If you only care about the "big" acts then you can come much later and see them on the main stage, but really you should see all the acts including the Boise Battle of the Bands winner Fly2Void which kicks off the festival. The tentative schedule can be found on the Idaho Center website here.

Above all, have a great time, drink lots of water, and enjoy the kick-ass music.

Thanks to Christy Vos of the Idaho Center for clarification of the venue policy for this event.