MEET THE LOCAL TMF ARTISTS WHO GET YOU

Treefort’s a city-wide sprawl of stages, stickers, and sweaty dance floors—but no matter how chaotic the schedule gets, we all come to it looking for something specific. Maybe it’s catharsis. Maybe it’s glitter. Maybe it’s the hot barista who said, “See you at Fort.” Whatever breed of Fort-goer you are, there’s a Boise-based artist speaking your language this year.

Here are four hometown heroes—each one dialed in to a different frequency. If you're gonna commit to one show this fest, let it be someone who's been building the culture from inside the city limits.

SOULFUL FUNK FOR THE URBAN MYSTICS: MUNGO

MUNGO conjures something special for Boise every time he steps up to the mic. Every set is a lush ritual of plants, dancers, lewks, and an almost spiritual release. After a regional tour and a year of growth, he’s coming home to Boise with a full stage crew and the energy of someone who’s been blessed and tested. He calls Boise “a special place” where creatives show up for each other, and his gratitude runs deep—“people rally around causes here… it’s made me feel supported and seen in a beautiful way.”

What to expect at Mungos set this year?
“There’s 11 of us on that stage, so you already know it’s a party just between us. We have 4 dancers… people should expect to dance a lot and let loose,” says Mungo. “Boise has been a place to experiment… it’s supplied me with mentors who are right there, a phone call away.”

NOSTALGIC CLUB FOR THE DREAM GURLS: IZZE AZAELIA

Izze Rump is the definition of Boise baddie. From merch tables to spinning at decks, she’s risen up the Treefort ranks with nothing but hustle, heart, and taste. She kicked off this year’s festival with a late-night DJ set for spinning Tech House that'll “set the vibe”. Whenever she’s in charge, expect big feelings, bouncy blends, and maybe even a little 90s R&B nostalgia. She’s been down since day one and still learning, still growing, still serving.

Izze’s got something cooking up something special for Thursday night.
“I get to DJ for Empress Of. It’s something I’ve never done before,” she says. “I started DJing with weird gear, now I’m a USB DJ and learning all the time. Boise played a huge part in this for me… I love getting to be a part of it with everyone.”

AMERICANA FOLK FOR THE GAY COWBOYS: JAN REED

There’s no better representation of the heart and soul of Boise’s folk music scene than Jan Reed. She’s an earnest songstress and fierce advocate both local and global causes. Sometimes her songs while make you ache but she’ll always leave you with a seed of hope. She’s played every single Treefort since year one, shifting through solos, duos, and now a full-blown quartet. Jan doesn’t write for fame—she writes because “it’s the most satisfying thing” she does, and she’ll be doing it as long as her voice and fingers work. Her dream? A world where women, nonbinary folks, and midlife musicians keep making noise and taking space.

What’s the spark that keeps Jan going?
“I have big feelings that need to be put into poetry and music. Hopefully my music strikes something in people’s hearts… I want it to resonate,” says Jan. “Music doesn’t have to be something you quit if you don’t ‘make it’ young. I’m 44 and I’m still going.”

HEAD-BANGER PUNK FOR THE PIT FRIEND: VEXED VIXEN

If your serotonin needs a little whiplash, Vexed Vixen’s got you. They’re Boise’s feminist power-punk squad with crunchy guitars, throaty growls, and riot grrrl rage. Their sets are sweaty, cathartic, and weirdly joyous—designed for yelling, jumping, and thrashing with your pit crew. Bonus: they’ll be handing out free info on abortion access and contraceptives at the merch table, because screaming and organizing go hand-in-hand.

What’s coming your way at Vexed Vixens Friday set?

“At our set Friday night you can expect a rock n roll good time! Some screaming, some yelling, lots of grooving and dancing,” says
“Visit our merch table for free information on abortion access and contraceptives!”