by Olivia Brandon, Boise State University

Free music, delicious summer treats, and beautiful Boise weather — what's not to love? From June through August, the Morrison Center will host its Neighborhood Concert Series at select parks throughout the Treasure Valley. 

On June 11, Andrew Sheppard Band, Peg Leg Annies, and The Moody Jews of Boise took to the stage, providing toe-tapping tunes for those lucky enough to be in Sunset Park. 

Singer-songwriter, guitarist, and harmonica player Andrew Shepphard and bassist Artemis Wilson chatted with the Morrison Center moments after their rocking performance. 

Q: What's the best part about playing bass? 

Wilson: The best part about playing bass is that I get to be the fundamental [part] of the rhythm section, and I get to have fun moving around the rhythms with the drummer. 

Q: What's your favorite part about playing an event like the Neighborhood Concert Series?

Wilson: My favorite part is that I get to spread joy to the community. Bringing people together, whether they all know each other or not.

Q: Favorite song to perform live? 

Sheppard: Right now, we have a new song called "Little War". We didn't perform [it] yet because we're short a band member today, and we need the full band to pull it off. That's my favorite new song of ours to play; [it's] just really fun. It has a lot of energy, and it packs a punch. There's certain songs that you write that you just kind of get tired of playing, but so far, I haven't gotten tired of playing that one.

Q: Where can we find Andrew Shepphard Band next?

Sheppard: Our next full band show in Boise is at the Neurolux on June 27; we're playing with some friends of ours from Los Angeles called Rose's Pawn Shop.

Just before going on for their bluesy set, with lyrics filled with Idaho references, fiddle players Dureyin Pyles and Thaedrin Pyles from Peg Leg Annies shared some of their favorite parts about playing an event like the Neighborhood Concert Series.

Q: What's the best part of performing?

T. Pyles: Just making people happy, you know, good energy. Making people laugh.

D. Pyles: Probably having fun [and] interacting with the crowd. 

Although you wouldn't know it from the band's chemistry, not only was this Peg Leg Annies' first experience with the Neighborhood Concert Series, it was only their second gig as a group. 

To join in on the fun, head to Phillipi Park on June 25 to enjoy the music of Rockabetty, Hecktor Pecktor, and Cory Strop & The Tater Tot Tycoons.