Kaylie Hoffman is a baddass.  So, she started at non-profit to generally help people: be it a guy who needs a leg who’s inspiring story she’d seen on the news, or a far away group of kids without access to musical instruments.  The show at the Knitting Factory last Saturday that she organized was about raising money to get instruments in the hands of those kids; a simple act that may change their lives and those around them forever.  Over the course of the night there were raffles (with prizes like a skydiving trip, time in a tattoo studio, pieces of art, and more), Equaleyes merch give-aways, a bachelor auction (an unexpected last-minute bidder won a date with Jeff;) ), and a appearance by Marcus Eaton.  Jeremiah James and the Gang started off the night with their blend of poetry of place and old outlaw rebellion.  Then Steve Meyers was up for a quick set of anthemic solo looping with sick finger-tapping.  Polyphonic Pomegranate came on and proved further their readiness for the big stage, and that they’re serious about bringing fresh funk and jazz to our thirsty town.  It was their first time playing on such a sound system to such a crowd (over 600 through the door) and their excitement and escalation in playing was astounding.  Chris Cullinan acted as emcee all night wearing an overcoat and tophat and his acidic wit; and upon introducing Equaleyes the mounting crowd went apeshit.  The boys came out firing with "White Lines", and after a couple pulled Marcus out to jam on "Bird’s Eye View" which he expolded onto with blazing electric solos.  At one point I saw a grown man wrestle a young girl over a pair of Equaleyes panties tossed out from the stage.  We raised over $3000 all told, in addition to all the instruments that were donated.  Proceeds, ukuleles, harmonicas, percussion instruments, and more will be spread across Myanmar, Thailand, Africa, and beyond.  After closing up shop at the K.Factory we headed over to Terrapin to watch the Pomegranate close out the night.  Thank you Kaylie for having compassionate vision and the drive to change things; and thank you everyone that came to throw down with us and spread opportunity to the less fortunate.  Boise has made me proud.

Setlist: White lines, Ride This train, Redsand, bird’s eye view, sunrise

by Jesse Shell