POCATELLO — Meadowlark Music Fest is set to bring over 25 bands from across the region this summer for a three-day block party held in Historic Downtown Pocatello.

From June 5-8 starting at 11 a.m., music aficionados of all ages can enjoy acts like Tylor & the Train Robbers, Aaron Golay & The Original Sin, Muzzie Braun and countless others over the four-day event. Early bird tickets are available for $75 that cover the entirety of the festival, with normal tickets costing $45 per day.

This is the second year that Meadowlark has graced the Gate City, inviting acoustic soulful tunes, raucous shredding guitars, rapid-fire lyricism and sweeping ballads into the ears of local residents.

Conceptualized by Dan Simms, who also plays in the band American Druid, the festival was created as a way share his love of music and showcase the incredible talents of area musicians.

“Music definitely is the inspiration,” Simms said. “Music is the universal language of love and we need more of it in this world. We need less divide. We wanted to have a music camp, similar to Shady Grove Music Camp and somewhat inspired by that and other festivals that I’ve played as a musician in the past.”

Simms continued, “We’re trying to support our local musicians and we’re trying to bring in some regional talent. We’ve got four bands that played at Treefort (Music Fest in Boise). We’ve got bands that have played in a lot of the festivals, Shady Grove for sure, Sawtooth Valley Gathering (in Stanley) and a number more.”

The idea started last year when Simms desired to put on a small venue at his ranch outside of Aberdeen, known as Meadowlark Ranch, inviting musicians from open mic nights at Station Square.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, including inclement weather, the venue was relocated to Pocatello. Thankfully, with the support of the city and growing excitement around the festival it was a success.

“If all goes well and the construction on the Center Street underpass doesn’t interfere too bad with us, we’ll do it on the grass that is adjacent to the Center Street underpass,” Simms said. “It’ll happen right there and will involve the whole block. We’re going to incorporate several venues, which in this case we’re calling nests, since the Meadowlark is our mascot. There’ll be some late-night things happening at the nests and some things during the day, but the majority of the bands will be playing on the grass there and it will require a wristband.”

Meadowlark will be a family, friendly all-ages affair with plenty of artistic and creative booths, refreshing cold drinks and mouth-watering food truck dishes that are sure to satiate. Off the Rails Brewing will also be providing additional cuisine and beverages for those interested in a little after-hours indulgence.

Partnering with Bannock Civitan, festivities will kick off early on Wednesday, June 5 for the first official Revive @ 5 in conjunction with Meadowlark at 4 p.m., with musical acts proceeding to venues like The First National Bar and The Yellowstone in the evening and continuing the next day at 11 a.m. First Friday Art Walk will also coincide with the festival, providing an assortment of engaging activities over the weekend.

Simms expressed gratitude for the help of sponsors, donors, nonprofit organizations and altruistic souls helping to contribute to their cause. Thanks to the help of Historic Downtown Inc., The Glen Allen Project, Idaho State University and their radio program KISU and countless others like CJ Morrison, Rebecca Radenz and Mike Engle, Meadowlark Music Fest can be not just a dream but a reality.

“The arts are such an important thing in our lives and music is a wonderful thing,” Simms said. “Again, it’s a universal language of love. There’s so much divide in our world and we’re trying to bring people together in a positive way. Most people have a common interest in music and a common understanding of that language and that’s a beautiful thing.”

Simms continued, “We want to do good things for downtown, which has got a growing art scene. There’s a music scene in Pocatello that’s even bigger than you would expect for a town that is our size. We love that and we want to keep encouraging that. We want to help the businesses in downtown. There’s a lot of beautiful change and growth that’s happening there and it’s happening in a positive way.”

For more information on Meadowlark Music Fest 2024 you can check out their website at meadowlarkmusic.org.