Gene Harris Band Shell at Julia Davis Park

700 S Capitol Blvd
Boise, ID 83702
(208) 384-4228

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The Gene Harris Band Shell is an outdoor semi-covered stage located in the southwest area of Julia Davis Park in Downtown Boise along the Boise Greenbelt & Boise River.

The Gene Harris Jazz Festival is held each year in honor of the late Gene Harris. This event brings more than 1500 students onto the Boise State University campus each year to perform, listen, learn, and experience the living American art form known as Jazz. A hallmark of the event is school performances in the iconic Morrison Center concert hall, along with performances on both nights by the Gene Harris Super Band; a legacy ensemble staffed by the same professionals and educators who work with the students throughout the festival.

https://www.boisestate.edu/geneharris/

ABOUT:

Built in 1928, the band shell was named for famed jazz pianist Gene Harris in 2001. Harris lived and performed in Boise from the 1970s until his death from complications from diabetes in 2000. He also gave his name to the Boise State Jazz Festival, now known as the Gene Harris Jazz Festival.

In 2018, sadly the Bandshell caught fire. In October of 2018, construction began to restore this iconic feature of Julia Davis Park. The restoration of the building is now complete.

https://www.cityofboise.org/departments/parks-and-recreation/parks/julia-davis-park/unique-features-of-julia-davis-park/#bandshell

RESTORATION:

The original contract for the bandshell was awarded in April of 1928. The bandshell was designed by the Wayland & Fennel architectural firm and was constructed in a mission revival style with a stucco exterior. Its style was likely inspired by the construction of the Boise Depot in 1925. When the depot was completed, it inspired a flurry of commercial and residential structures in a similar style.  

The bandshell was dedicated on Sunday, July 8, 1928 with remarks from former mayor Eugene B. Sherman and Mayor Walter Hansen. The audience enjoyed several solo songs from Mrs. Rosene, several pieces of music played the Boise Male Quartet, and a band program that played about twelve songs with an intermission. A crowd of 2,000 people watched, sitting on the grass, or parked in their automobiles.  

The bandshell was renamed the Gene Harris Bandshell in the year 2000, in honor of the American jazz pianist who loved playing there

https://www.cityofboise.org/news/parks-and-recreation/2021/april/city-of-boise-dedicates-refurbished-gene-harris-bandshell/

Hours

Mon Park is open from sunrise to midnight.
Tue Park is open from sunrise to midnight.
Wed Park is open from sunrise to midnight.
Thr Park is open from sunrise to midnight.
Fri Park is open from sunrise to midnight.
Sat Park is open from sunrise to midnight.
Sun Park is open from sunrise to midnight.