When: Thu., July 2, 7 p.m. 2009
Phone: 208-424-8297
Price: $5

Niccole Blaze has been the opening act for Shawn Colvin, Karla Bonoff and David Wilcox, but fans of her duo act, Blaze and Kelly—Niccole Blaze and Mo Kelly—have waited a long time for a new album. Blaze and Kelly latest release, Life is Beautiful, includes 14 original tracks with music and lyrics by Blaze. The singer-songwriter is particularly proud of the 12-page booklet with lyrics and “awesome” pictures because the artist knows that the extra offering is dwindling in the fast-paced world of digital downloading. The album, like the title track, is all about overcoming obstacles in life and features a number of musical guests along with a diverse collection of styles. Blaze and Kelly are excited to hold the CD release at the Visual Arts Collective because it’s a big party for the fans. The audience will hear folk-acoustic harmony, bluesy-funk, bluegrass, country, rock and even jazz. Blaze said, “The audience gets to be part of it because they’ve witnessed huge growth [in the artists], both personally and musically.” The show for the 21-and-older crowd includes the chance to purchase wine and beer at the bar to enjoy along with appetizers and some damn fine music. Special guests performing at the CD release party include Rebecca Scott, Dan Costello, Kent Person, Rob Hill, Dominique Tardiff, Debbie Sager, Scott Lindbloom and Steve Fulton.