BOISE -- A very special summer music festival is coming back to Boise at the Old Idaho Penitentiary.
Garrett and Darren Goldberg are bringing a unique music festival to Idaho's Old Penitentiary, the Gem State Jam. There is only one problem.
"The pen being 100 years old has limited power capabilities." said Garrett Goldberg.
But the brothers have a solution.
The music, lights and sound at the Gem State Jam is powered not by traditional sources of electricity, but by using solar power instead.
"I think that people have heard solar, they've heard wind but it's not until they actually see it in an interactive setting like a concert to where it makes an impact on those people." claimed Darren Goldberg.
They have mobile stages, sound systems and lighting that are all designed to run off solar power. It's the Goldberg's way to be socially responsible.
"I feel like it should be the norm in the music industry. To produce events that are fully sustainable and do not rely on traditional power sources." Darren said. "This is a great example, to have an event to showcase the solar power, showcase the museum here in the old pen."
Garrett and Darren both believe that Boise is the right town for the festival, and the Old Penitentiary is the right venue for their event.
"Just walking around these grounds, it's going to be an event like no one has seen before." Darren said.
And Garrett agrees, "Boise is ready. this part of Boise is ready and the world is ready. We're on the right track."
In addition to 11 musicians on two stages through the day, Gem State Jam will open a cell block for local artists to display their work.
Gem State Jam kicks off Saturday, June 19th.
