Day: April 29, 2023

Gene Harris Bandshell

This bandshell has always been a wonderful part of Julia Davis Park. And now it’s called the Gene Harris Bandshell. Look how great the shadow is!

Apparently, it caught on fire in 2018, and I’m looking at a post-fire restoration. And also, it’s been named for Gene Harris since 2000. I’m a little slow on noticing Boise things now.

Other things I learned from this site:

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.

And about Gene Harris:

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

RIP Helen Warbington

When I began attending First Unitarian in 2001, Helen Warbington managed the coffee hour. She was seemingly a million years old (actually, as it turns out she was 75-ish), but was a general in charge of her troops when it came to getting the coffee out and the used cups back, washed, and put away. I also enjoyed her enthusiasm with the bell choir.

It’s sad to lose such strong and directive women, but I’m glad I got to see her in action.

Also, Warbington is a great last name.