BOISE, Idaho — After a devastating fire, the Knitting Factory will welcome a sold out crowd back to its remodeled downtown Boise venue Wednesday to host two of Treefort's biggest rap artists: Vince Staples and JPEGMAFIA.
"We've been doing this so long, it's just good to kind of get back in the swing of things," said Gary Pike, Knitting Factory General Manager.
The reopened venue features a brand new downstairs bar with 48 taps, new sound system, new lights, new air conditioning, and new furniture, Pike said.
Vince Staples and JPEGMAFIA will help kick off the first night of Treefort's five-day festival at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday. Throughout the week, the Knitting Factory Concert House will play host to several Treefort bands, including Ekali, Acid King, American Football, Tigers Jaw, and Mewithoutyou.
"Everything about this building is brand new from top to bottom," said Pike.
Accidentally caused by a contractor working on the HVAC system, the September 11 fire destroyed about 60 percent of the interior. The contractor was using a cutter to cut the metal ductwork inside, causing a spark that ignited combustible materials inside that ducting. The fire escaped the duct, burning the wood floor joist on the second floor and into the wall.
The community rallied around the Knitting Factory over the last several months as other venues opened their doors to host bands the Knitting Factory had booked. Local musicians even put together a benefit concert to support the staff who were forced out of work by the fire.
TONIGHT AT 10: 6 On Your Side's Madeline White will be live from the Knitting Factory with more.
