18 Meet the Blue Thunder Marching Band, the beat of Albertsons Stadium
Known for rallying the crowd and motivating players, the Keith Stein Blue Thunder Marching Band has provided the soundtrack to Bronco football games since 1987.
04 Hand-painted helmets
Broncos take the field for their second home game adorned in custom, air-brushed helmets featuring a variety of Idaho landmarks.
06
Faculty receive Mayor’s Awards
Three professors honored by the Boise Mayor for their dedication to excellence in history and education.
13 Japan Day brings the spirit of Japanese culture to Boise
The festival provided Boiseans with a day filled with food, crafts and cultural celebration, made possible by the City of Boise’s Arts and History grant program.
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From chasing tees on the Blue Turf to retrieving bats for the Boise Hawks, Blitz does it all. Following in the pawprints of his dad, Cowboy Kohl, the black lab carries on a beloved Boise State tradition.
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ARTIST HAND-PAINTS ‘FRONT PORCH OF IDAHO’ FOOTBALL HELMETS
Grace Stark | News Editor | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu | Photos by Omar Saucedo, Carter Nash
On Sept. 27, the Boise State Broncos will take to the field for their second home game, this time adorned in custom, hand-painted helmets.
The artist behind the air-brushed designs, Armando Villareal, custom-painted each helmet to capture the essence of what Boise State Athletics believes to be the “Front Porch of Idaho”.
Villareal is subcontracted with Schutt Sports, the helmet manufacturing company supplying the Bronco’s football helmets and has hand-painted helmets for other schools, such as the University of Utah, Brigham Young University and the University of Illinois.
Each helmet displays realistic artwork depicting Boise State’s mascot, the bronco, on one side, and on the other, the Capitol Building stands tall in front of the beloved Boise foothills. The back of the helmet features Albertsons Stadium, the iconic blue turf and trees lining the Boise River.
Assistant Athletic Director in Merchandising and Brand Operations, Matthew Sterling, first discovered Villareal’s work for Utah and Illinois, leading him to reach out about the potential of receiving hand-painted helmets for the Broncos.
“What can we do here to get some excitement from fans?” Sterling questioned, regarding his thoughts prior to working with Villareal. “I saw that helmet and was like, that’s what we need to do.”
Originally from Imperial, Nebraska, Villareal knew he always wanted to be an artist. He discovered his love for airbrushing in high school, but was expected to follow in his father’s footsteps of becoming a mechanic. Finding a happy medium, he spent his youth painting motorcycles to enter in shows.
Throughout his early career, Villareal gravitated towards sports art and has been grateful to receive opportunities to create work for professional teams. The artist took a temporary hiatus in Nebraska and found himself back in the world of sports art and painting athletic gear in 2018, with a focus on painting football helmets since 2022.
“It’s a lot of hard work — a lot of being told no [and] a lot of starting over,” Villareal said. “I’m so blessed to be in [the field].”
Associate Athletic Director of External Affairs, Chris Kutz, oversees the branding committee and watched the helmets come to life after the idea was first pitched to him in the off-season.
He noted the “Front Porch of Idaho” tagline is a term often used within the athletics department, which made it fitting to form the concept of the helmet art around it.
“Boise State is known to be innovative, and it requires us to be bold and take chances,” Kutz said. “There are so many ways to tell our story, so why not put it on a football helmet for everyone to see?”
As the brand committee came up with recognizable images from Boise and the state of Idaho that could be painted on
the helmets, Villareal created examples and mock-up designs. He then sent them back to the branding committee for feedback until they decided on the final product.
“We tried to think, what are we known for?” Sterling said. “The Capitol ties us into the state, the foothills and the City of Trees ties us into Boise.”
Villareal’s designs are available on other merchandise at Scheel’s, The Blue and Orange Store and on the Fanatics website, with two t-shirt designs already sold out. Some helmets will be on display at the Sept. 27 game and are currently available for purchase by members of the Bronco Athletic Association. Any remaining helmets, including those worn by players during the game, will be made available to the public after the game, with proceeds going to the athletic de -
partment to fund facilities, travel and scholarships.
“It’s an honor to be invited into something that means so much to the school, the town and the state,” Villareal said. “It doesn’t feel real that I’m the guy who did that, it’s kind of out of body.”
Kutz described the reaction from fans as “affirming and rewarding”. He hopes the hand-painted helmets will become a tradition, with some concept art already in the works for future games.
“If Bronco Nation is as happy and supportive as it seems everybody is, then we would love to continue doing it,”
Sterling added.
VOLUNTEERS REMOVE 1,800 POUNDS OF TRASH DURING BOISE RIVER CLEANUP
Hudson Lehew | News reporter | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu | Photo by Carter Nash
Although Boise is still seeing ninety-degree days, fall is beginning to creep in as summer says farewell to the Treasure Valley. One of the tell-tale signs of summer’s departure? The second annual Boise River cleanup. Over 230 volunteers arrived at Idaho River Sports around 9:30 a.m. for the event on Sunday, marking the official end of float season.
The event was organized by Idaho Rivers United, 94.9 The River and Idaho River Sports. These local businesses called on citizens of Boise to help clean a large section of the Boise River, spanning from Barber Park to the Garden City Public Library.
Ren Lawson, Development Director for Idaho Rivers United, explained how the event came to fruition last year. 94.9
The River Radio Station approached Idaho Rivers United with the intent of reviving a joint cleanup event that had fizzled out decades ago. The first event resulted in a massive success, as 180 people attended and picked up roughly 850 pounds of trash.
“This cleanup is just a huge opportunity for our local community to really invest in our local river and help take care of it and steward it,” said Lawson.
Around 10 a.m., after participants checked in, the organizers sent volunteers in groups to clean different sections of the river. Boise River Raft and Tube employees were tasked with collecting the trash from various volunteer sites.
Several divers also attended, collecting garbage and recyclables from bodies of water surrounding Barber Park.
Lindsey Payner, volunteer and engagement manager at Idaho Rivers United, confirmed that over 1,800 pounds of garbage were cleared from the river by the volunteers — more than double last year’s efforts.
15-year-old Aniston Lee attended as a volunteer with her family and shared her enthusiasm for cleaning the river.
“It’s important mostly for the wildlife, but also for people who just come here for the views, to keep it nice and clean,” Lee said. “We found a lot of alcohol bottles mainly, and a lot of diapers – which was weird.”
Around noon, volunteers and organizers reconvened at a party hosted by Idaho River Sports to celebrate the volunteers’ hard work.
“I think it encourages a lot of people to come because it’s fun,” Payner said about the celebration. “One of the most powerful things about volunteering is making friends and socializing with others.”
The party included live music, food, games and a raffle for a paddleboard and mattress. Several vendors and local businesses contributed to hosting the event, such as Dive Magic, Dawson Taylor Coffee Roasters, Boise Co-Op Market, Cascade River Gear and Barbarian Brewing.
“It’s important for local businesses to get involved in this because it shows people that they’re dedicated to making a difference locally,” Payner said. ”It really inspires people.”
FACULTY RECEIVE MAYOR’S AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE IN ART AND HISTORY
Gwyn Hervochon, Alex Sjobeck and Derek Ganong honored for their contributions to history and music education
Every two years, the Boise Mayor’s Awards for Excellence in Arts and History recognize individuals for their contributions to Boise’s creative and cultural community. This year, three Boise State University professors were honored for their dedication to history and education.
Gwyn Hervochon, associate professor and archivist at the Albertsons Library, received the Excellence in History Award. Music professors Alex Sjobeck and Derek Ganong earned the Excellence in Education Award for founding the Gene Harris All-Stars Jazz Program.
These awards highlight community members who “demonstrated distinguished service, creative accomplishment and a record of publication, presentation or research that enhances Boise’s artistic, historic and broader cultural life,” according to the Boise City Department of Arts and History.
Gwyn Hervochon, Excellence in History
Hervochon, who has worked as an archivist at Boise State University since 2013, was honored with the Excellence in History award for her work curating exhibits, processing historical collections and teaching students about university and state history.
Hervochon has worked on many exhibitions for the library, though some stand out to her more than others. In 2016, Hervochon curated an exhibit displaying a first edition copy of Shakespeare’s Folio, his entire collected works.
“The idea was to make the exhibit as big and engaging as we possibly could,” Hervochon explained. “I got to work with the Idaho Shakespeare Festival, faculty in different programs, history professors and theater professors who all contributed. It was really a big celebration.”
Hervochon also helped bring the ‘Americans and the Holocaust’ exhibit to Boise from the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. in 2023. She collaborated with local organizations on programming for the exhibit and drew in thousands of visitors.
“It was overwhelming how supportive and grateful people were. They couldn’t go to Washington, D.C., but we’re bringing content from these world-renowned collections to campus and to our community,” Hervochon said. She noted while many traveling exhibits come from across the country
or world, the team always aims to tie in local relevance.
“We always try to make local connections too, so people feel like it’s relevant to our own history and our own community,” she said. “That’s why we work with local organizations, so that we’re making those connections and making it relevant for people here in Idaho.”
Early in her time working in the archives, Hervochon began a project she referenced as a “highlight of her career” — processing the papers of pivotal Boise State professor Tom Trusky.
The project took several years and fundamentally shaped her passion and interests as a historian.
“[Trusky] had a bunch of really cool and engaging research interests that went beyond the scope of what you might normally think of for an English professor,” Hervochon noted. “He was really into researching artists and writers who lived and worked in Idaho.”
Hervochon described the Trusky papers as the collection that “keeps on giving”, with research that remains culturally and historically significant. His studies focused heavily on art, poetry and films made in Idaho.
On Sept. 25, she will join a panel at the Kenworthy Silent Film Festival in Moscow, Idaho, to discuss the 1919 film ‘Told in the Hills’ — the first feature film made in Idaho that Trusky preserved and made available for future generations.
Considered lost for many years, the film resurfaced after Trusky located two surviving copies in archives in Russia. After reaching out to the archives, he brought a copy of the film back to Idaho. Missing portions of the film were recreated with the original scripts, and the modernized restoration will be shown at the festival.
From curating exhibits to processing historical collections, Hervochon said
she feels honored her work, and the work of her collaborators, matters to people.
“It means so much that we’re helping create meaningful experiences for people, and it’s not just for our benefit that we’re doing it,” she added.
Hervochon said she shares the Excellence in History award with the entire campus community and those who have supported her and her work.
“The award is recognizing the work of other people too, because it’s not just me,” she said. “This isn’t just my solo research project — these are projects that involve a lot of hard work from a lot of people in all kinds of different ways on campus.”
Alex Sjobeck and Derek Ganong, Excellence in Education
Sjobeck and Ganong founded the Gene Harris All-Stars Jazz Program in 2021 to fill an “unfilled niche” for students in the Treasure Valley — giving them the chance to play small-group jazz.
The audition-only, after-school program brings together high school and middle school students with a passion for jazz music to be coached by professionals. The groups rehearse biweekly and perform at gigs arranged by Sjobeck and Ganong.
“We expect our students to be professionals,” Sjobeck said. “These are top-level high-schoolers, and we expect a lot from them.”
This year, the program expanded to include a collegiate group, the Gene Harris Jazz Combo, made up of Boise State students.
Gene Harris, a jazz pianist born in 1933, was celebrated for his “cultural, artistic and educational impacts in Idaho and the community,” according to Ganong.
The Gene Harris Jazz Festival was named after him, and community members began an endowment in his name to support jazz education.
Though Harris passed away before it was fully funded, Ganong added receiving the Excellence in Education award is a hopeful step toward reviving the endowment, which would provide a significant boost to Boise State’s jazz program.
“We’re extremely understaffed and underfunded as far as jazz is concerned, and it’s only been through the support of the community and donors that we’ve been able to do things such as the All Stars [program],” Ganong said.
Alongside co-founding the All-Stars program, Sjobeck recently co-founded Lala’s Jazz, a nonprofit dedicated to
strengthening Idaho’s jazz community and education. The organization will present the Gene Harris All-Stars and Jazz Combo monthly, giving students professional jazz performance experience.
“We’re creating a space for students to get the experience of presenting a show from the beginning of promoting it, to making a set list, to figuring out what they’re going to say in front of the audience,” Sjojeck explained. “That’s such an important part of our program as well, to give the students that experience of being a professional musician.”
Ganong emphasized the importance of showing music students the different pathways they can take while pursuing a career in music.
“Too often when we’re talking about music, people say, ‘Well, if my degree is in music, then I’m either going to be a band director or I’ll be playing on the street with an open case,’ but there are tons of things in between that.”
Sjobeck and Ganong hope to open doors for Idaho music students that weren’t open before. Both dived into their music education in New York City, where mentors and educational experiences shaped their careers, but they don’t want local students to miss out on similar opportunities. Through the program, students learn from professionals across the country while building a network in the Treasure Valley.
“They’re creating a community of serious student jazz musicians from all different high schools in the valley,” Sjobeck said. “They all get to know each other, and they all start working together, booking gigs together and talking about music together. It’s really cool to see, because it’s so advantageous to have that support community of your peers.”
Sjobeck and Ganong believe the jazz program at Boise State must grow to provide students the opportunities they deserve, hoping to eventually offer a Certificate in Jazz.
“I’m hopeful that this award will draw attention to jazz and will sort of say, ‘Hey, we’re actually doing really good things here, let’s continue to do good things,’” Ganong added.
All three Boise State-affiliated recipients emphasized that while the Mayor’s Awards are an honor, they also reflect Boise State University’s broader mission to create meaningful opportunities for students and the community — a mission made possible through campus-wide collaboration.
“In the arts, collaboration is extremely important,” Ganong said. “That’s something we should be teaching more in higher education, how we can collaborate, and not just in the arts, but in all facets. The fact that more than one entity at Boise State has won this award shows that we’re all working towards the same thing.”
25, 2025
TALKIN’ BRONCOS AND SCHOOL FOR THE DIGITAL FUTURE COLLABORATE ON AI DEBATE EVENT
On the second floor of Albertson’s library, dozens of audience members gathered to watch two members of Boise State’s award-winning debate team, the Talkin’ Broncos, discuss artificial intelligence’s involvement in education.
At around 4:30 p.m., participants filled the room and Allie Hampton, Talkin’ Broncos President, took the stage. To preface the event, Hampton described how the inspiration for the debate came during an advising appointment with Breanna Ribeiro, senior student success advisor for the School for the Digital Future.
“Debate gives us a really great framework to attack each other’s ideas [and] question each other’s ideas without making it personal. AI really needs that level of discourse,” Hampton said. “I wanted people to be more educated about the moral dilemmas of AI.”
The first debater was junior and Vice President of The Talkin’ Broncos, Jaxon Holmes.
Holmes took the affirmative stance on the argument, insisting that AI can be beneficial for education. In her debate, Holmes highlighted how AI has already become a prominent figure in higher education, emphasizing that 85% of students admit to using AI and 36% of professors reported seeing a decrease in workload when integrating AI into their routines. Holmes also highlighted a study by OpenAI that stated most college-aged students use AI to start projects or understand reading, rather than to have it write full essays and cheat on assignments.
Junior Adam Pendergrass took the negative stance, arguing that using AI in education is unethical.
Pendergrass claimed encouraging the use of AI in education is unethical and cited the use of the technology has been proven to decrease critical thinking skills, waste significant amounts of water and potentially discriminate while grading.
Hampton said this event differed from previous debate tournaments as speakers
had two weeks to prepare their talking points AI, whereas the average tournament gives debaters an average of thirty minutes to prepare.
“We all split [the work] half-and-half, helping Adam and Jaxon prep either side,” Chloe Sellers, individual event captain said. “It was a culmination of all our thoughts.”
As the debate came to a close, Hampton split attendees into breakout groups to exchange their thoughts on the subject. Each breakout group had a member of the Talkin’ Broncos present to assist in facilitating conversation about AI in the classroom.
“We wanted to facilitate dialogue with students leading it, [with] staff and faculty both listening,” Ribeiro added. “We’re hoping to [take note of] what students are saying, and then how we can inform future programming.”
Kelly Arispe, launch director for the School For The Digital Future hopes for conversations to continue after the event and that students engage with the Talkin’ Broncos and School of the Digital Fu -
ture’s future collaborations.
“This, for us, is a kickoff event. We’re really grateful for how quickly the campus has come around to make sure that it’s happening,” Arispe said. “We’re hopeful that this event can catalyze or initiate some opportunities for students to step up and be a part of the community in the school.”
STUDENTS AND FACULTY RECEIVE HISTORICAL NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION AWARD FOR ‘AWESOME’ OPPORTUNITIES
Grace Stark | News Editor | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu | Photo by Grace Stark
This month, a team of Boise State students and faculty received a historic U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) award of $7.4 million — the largest NSF award in the university’s history. The award will go towards The Center for Advancing Workforce Experience through Semiconductors, Outreach and Mentoring Excellence (AWESOME).
The semiconductor industry refers to the development and advancement of semiconductors, or switches, found in phones, computers and other electronic devices that conduct and resist electricity during use. AWESOME aims to strengthen research on improving energy efficiency within the industry and grow student success alongside workforce opportunities.
The Director of the Micron School of Science and Engineering, Eric Jankowski, led the development and submission of the grant proposal for the National Science Foundation.
According to Jankowski, the grant will mostly go towards personnel, including PhD, post-doctoral and undergraduate students. PhD students working within the conceptual center will participate in four scientific subprojects that “comprise the center.”
“The large scientific aim of these subprojects is to lower the cost of advanced computing and to lower the cost of training [and deploying] artificial intelligence,” Jankowski said.
Grants are typically enough to fully or partially fund one student’s 5-year PhD program. The $7.4 million grant that comes with this award will increase the number of students accepted while enhancing the quality of their education and opportunities within the center.
“The educational components to this center are expanding some of these opportunities and focusing some of them
specifically around semiconductors,” Jankowski said. “Then there’s the research side of it, which is very, very woven into the educational fabric.”
Interim President Jeremiah Shinn emphasized this award as a defining moment for Boise State.
“[This award] affirms the creativity and expertise of our faculty, expands opportunity for our students and strengthens Idaho’s position in an industry that is vital to our nation’s future,” Shinn said.
“Boise State is proud to be both a rising research powerhouse and a student-centered university committed to building the semiconductor workforce our country needs.”
Assistant Professor in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Karthik Srinivasan, highlighted the impact that the center will have on the university. He believes will build “expertise, workforce and credibility” in doing semiconductor research at Boise State.
Srinivasan explained through collaboration across subprojects, students can participate in an “organized structure”, allowing them to understand all components of their semiconductor research, such as magnetism and photonics, computational modeling and synthesizing materials.
He added students can also identify specialized needs within their research to “fill gaps in the industry” and establish expertise as they become scientists in the semiconductor workforce.
“Now they have more opportunities to learn skill sets that they might not necessarily get by just being in one faculty’s research group,” Srinivasan said.
PhD computer and mechanical engineering student Miguel Mancias works with Srinivasan in applied magnetics and photonics. His focus is on studying magnetic materials for high-power and high-frequency conversion in extreme
environments, specifically, the use of light rather than electricity for computing.
Exposure to research opportunities, collaborating with other research groups, making connections with professors and identifying research areas he wants to pursue after completing his time at Boise State are some of the ways he sees the AWESOME Center impacting him and fellow students.
“Being able to collaborate, learn from experts in different fields and have undergrads learn and possibly continue the work that we do with graduate degrees here at Boise State,” Mancias said.
Srinivasan and Jankowski also highlighted Boise State’s goals of becoming an R1 university, which refers to the Carnegie Institute’s classification of research activity.
Boise State is currently classified within the R2 group, but earning its R1 classification would mean it is recognized as a university of high research activity that produces a significant number of doctoral students.
Boise State can become an R1 University by showing it has received a certain amount of federal funding for research and graduated a certain number of PhD
students, Srinivasan said.
Srinivasan shared he hopes the program will graduate 5-12 students within the next five years.
The funding from the NSF award will contribute to the graduation rate by increasing the number of PhD students seeking to become doctoral students, while advancing the activity and quality of their research.
Along with faculty and advisors who will mentor students during their research, the AWESOME Center integrates faculty from other programs to help with its exposure and growth. Srinivasan said.
Plans for a new course in learning the basics of building semiconductors, the industry, and its impact on society are already underway, according to Jankowski. The course is planned to be available in Fall of 2026.
“Students from any discipline can come get a taste of what this industry is all about,” Jankowski said. “There are so many students here in the Treasure Valley who’ve never thought about going into a semiconductor career. That’s money that’s being left on the table.”
Read more at arbiteronline.com | ARBITERONLINE.COM september 25, 2025
MEET BLITZ
Blitz doesn’t wear a jersey or shoulder pads, but when he sprints across the Blue after a kickoff, he receives one of the loudest ovations in Albertsons Stadium.
The black lab has been Boise State’s tee dog since 2021, igniting Bronco Nation with his speed, confidence and energy.
For fans, Blitz is more than a halftime attraction. He’s a game day tradition, a reminder of the connection between the team and the community and a source of joy that rivals even the biggest touchdowns.
Blitz’s story began long before his first run at Albertsons Stadium. His mother, Callie, was paired with Cowboy Kohl —
Boise State’s former tee dog — for her final litter. She only had one puppy, a rarity for labs, and that pup was Blitz. With all of his mother’s milk to himself, Blitz grew bigger than both of his parents, reaching about 78 pounds compared to Callie’s 55 and Kohl’s 65.
That family connection ties Blitz directly to the legacy of his father, Cowboy Kohl, a fan favorite who once brought that same excitement to Bronco football games.
Britta Closson, HR manager at Positive Pets and Kohl’s handler during his time with the Broncos, said she sees a lot of similarities between the two.
Aidan Mattingly | Sports Reporter | sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu | Photos by Omar saucedo, Graphics by Naomi Brown, Amber Jansson
“They both have that same ‘let’s go get it’ attitude,” Closson said. “It shines through when you watch them. His movements and the way he retrieves are 100% like his dad. The first time I saw Blitz, I just bawled and cried.”
Closson added that if Kohl could see Blitz today, he’d be proud of what the younger dog has become. “He’d be most proud of the simple things — that Blitz is having fun out there, that he’s carrying on the tradition and that he’s following in his footsteps.”
Before stepping into his role as Boise State’s tee dog, Blitz honed his skills on the baseball field. During the summer, he served as the Boise Hawks’ bat dog, running out after every at-bat at Memorial Stadium. The smaller crowds gave him the chance to get used to loud environments and unpredictable moments, preparing him for the challenge of running in front of 35,000 football fans.
Now, Blitz stays busy, spending his summers at Memorial Stadium and transitioning to the roar of Albertsons Stadium as fall rolls around.
“When the crowd gets really amped up, he feeds off that energy,” said his owner, Devin Martin. “He understands moments when to bark and when to stay quiet, but that’s just his way of clapping and cheering.”
Ayla Garner, Blitz’s lead trainer at Positive Pets, said that confidence is what makes him stand out.
“It’s one thing to do it at a practice field, but in front of 35,000 people, that’s a different challenge,” she said. “Blitz just has the energy for it. He thrives on it.”
Boise State students also recognize the spark Blitz adds to game day, too. Senior Tereso Barrios compared the roar for Blitz to some big-time plays last year.
“Every time I see Blitz on the Jumbotron or on the field, the energy from the crowd correlates with some big runs that came from Jeanty, especially against Wazzu,” said Barrios.
While fans know Blitz for his tee runs and bat retrievals, his impact stretches beyond sports.
He’s a certified therapy dog with the Go Team Therapy Dogs program, a nonprofit organization made up of volunteer teams that provide comfort and support in hospitals, nursing homes, airports and in crisis situations. Each certified dog passes an AKC Good Canine Citizenship test and specialized training, continuing a mission that began during the Waldo Canyon fire in Colorado Springs.
With the program, Blitz consistently finds himself in schools and community spaces, visiting preschools, meeting with kids and even participating in a variety of trainings.
“He has a heart of gold,” Garner said. “Whether it’s on the field or with kids, he connects with people in a way that’s really special.”
At home, Blitz’s energy doesn’t slow down. Martin describes him as always ready for an adventure, from hiking to diving for toys underwater to curling up with the family.
“Blitz is awesome. Of course, he has lots of energy, but he is also very affec tionate and is good with my kids, my wife and even our chickens we have back home,” Martin said. “He’s just a good
boy across the board.”
For Martin, Blitz’s loving demeanor serves as a daily reminder to slow down and appreciate life.
“My favorite thing about him is when anytime I feel off in the morning, Blitz is there to provide that motivation to start the day,” he said. “Blitz is always there for support and encouragement, representing a dog’s unconditional love.”
To fans, Blitz represents something larger than himself.
“These dogs have become a part of the team,” Closson said. “People love watching them, and it brings a certain kind of energy to the games that you can’t get from anything else.”
That bond is what makes Blitz’s runs
CULTURE
SEPTEMBER
LET’S GET COOKIN’ CULINARY CLASSES HEAT UP BOISE STATE’S STUDENT UNION
Boise State’s Wellness Services introduces Let’s Get Cookin’ classes curated by registered dietitian Emily Clay
Samantha Caccamo | Culture Reporter | culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu | illustration by Mia Strand
Fresh out of the frying pan, savory scents fill the second floor of the Student Union Building as students sizzle into the art of expanding their palettes beyond the fast-food drive-thru. Skillet to flame, friendship seems to be whipping up faster than the dishes themselves as nutritional cooking classes enter Boise State’s itinerary.
Registered dietitian Emily Clay collaborated with Boise State’s Wellness Services to bring Let’s Get Cookin’ culinary classes to campus. With over 20 years into the field, Clay goes above and beyond with nutritional advice to steer Boise State students toward healthy eating.
“I want to get in on the front side of wellness,” Clay said. “Being able to catch things early and improve relationships with food, body image, building a healthy plate and those kinds of [things] is important to do on the front end; that can carry them through their life.”
Clay discussed the event’s mission to improve the diets and meals of college students with a focus on low-budget ingredients. She explained protein, fiber, healthy fats and carbohydrates are key to the perfect “combined plate” for sustaining energy levels.
“One thing [students] struggle with is low energy,” Clay said. “A lot of times, it’s remedied by eating a little more frequently throughout the day; we focus on balanced meals.”
From dicing vegetables to mixing sauces from scratch, Broncos boiled with excitement about their newfound culinary skills.
“I really love to cook,” third-year Biology major Marisa David said. “I wanted
to brush up all of my skills and gain a better [background] on how I can make my food taste and look better.”
Hearty meatballs, homemade Tzatziki sauce and fresh pasta are just a few things on the expansive menu of the event. Out with the instant ramen and into the gourmet, students shared their experiences in the kitchen.
“I definitely didn’t know that it was this easy to make meatballs,” First-year Pre-Nursing major Isabella McRitchie said. “I was intimidated at first, but learning about all of the nutritional things you can add to your meal to make it more sustainable is so helpful. It’s su per important to have a good nutritional foundation in college.”
Students highlighted the team bond ing portion of the class, mentioning the event is more than slicing and dicing.
“There’s a lot of laughter and good vibes,” Fourth-year Psychology major Sharli O’Neil said. “Everyone’s smiling and communicating, really helping each other out and open to conversation.”
Students shared they’re grateful for the opportunity to learn new skills to carry into their futures in the kitchen.
“Chef Roland taught me how to dice an onion the right way,” David said. “That was really cool, and was what I was really looking forward to learning.”
Finding inspiration in his mother’s cooking in his earlier years, Senior Campus Executive Chef Roland Cruz sees culinary as not only an art, but a place of gathering and sharing. As a member of the industry for 34 years, Cruz expressed his appreciation for
student engagement.
“I like the fact that they ask me all of these questions,” Cruz said in regard to assisting beginners. “The fact that they ask me because they gen -
“I can’t tell you how many times I’ve made a [mistake] in 34 years,” Cruz said. “But that’s part of the process, you learn and you build that confidence and trust yourself. You’re in college, you can do
Get Cookin’ classes on the Boise State Wellness Services webpage. held from 4-6 p.m on Sept. 29 ond floor of the Student
JAPAN DAY BRINGS THE SPIRIT OF JAPANESE CULTURE TO BOISE
The Idaho Japanese Association invited Boiseans to immerse themselves in the traditions, artistry and spirit of Japanese culture during its annual Japan Day festival on Sept. 21.
Despite the rainy weather, hundreds of visitors gathered in Julia Davis Park for an afternoon filled with the sights, sounds and flavors of Japan.
“We create an opportunity for cultural exchange in our community,” said Keiko Flugel, board member for the Idaho Japanese Association of the organization.
“It’s not only for Japanese people living in this area — we see lots of American people who like to learn about Japanese culture, so that’s why we host this bigger event.”
Visitors enjoyed performances of traditional Japanese dances, as well as martial arts demonstrations including judo and karate. Between shows, they browsed vendor booths selling food, clothing, collectibles, art and handmade Japanese items.
Volunteers from the Idaho Japanese Association connected with attendees and shared information about the festival and Japanese culture.
“We are proud of hosting and introducing Japanese culture to anybody,” Flugel said. “Watching everybody enjoy [Japan Day] encourages us to do it again next year.”
The event was made possible due to the City of Boise’s Art and History grant program, which funds quality arts, his -
tory and cultural projects and programming that they believe will benefit Boise residents.
Japan Day attendees had dozens of opportunities to engage with Japanese culture. They practiced writing their names in Japanese calligraphy, browsed through Japanese books and played a variety of children’s games for prizes.
Some visitors attended the festival to connect with their Japanese heritage, while others came to learn more about the culture or explore personal interests such as anime and Japanese pop culture.
“Lots of people show up,” Flugel said. “It surprises us to see that Boise has so many people interested in Japan.”
The Idaho Japanese Association is dedicated to sharing Japanese culture
throughout the state to build understanding and friendship with local residents.
“Anybody can sign up to be a member of the Idaho Japanese Association,” Flugel added. “It doesn’t matter what your background is. You don’t have to be Japanese. Everyone is welcome.”
Vendors also sold Japanese art and clothing. Maki Jackson, a festival vendor and former board member for the Idaho Japanese Association, ran a booth selling used kimonos along with other secondhand and handmade items tied to Japanese culture.
Jackson emphasized Japan Day is a chance for cultural connection in Boise and to recognize the hard work the Idaho Japanese Association puts into it.
“[Japan Day] is a really difficult event to put on,” she said. “It takes a lot of organization, so it’s really impressive what they manage to do here.”
Jackson noted her favorite part of Japan Day was the performances. She explained the Idaho Japanese Association strives to bring a wide range of acts from different areas to offer visitors a fuller experience of Japanese culture.
She was also impressed by the large crowds that attended the festival.
“It’s really great that even though the weather is kind of crappy, so many people have managed to come out and enjoy Japan Day,” Jackson said.
Jo and Makenzie Daugherty, Japan Day attendees, said their love of Japanese culture drew them to Japan Day, and they appreciated the opportunity to enjoy such a rich cultural experience in Idaho, where opportunities like this can be hard to find.
“In an area like Boise, where you don’t see a lot of [diversity] every day, it’s cool to connect with people from different backgrounds and cultures, and to put that in the forefront so everybody can celebrate it,” Makenzie Daugherty said.
CULTURE
LOCAL ARTIST USES THE POINT-OF-VIEW OF AN ALASKAN CARIBOU TO EXPLORE ANCESTRAL CONNECTIONS TO NATURE
The beating of a gong and comforting sounds of birdsong echoed through the white walls of Blue Galleries for artist Teal Gardner’s newest immersive video and sound installation.
“I Dreamt I Was My Ancestor” incorporates technological science and invites members of the community to take in the beauty of Alaska’s wilderness.
Taken from the point of view of a caribou, a species of reindeer, the viewer witnesses what the animals experience on a day-to-day basis. Between glimpses of wildlife, there is a clip of a person running through a field overlaid with a saturated filter.
In the simplicity of the space, the installation takes viewers on a transportive journey through the artistic process.
“You’re kind of forced into this [perspective] of an animal’s viewpoint,” Gardner said. “It’s an intimate experience and is [accompanied] by the soundtrack of building birdsong. It’s punctuated by the sound of the gong at intervals.”
Gardner explained the enticing setup of the installation is intended to make viewers feel as though they are transported into a “different world of experience” when watching the perspective of the animals. The project was developed at Jack’s Urban Meeting Place, also known as JUMP, in 2024.
Gardner touched on the inspiration behind the installation and the topic she was given to encapsulate its theme: dreams.
“I had then learned that my former colleague’s wife works with caribou populations and studies how they are affected by climate change. I was really excited to work with her.”
Gardner detailed the importance of science in relation to art and the need
for research to reach the general public.
“They’re going out and studying the world all of the time, and the [data] they’re producing doesn’t get seen by many outside of the [field],” Gardner explained. “I’m interested in what’s buzzing around in terms of the products of science and using art to represent that.”
Of Finnish heritage, Gardner discovered her ancestors were reindeer herders who were dependent on the species for resources such as food and clothing.
“The idea was that when you go far enough back into anyone’s ancestry, we end up at this point where everyone’s family was extremely integrated with animals more than human beings,” Gardner described. “My response to the prompt of making artwork about ‘dreams’ was ‘could I have a dream from
the perspective of more than human ancestors?’”
Gardner explained the significance of kinship in her artwork and its purpose of “re-establishing” relationships with the earth.
“I’ve expanded the field to know that ‘you’re my ancestor, because you are something that allowed my ancestry to survive’,” Gardner said. “As an artist, I’m sort of rediscovering what ancestry means to me.”
Viewers felt the exhibit was a profoundly educational experience.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like this before, especially in the way it’s [conveyed],” Sarina Reachers, a mother of a Boise State student, said. “The sounds immediately drew me in, and it was almost overwhelming. I felt
connected to these animals, and the title truly speaks for itself — it felt like a life I lived before.”
Visitors began to discover the wonder of the installation and shared how it impacted their mindset towards nature.
“I love animals, and I immediately thought of how cute they were in the video,” Fourth-year Integrated Media major Sophia Guevara said. “It’s always inspiring to see what artists come up with through different mediums, and how they convey certain meanings through art.”
The Blue Galleries will be hosting “I Dreamt I Was My Ancestor” Tuesdays through Thursdays until Oct. 24. The exhibit is open to all, free of charge.
TOMÁS BAIZA HOSTS LITERARY EVENT TO KICK OFF HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
Samantha Caccamo | Culture Reporter | culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu | Photos by Carter Nash
Amicrophone, a podium and the poetic voices of four Latino authors breathed life into the monthly Campfire Stories event at Modern Hotel and Bar to kick off Hispanic Heritage Month. As the sun set behind the stage, golden hues painted over audience members as authors infused the space with their stories. Boise-based author and director of Boise State’s Advising and Academic Support Center, Tomás Baiza, hosted and participated in the event with the purpose of uplifting Latino literature and community in Boise through storytelling.
Originally from San José, California, Baiza echoes the stories of his childhood, including his mother’s experiences of alienation and racism in an American society, through his writing.
Author of novels “Delivery”, “A Purpose To Our Savagery” and “Mexican Teeth”, Baiza reflected on the importance of spotlighting Latino authors.
“I’m excited to be able to help other Latinos get their words out in a supportive environment,” Baiza said. “I’ve seen a lot of people who read at Campfire Stories approach the event with a lot of
anxiety, so I’m really excited for these artists to be able to read in such a supportive place.”
Baiza kicked the event off by expressing his gratitude for the audience’s attendance and appreciation for Latino culture and literature.
“There are so many other things to do out there, like watch YouTube videos, consume Twitter reels, like Instagram memes,” Baiza said, addressing the crowd. “Instead, you chose to come out and listen to some stories from Latino authors.”
Writers from across Idaho read stories detailing their experiences as Latinos in the United States.
The Campfire Stories event highlighted different voices in literature and uplifted short stories of all genres. From haunting narratives to inspiring messages, the readings captured the essence of Latino voices.
Queer Chicano writer Eric Amador from Twin Falls, Idaho, shared an abridged version of an untitled fiction novella from the perspective of a young girl, Lupe. The excerpt kept the audience on the edge of their seats as Amador guided viewers through the haunting
tales of folklore and spiritual sightings.
“Fiction in general has been a way for me to understand being [Latino] in America and what it means in the context of these supernatural legends that you [hear about] being Mexican-American, or Latino in general,” Amador said. “When you get told these stories so often as a child, you’re kind of obsessed with them — I thought it’d be cool to provide context of my experiences combined with these strange legends.”
Through the lens of her childhood memories, writer and radio show host Daphne Stanford read various poems that reflected on the essence of folklore, generational differences and prophecy.
Reflecting on her mother’s experience in an American society, Stanford reflected wisdom and adoration for her Hispanic ancestry through poetry.
“My mother and grandmother were seminal figures for me growing up,” Stanford said. “As I [came] of age and as I’ve gotten older, I lean on them so much for wisdom. They became a part of my writing lately and want to understand more, especially about my grandmother’s life.”
As the stars freckled the darkness
above, Baiza concluded the readings with a fictional parable, “One Hundred and Twenty-Four Details on the Curious and Likely Inevitable Transformation of Martín Ojeda”. The piece explores the meaning of art when an artist has lost “everything”.
Baiza’s piece follows the grief and hopelessness of Martín and his sudden hallucinations of an oddly well-versed hummingbird. Inspired by his family’s perspective of the fast-paced bird being messengers, Baiza connected cultural beliefs to psychological rebirth and healing.
“I’m writing a story about somebody who lost his son,” Baiza said. “I wanted to try to impart the hopelessness that can be introduced to your life, and how difficult it is to pull out of that.”
The event attracted a diverse audience of curious listeners. By the end of the readings, the audience found themselves practically glued to their seats — applause echoing through the venue.
“I like that we’re hearing different voices,” Boise State alumnus and audience member London Talbot said. “Intentionally listening to diverse writers is really important and getting their perspectives.”
SPORTS
RETURN TO THE ICE: IDAHO STEELHEADS NEAR 2025 SEASON OPENER AND CONTINUE THEIR CHASE OF AN ECHL TITLE
Jake Zamora | Sports Editor |
Photo courtesy of Idaho Steelheads
The Idaho Steelheads are just over a month away from their season opener, and the team is in line for another strong season. The Steelheads, who are members of the East Coast Hockey League and an affiliate of the Dallas Stars, open their season on Oct. 17 and are scheduled to play on the road against the Tahoe Knight Monsters.
The Steelheads finished their 202425 campaign with a record of 37-25, along with nine overtime losses and one shootout loss. They went on to be swept by the Kansas City Mavericks in the Mountain Division Semifinals during the 2025 Kelly Cup Playoffs.
Despite falling short last season, an opportunity to climb the mountaintop this year is well within their reach, especially with their roster of talented players.
“A guy to look out for is Brendan Hoffmann,” Steelheads broadcaster Cam McGuire said. “It was his first season with us last year and he definitely had a big year.”
Hoffmann, a 23-year-old forward, is entering his fourth professional season. He led the team in goals last year with 25, and finished fourth on the team in points with 50 in 68 games.
McGuire added that Nick Canade is also projected to be an impact player in the upcoming season.
“He can do everything,” McGuire said. “He can score, he can hit, he can fight and he can play anywhere in the lineup. He’s a Swiss Army knife.”
5’9”, 165 lb Canade is entering his fifth season with the club. He amassed 30 points (17 goals, 13 assists) last season, on top of a whopping 100 penalty minutes. The feisty lefty also led the team with six fighting major penalties.
“Ty Pelton-Byce is another guy where you kind of always know what you’re going to get,” McGuire said. “His offensive ability is second-to-none.”
Pelton-Byce, a native of Madison, Wisconsin, led the Steelheads with 61 points last season. He also led all ECHL skaters with 13 power-play goals. The Steelheads’ offensive firepower has played a significant role in their home game sellout streak and has been a huge reason why Idaho Central Arena has become a demanding place to play for visiting teams.
For years, the Steelheads have consistently brought out massive crowds to their home arena and have garnered unwavering support from their fanbase. The on-ice success of the Steelheads undoubtedly plays a huge role in this, but the support and loyalty that the fans feel for the players, regardless of results, is what truly keeps them coming back.
“The content that we produce really helps connect the fans with the team,” Steelheads Videographer Olin Nordahl said. “Whether it’s a fun ‘mic’d up’ segment or a funny promotional video, we’re really able to bridge the gap between the fans and the players on a more personal level.”
When it comes to fan attendance and engagement, the bridging of this gap has proven beneficial as the Steelheads have sold out 69 consecutive home games and accumulated over 23,000 Instagram followers.
“Idaho Central should be one of, if not the hardest arena to play in in the league,” McGuire said. “Based off of the fan support and consistent sellouts every single night, it’s definitely a tough place to play for other teams.”
The multitude of promotions and interactive jumbotron entertainment featured during games is another factor in their above-par attendance. Fun gameday experiences are another way the Steelheads keep fans coming back, especially younger fans, many of which are Boise State students.
“Every game I’ve been to has been a blast,” Boise State student and Steelheads fan Ryan McDonald said. “The energy in the arena and the atmosphere that the fans create is just like an NHL game.”
Boise State students and hockey fans alike can experience this atmosphere when the Steelheads play their home opener on Oct. 24 at Idaho Central Arena in downtown Boise. This will be the first of 36 home games that the club will play during the 2025-26 season and it will set the tone for the rest of the year as the Idaho Steelheads hunt for a Kelly Cup Championship.
WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL TEAM SHAPES IDENTITY FOR 2025 SEASON
Aidan Mattingly | Sports Reporter | sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu | Photo courtesy of Boise State Athletics
Through the opening weeks of the season, Boise State Women’s Volleyball has shown what it means to win as a group built on stardom.
From decisive sweeps in the Bronco Gym to tense moments demanding resilience from players, the Broncos have relied on balance and depth to carve out a strong start. At 8-3, their record reflects their players’ dominant performances and a team that is shaping its identity.
That identity, head coach Shawn Garus explained, is rooted in defense and toughness.
“We don’t have any superstars, but we have a lot of people contributing to our success,” he said. “When you watch us play, you’ll appreciate the effort in our defensive battle and the balance we’ve built.”
One of the early highlights came in a sweep of UC San Diego, where the Broncos survived a marathon second set that stretched to 36–34 before closing out the match.
Garus highlighted the team’s ability to bend but not break when the pressure rises.
After a sweep against Utah Tech, the Broncos orchestrated a commanding defensive performance and a win over San Francisco, where the offense clicked at a high level.
Boise State finally capped its home tournament with a win against Idaho State. Through each matchup, different faces delivered, whether that was at the net or others doing the dirty work in the back row.
Graduate transfer Arianna Bilby entered the season knowing she would need to make an immediate impact. She said the move to Boise State came with higher expectations, and she wanted to be ready from the start.
“I knew the team was strong and physical, so I wanted to come in prepared,” Bilby said. But when a back injury kept
her from playing at full strength, she found other ways to lead. “It was tough not being fully healthy, but I learned you can still guide your team even when you’re not on the court. Communication became a big part of my role.”
Sophomore middle blocker Eliza Sharp has made her own adjustments. After redshirting, she said she realized how much the mental side of the game mattered.
“If I want to be great, I need to be focused on everything I do,” Sharp said. The program’s culture helped her the most.
“I wasn’t used to having such a lockedin family vibe,” she added. “Here, you share everything with everybody — the trainers, the coaches and the players. That’s made a huge difference for me.”
Travel has tested the Broncos as a team as well. For some, the trip to South Dakota was their first time flying with the team. Garus said the staff worked hard to prepare them for the grind while also carving out time for connection.
“We try to over-communicate the plan,” he said. “We also make sure to build in fun team walks and take time together because that chemistry off the court makes a difference when we play.”
The Broncos wrapped up nonconference play with a split at South Dakota State. After falling in straight sets Friday, Boise State bounced back the next day with a five-set win, showing the resilience and depth that have defined their season. Bradley O’Connor posted career highs with 16 kills and seven blocks, while Layla Smith added 11 blocks to lead the defensive effort.
The Broncos’ early record doesn’t just show wins; it shows adaptability. In sweeps, they’ve proven they can close matches quickly. In tighter contests, they’ve shown the discipline to regroup and claw back momentum. Along the way, they’ve leaned on blocking, defense and the ability to spread offensive oppor -
tunities across the rotation.
Standout freshman Sydney Dreves is focusing on finding balance between her competitiveness and composure this season. Known for her fiery personality, she said she has had to adjust to the intensity of college volleyball.
“I have a really competitive personality,” Dreves said. “I love winning, so I didn’t want to lose that coming into college. I’ve had to learn how to use that energy in a way that helps my teammates.”
Garus emphasized while individual performances stand out, the real story is the roster’s collective depth. He pointed to players who may not appear in the stat sheet but elevate practice and bring energy off the bench. In tournaments where the Broncos have played multiple matches in a short span, that depth is crucial.
Fans hoping to know what comes next should expect a collective effort between the players; standards are high after their
strong opening play. That style means Boise State will wear opponents down and win through mental and physical toughness while also forming a collection of highlight reels.
For the players, the season has been about building something bigger than themselves. They talk about competing with focus, holding each other accountable and embracing the family-like culture that surrounds the program. The message is consistent: wins are important but the trust and resilience they bring each day reflected upon practice is what defines them.
As the season continues, players and coaches strive for consistency in what they’ve created so far. If they can keep up their dominant performances and the coaches can keep committed to the defensive playstyle, the team can go a long way. They’re setting the stage for what could become one of the strongest teams in the Mountain West.
SPORTS
THE BEAT OF ALBERTSONS STADIUM: THE KEITH STEIN BLUE THUNDER MARCHING BAND
The roar of the crowd, the playing of “Seven Nation Army” as the Broncos take the field and the words “Touchdown Broncos!” are all familiar sounds to anyone who has been to Albertsons Stadium for a Boise State football game. Another sound, albeit one that may go unnoticed by most spectators, is the triumphant sound of the Keith Stein Blue Thunder Marching Band.
During its humble beginnings as a junior college, Boise State possessed a tradition of excellence in music. In 1932, the music department created an orchestra, and simultaneously, the small student body started a pep band that would play at athletic events.
At the start, the band would play during home football games in street clothes and received partial academic credit for their efforts in supporting the team and rallying fans. In 1950, the pep band transitioned into a full-time marching band, donning gray trousers, blue sweaters and bright orange bow ties.
In 1975, after the university decided that the marching band would no
longer play during sporting events due to financial constraints, the future of a long-standing band at the school was uncertain.
In 1986, everything changed after Boise residents Keith and Catherine Stein donated $250,000 in scholarship money, reigniting the possibility of the marching band returning. A total of $545,000 was raised to support scholarships for members of the new Keith Stein Blue Thunder Marching Band through numerous donors and contributors in the Boise community. The Keith Stein Blue Thunder Marching Band made its home football debut on Sept. 5, 1987.
The band continued to grow and flourish through the 90s and early 2000s. The year 2006 saw the band move its offices and storage from the bowels of Albertsons Stadium to the Keith and Catherine Stein Band Hall, which was built in conjunction with the Caven-Williams Sports Complex.
Band Director Joe Tornello, who has held the position since December 2011, helped excel the band even further year after year. In 2015, the band was asked
to perform for then-President Barack Obama when he visited Boise. This feat is a testament to the talent of the band and the prowess of Tornello.
Today, the 200-member marching band continues to embody the spirit of the school and create an exciting atmosphere for fans week in and week out.
“We have a pretty big impact on the games,” tenor drummer Landon Quaintance said. “We’re always bringing energy to everyone, and from my experience, people enjoy seeing us around and it makes people want to come to the games even more.”
Quaintance also noted that in-game situations that the band plays during, such as third or fourth downs for the opposing team, help build the energy in the stadium. Additionally, he mentioned the halftime show as another moment of the game that showcases the band’s impact on the fans.
Bronco fans aren’t the only group of people in the stadium who feed off the band.
During any football game, you can always find players on the field and on the sideline raising their arms up during big moments to tell the crowd, “GET LOUD!”. It’s safe to say that for Boise State players, they’re not just speaking to the fans, but to the band, too.
“We practice right outside the football facility, and we’ve had players come up to us and tell us how much they enjoy what we bring,” Quaintance said. “We even played the fight song during a team meeting one time and all the players loved it. We definitely have a big impact on them.”
The energy that the band brings to the fans and players isn’t a one-way street. Fans and players reciprocate that energy back to the band, resulting in what is essentially a game of catch with energy.
“Both the band gives energy to the crowd, and the crowd gives it back to the band,” colorguard member Kate Alvarado said. “It makes for a really good vibe.”
The fans feel the vibe, too.
“It’s definitely cool to hear the band play on a big third down or after someone makes a big play,” Bronco fan Chad Turner said. “When I played football in high school, I used to always get fired up hearing the band and it still gets me hyped even just as a fan.”
The thundering impact that the band has on football games can be attributed to the hard work that band members put in during the week.
“Aside from academics, the band is definitely the number one priority in our lives,” Quaintance said. “In total, we only practice together for about 7 hours a week, but outside of that, you have to practice on your own a lot. We’re always learning new shows and trying to get things as clean as possible.”
Despite the time and effort that it takes to be a member of the Keith Stein Blue Thunder Marching Band, the memories that are made and the impact that the band has on the school are both undoubtedly rewarding and long-lasting.
“There are a lot of memories and experiences that come with being in the band, especially when we travel,” Alvarado said. “All the people and the relationships that get built, it’s all really fun.”
