The Boy in Blue brings local artists together for Make-A-Wish

Cactus Tree, Sammy Brue and The Painted Roses supported The Boy in Blue’s EP release benefit show at Wiseguys Comedy Cafe in Ogden

NEWS | REVIEW

There was a little more hope in Ogden on March 5 down at the Wiseguys comedy club.

Joshua Boyette, known as The Boy in Blue, a local singer-songwriter put together a benefit concert featuring multiple Utah artists in order to support families impacted by childhood cancer. Diagnosed with cancer at three years old, The Make-A-Wish Foundation fulfilled Boyette’s wish at the time, and now 15 years later he is returning the favor while supporting other local musicians and launching his new EP “For What It’s Worth.”

All ticket proceeds from the show went to Make-A-Wish Foundation.

The Boy in Blue performs with his band at his EP release show at Wiseguys in Ogden on March 5. Deann Armes

The night of good vibes and great music was kicked off by Cactus Tree, also celebrating the release of her new EP “Walks & Gardens.” With soulful lyrics delivered with a soft but powerful voice, it was a strong yet relaxing kick off to the night. 

Cactus Tree’s music felt like the neighbor kid you grew up with and fell out of touch with. Nostalgic and new, and evoking memories and feelings, long forgotten. It was down-to-earth and captured life as it is with all of its bumps and bruises. If you’re not familiar with her music, her song “Playing Dirty” is a great place to start and was the highlight of her set. 

The next act was Sammy Brue who released a new album “The Journals,” a tribute to Justin Townes Earle, in January. Throughout his set he mixed original pieces as well some Justin Townes Earle covers. His music was infused with guitar, folk and blues, bringing the energy in the house up but still making you ponder with his lyrics. One to watch for with this artist would be his new song, “A Letter From Your Favorite Billionaires,” not yet recorded.

Following Brue was a group of six folks who all looked like they were going to a different event. But when they jammed it was a wonderful cohesive folk psychedelic punk sound that boosted the energy. The Painted Roses band’s music made it feel like that first road trip after high school before you and all your friends went different directions. Exciting, scary and peaceful all at once. You may say the perfect final opener for the main act.

A great place to start is their song “Chippin’ Pieces.”

The Boy in Blue closed out the show with his cousin on violin and his ‘boys in blue’ backing him. He played upbeat tunes that were somehow both nostalgic and made one look towards the future. It felt like a board game night with your buddies back in college laughing and joking around. More than a few tears were shed to his song, “The Songs We Sang.” To add to the magic, each ticket came with a blue sound-activated light-up bracelet which illuminated the venue in a soft blue light during his set. 

His best song was “Keep the Change,” about a neat little mountain town (O-town) tucked in the Weber Range. It was truly a celebration of all things Ogden and the spectacular music scene it contains. 

Overall, the evening was one of fantastic music that made you feel a little more hopeful for the future. It raised funds for a good cause and introduced some local talent that will become a staple in many people’s playlist rotations. I’m certain.