Folk musicians come to Pocatello library
Marshall Public Library in Pocatello has more than just books to get people interested in the arts.
It brought back their “Music in the Library” event on Saturday.
The music at the library wasn’t your typical everyday music you might hear on the radio. It was folk music, which Jeff and Amy Howard love to sing.
Jeff and Amy Howard have been playing as a married couple since 2013. But their story and love of music began even earlier.
Amy grew up playing music, starting at age five with the piano. Then, in fourth grade, she picked up the flute.
She continued her love of music in college at Utah State University. While at USU, Amy joined a music group with famous folklorist, Barry Tolkien. She says Barry’s group was her inspiration and she graduated with a masters degree in American Studies and Folklore.
It was also at USU that Amy met Jeff.
“She invited me to come to her group and jam with her friends and the first time I came I really couldn’t play anything,” said Jeff Howard. “One guy handed me spoons and said ‘here, play that.’ I didn’t even know what to do with that so I decided I better learn to play an instrument so I could feel like I was a part of things.”
“And yes, he also started playing the guitar because he wanted to impress me,” said Amy Howard. “It’s true.”
“It is true,” said Jeff Howard.
He did impress her. By becoming a self-taught musician, not only on the guitar, but on the piano and banjo too.
Jeff isn’t the only one who’s self-taught.
“It was about four years ago that I just needed a change and I wanted to buy a mandolin and so I taught myself, honestly with the help of YouTube videos and books and things,” said Amy Howard.
Jeff and Amy say they love being able to do this together. They hope to keep it in the family and get their one-year old son involved one day, too.
“It’s really fun and I think there’s something to be said for families that play together,” said Amy Howard.
People at the library seemed to love the Howards. People complimented them afterwards and they even scheduled a few more performances around town.
The library said they’re looking for more volunteers to perform at “Music in the Library” events. If you’re interested you can call Marshall Public Library at 208-232-1263.
