The Main Event is a vibrant musical collective based in Boise, Idaho, where a deep passion for music leads them down two distinct yet harmonious paths: Classic Rock and Rhythm & Blues.
Depending on the occasion, they can seamlessly shift between these genres or even blend them into a captivating fusion. The roots of Blues runs deep for this band. Before their formation in October 2021, the members were the core backing musicians for the RJ McGinnis Band, a beloved local Rhythm and Blues group.
As the summer of 2021 approached, RJ began to wind down the group, contemplating a potential move to another state. The RJ McGinnis Band had a busy schedule, even throughout the pandemic. So when the band members realized their weekends would soon be devoid of their cherished pastime—entertaining live audiences—they quickly decided to forge a new path and keep the momentum alive.
Classic Rock became the focal point of this new venture, as each member brought their own roots in the genre to the table. Drawing inspiration from legends like Elton John, The Black Crowes, Billy Idol, Dire Straits, Pink Floyd, and Tom Petty, they crafted electrifying setlists designed to keep patrons dancing.
However, as they progressed with their new musical direction, requests for Blues shows in the Treasure Valley were coming in from sources like the Boise Blues Society. As the band members also found themselves yearning to reconnect with Rhythm & Blues, the music they knew and loved, the dual-genre identity of the band was born.
As they continue to evolve, they eagerly explore new sounds and collaborations. Each show becomes a unique experience, blending the nostalgia of classic hits and/or the raw emotion of blues, ensuring that every audience member leaves with a smile and a story to share. Join us in celebrating the transformative power of music and the joy it brings to our lives, one unforgettable performance at a time.
Kelly Jones – Bass Guitar/Vocals
Jay Longwell – Lead Guitar/Vocals
Richard Smith – Keyboards
Jim Reidenbaugh – Drums
Current Set List
SUMMER OF 69
GREEN RIVER
ALL SUMMER LONG
SUMMER OF 69
POUR SOME SUGAR
GREEN RIVER
ALL SUMMER LONG
BROWN EYED GIRL
WORKING FOR THE WEEKEND
MONEY FOR NOTHIN’
I’M A BELIEVER
SOMETHING IN THE WAY
HURTS SO GOOD
SHARP DRESSED MAN
CROSSFIRE
ROCK THIS TOWN
AMERICAN GIRL
PLAY THAT FUNKY MUSIC
COMFORTABLY NUMB
JENNY JENNY
SKY IS CRYIN’
BILLIE JEAN
WONDERFUL TONIGHT
THE MIDDLE
THE THRILL IS GONE
SATURDAYS ALRIGHT
WHAT I LIKE
MARGARITAVILLE
LISTEN TO THE MUSIC
MARY JANE
ALL RIGHT NOW
FLIP FLOP FLY
STILL GOT THE BLUES
TENNESSEE WHISKEY
DIRTY LAUNDRY
WALK OF LIFE
HANDS TO YOURSELF
SWEET CAROLINE
TWO TICKETS
WHOLE LOTTA ROSIE
LONG COOL WOMAN
SEMINOLE WIND
FEEL LIKE MAKIN LOVE
LIE TO ME
BOOT SCOOT BOGGIE
GIMME ONE REASON
WORKING FOR THE WEEKEND
BORN ON THE BAYOU
TROUBLE
GRAPEVINE
DANCING IN THE STREETS
FORTUNATE SON
MAGIC CARPET RIDE
MONY MONY
CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF YOUR LOVE
GIMME THREE STEPS
SUPERSTITION
HIGHER GROUND
LABAMBA
FREE BIRD
WALK THIS WAY
TORE DOWN
WHAT IF I TOLD YOU
REBEL YELL
SHAKEY GROUND
BAD CASE OF LOVING YOU
HARD TO HANDLE
MOJO WORKIN
DON’T STOP BELIEVIN’
OLD LOVE
FEELS LIKE RAIN
JESSE’S GIRL
COLD SHOT
ONE WAY OUT
MUSTANG SALLY
ROADHOUSE BLUES
CAN’T YOU SEE
JUST WANNA MAKE LOVE
LAGRANGE
CALL ME THE BREEZE
STAND BY ME