Baldridge and Bonfires

HAYDEN — Baldridge and Bonfires, a summer benefit concert to support Tesh, Inc., will be presented by the Kootenai County Young Professionals at the Hayden Eagles, 1520 W. Wyoming Ave., on July 9.

The show will feature American country music singer and songwriter Drew Baldridge with North Idaho country artist Colby Acuff as the opening act.

"The Kootenai County Young Professionals are on a mission to lift up our neighbors and help bring our community back to normal," KCYP President Ryan Bones said Thursday. "When we heard about the private shows Drew Baldridge was doing, we jumped on the opportunity to bring live concerts back to North Idaho."

Tesh is a local nonprofit that serves children and adults with developmental delays and mental health challenges in three main areas: adult therapies; children and youth services; and employment services. Tesh experienced some hardships during COVID as it was forced to close for seven weeks. When it reopened, not all of its clients could return because of health concerns, so Tesh functioned at one-fifth capacity for months.

"Bigger than music however, was the opportunity to significantly and positively impact a local nonprofit doing amazing things for young professionals with special needs at Tesh, Inc. That is why 100% of the ticket sales from the concert goes directly to them."

KCYP started in 2007 with the goal of connecting young professionals with each other and within the community through education, leadership opportunities, philanthropy and events. KCYP strives to attract and retain young professionals by providing meaningful connections both professionally and personally along with opportunities to be involved in the community.

The concert goes from 7 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $60 for KCYP members and Tesh members/supporters and $75 for non-members.

"We want to invite everyone from all walks of life to come and enjoy some incredible national and local country music for a good cause," Bones said.