McKenna Esteb live; music, life, and lifting up all around you.
“McKenna Esteb, a rising talent in Boise's music scene, showcases an eclectic style ranging from ballads to feminist anthems, love songs, retro soul, to cry in the shower sort of music. Her evolving full band currently is exploring the indie pop and rock world, while her intimate solo shows highlight her commanding voice and piano skills. Beyond a musician, Esteb is a songwriter and storyteller, aiming to create a space for vulnerability and a spectrum of all emotions to be embraced.” (Lifted directly from her website.)
To see McKenna Esteb play live is to see someone whose joyful stage presence radiates gratefulness- for the people who play behind her, the people who got her where she is, and the musical influences that are both subtle (in the case of her style) and overt (n the case of the covers she plays). And though I can’t speak directly for others, I can say this with confidence: McKenna is the best version of someone who lives the motto of “a rising tide lifts all boats”.
The first time I saw her play was because of a recommendation of a good friend- but a recommendation to reach out and offer my photography services (I was still a film-only baby at the time). McKenna had already hired a shooter that night, but was still eager and wanting me on the list for her show. When I met her and her band that night, she embraced me warmly like a friend she’d known for ten years. And of course, I was entranced and swept up in the current of her music and stage presence.
(Above: McKenna and band playing at Add-a-Ball on 8/30/2025)
Ever since, I shoot her playing in Seattle whenever I have the opportunity, and I happily do so for free. Partly because she and I are just friends now, but mostly because it’s my way of paying forward her whole vibe: it’s better to invite people in and give what you can when you can. The rest will come later.
(Above: McKenna and band playing at Add-a-Ball on 8/23/2026)
Moral of the story: see McKenna Esteb play live, listen to her music, learn from her example.
Comments