Police nix young musician's tavern gigs

MOSCOW - Jaden Carlson, a 12-year-old guitarist and bandleader who was scheduled to perform Thursday and today in Moscow, was forced to cancel her shows because of state law.

The preteen prodigy from Boulder, Colo., who was featured Thursday in a 360 magazine story in the Lewiston Tribune and Moscow-Pullman Daily News, did not play her Moscow date Thursday night, nor will she play as scheduled tonight.

Management at John's Alley Tavern canceled the band's shows when they were contacted early Thursday by the Moscow Police Department after officers read the story promoting Carlson's shows.

No one made a complaint about the show, it's simply a matter of state law, Moscow Police Chief David Duke said.

According to its website, the Idaho Alcohol Beverage Control Bureau of the Idaho State Police doesn't permit, for any reason, anyone younger than 18 to be in a place that primarily serves alcohol.

Performers younger than 21, but at least 18, may perform in bars and taverns, but can only remain in the business while they are performing, according to the website.

Duke said a Moscow police officer contacted the owners of the tavern early Thursday after police read the story.

"Their license could have been in jeopardy," Duke said. "They have it posted on their license, and they should know the rules."

Around 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Carlson posted on her Facebook page that she had an alternate booking Thursday at the Yellowstone Brewery in Billings, Mont., followed by shows in Whitefish, Mont.

Management at John's Alley didn't reply to a message left at the tavern.

Attempts to reach Carlson or her management through Facebook and email Thursday were unsuccessful.

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Alan Solan can be reached at (208) 882-5561, ext. 235, or by email at asolan@dnews.com.