This past weekend, we had the honor of gathering some incredible hearts and minds at the Double J Ranch—musicians and committee members from Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, and Tennessee—for our first-ever Boot-Check Live Retreat (formerly known as Nashville Nights). It was a deep dive into strategy, vision, and purpose for our growing initiative focused on music, art, and the food service space.

While we’ve experienced some powerful successes with this initiative, there’s also been confusion around the Nashville Nights name. Through honest conversation and creative brainstorming, we made the decision to rename and reframe the experience as Boot-Check Live—and we couldn’t be more excited about what it represents.

Here’s why the change matters:

1. A Common Language with a Clear Tie to Our Mission

By including Boot-Check in the name, we anchor this initiative in the heart of the Jae Foundation. It reminds us—and our audiences—why we do what we do: to create Boot-Check moments that encourage people to pause, check in, and keep going.

2. A Shift from ‘Nights’ to ‘Live’

During a brainstorm session, one of our artists shared a powerful idea: let’s change Nights to Live. It reflects more than just live music—it’s a call to keep living, to choose life, and to help others do the same.

3. Honoring the Past, Expanding the Future

Our new logo will keep the iconic wings on the boot—a tribute to the idea’s roots in Nashville and to the many artists from Tennessee who helped get us here. But by removing Nashville from the name, we open the door to collaborate with musicians and artists from everywhere—without limiting who feels included.

So… what is Boot-Check Live?

It’s a live music series where songs, art, and local flavor collide to break the silence around mental health.

And we’re just getting started.

Our first official Boot-Check Live event at the Double J Ranch was something special. The Sublette County community showed up big, and the spirit at the ranch reminded us all: there’s power in coming together, sharing our stories, and choosing to keep showing up—for ourselves and for one another.

Keep an eye out for more Boot-Check Live events coming your way—maybe even a new dance that fits perfectly into what we’re building. As our artist friend Brett said this weekend, with a smile and a beat:

“Boot-Check 1, 2. Boot-Check 1, 2.”

Friends of the Jae Foundation… it’s Boot-Check Live Time!