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Complete listings online at cityweekly.net Information is correct at press time; visit event websites for updates on possible COVID-related cancellations or re-scheduling
The pandemic impacted the timing for a lot of creative projects, and that’s certainly true for TWIG Media Lab’s dance-for-the-camera documentary/art film Traverse. Originally planned for an April 2020 premiere, the project is only just now getting its first public showing—six years after the project was initiated.
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Traverse marks a collaboration between TWIG’s Chris and Alex Lee and choreographer Nick Blaylock, who was a graduate student in dance at the University of Utah in 2016. The Lee brothers both grew up as dancers themselves, and according to Chris, who directed Traverse, the goal was to “capture that harmony between what the dancers and choreographer can do, and what you as a filmmaker can do.” The resulting film captures Blaylock’s site-specific work with several dancers at locations in Southern Utah, as well as behind-thescenes footage of the work’s development.
Blaylock, now a faculty member at Southern Utah University, believes that the COVID-era increase in recording live performance has changed the perception of “dance for the camera” somewhat since Traverse was shot in 2016. “I was kind of grateful I’d had this opportunity before all that happened,” he says. “When we did this, we were at the fore of the technologies we were using. At the time it felt like a really big leap.”
Traverse premieres Friday, July 1 at 7 p.m. at the Rose Wagner Center (138 W. 300 South), accompanied by a live performance of new choreography by Blaylock that he describes as “an ode to the magic of the [Traverse] trip. Tickets are $10; visit arttix.org for more information. (Scott Renshaw)
TWIG MEDIA LAB
Complete listings online at cityweekly.net Information is correct at press time; visit event websites for updates on possible COVID-related cancellations or re-scheduling
For 70 years, nobody really took seriously the suggestion by composer Erik Satie that his short keyboard composition Vexations should be played “840 times in succession.” John Cage, however, was always willing to push the boundaries of art, and in 1963 created a performance of Vexations that lasted more than 18 hours. He even offered an incentive to the audience for sticking with the unique experiment, charging $5 admission and refunding a nickel for each 20 minutes that a guest remained with the performance.
Then, in 2021, Utah’s own Interdisciplinary Arts Collective pushed even further, staging Vexations with dancer accompaniment for 36 consecutive hours—the longest recorded version of the work—with pianist Aaron D. Smith. And they’re prepared in 2022 to take the next step. Beginning the morning of July 1 and running through 10 p.m. on Saturday, July 2, the company presents Vexations with one pianist (Smith, yet again), eight dancers and an epic 38 hours of continuous performance. This time around, visual artist Dani Mendez will also be presenting an art installation, adding yet another layer to the “interdisciplinary” part of the company’s name.
Interdisciplinary Arts Collective’s performance of Satie’s Vexations takes place at the Sugar Space Arts Warehouse (132 S. 800 West), starting at 8 a.m. on July 1. Admission is on a pay-what-you-can basis, with cash or Venmo accepted at the door. Attendees are invited to join the experience for as long as they wish. Be part of a unique experiment in long, deep listening. (SR)
INTERDISCIPLINARY ARTS COLLECTIVE
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Complete listings online at cityweekly.net Information is correct at press time; visit event websites for updates on possible COVID-related cancellations or re-scheduling
Morgan Talty: Night of the Living Rez
If you’re launching a career as a writer, it certainly helps to be coming from a unique point of view. For Morgan Talty, that point of view is his membership in the Penobscot Nation of Maine and Eastern Canada—a culture that isn’t even particularly well-represented in other Native American literature. So that might make it even more significant that for Talty’s first book, he isn’t telling just one story from that cultural tradition, but several.
Night of the Rez collects a dozen short stories set in and around the Penobscot Nation, capturing tales of people wrestling both with their identity in the 21st century, and the legacy of the preceding colonialized centuries on that identity. In one story, an aging woman with dementia begins re-experiencing moments of the past by projecting them onto her grandson; another finds two friends looking to exploit the American fascination with antiques by raiding the tribal museum for something they can sell. Across the collection, the echoes of the past intrude into the present as characters try to carve out a place for themselves in a world where they’re not sure they belong.
Morgan Talty appears at this virtual booklaunch event for Night of the Living Rez via The King’s English Bookshop (1511 S. 1500 East), in conjunction with Black Walnut Books of Glen Falls, N.Y., on Tuesday, July 5 at 6 p.m.; author Toni Jensen (Carry: A Memoir of Survival on Stolen Land) moderates the conversation. The Crowdcast conversation is free to the public, but online registration is required. Visit kingsenglish.com for registration and for additional event information. (SR)
TIN HOUSE BOOKS
Utah Festival Opera & Musical Theatre
In the summer, it’s not just the southern part of the state that hosts amazing summer theatrical festivals. While the Utah Shakespeare Festival in Cedar City has earned its plaudits, Logan-based Utah Festival Opera & Musical Theatre also offers a great excuse for a weekend getaway to experience some of the greatest works ever created for the stage.
The 2022 season features a repertory slate of works representing both classical opera and the American musical theater tradition. The season kicks off July 6 with Mozart’s The Magic Flute, followed by Utah favorite Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat on July 7. July 8 marks opening night for Bizet’s Carmen, the tale of a soldier seduced by a gypsy woman. July 9 brings She Loves Me, the musical adaptation of the same source material that inspired The Shop Around the Corner and You’ve Got Mail, from the composer team behind Fiddler on the Roof, followed by the rousing adventure of The Man of La Mancha. In addition to the main season, there are several one-night-only events, including a celebration of Frank Sinatra and the Michael Ballam Vocal Competition, honoring the festival’s founder (pictured, playing Don Quixote in Man of La Mancha). The Utah Festival Opera & Musical Theatre season runs July 6 – Aug. 5, with performances at 1 p.m. and/or 7:30 p.m. Tickets for individual shows in the main season run $5 - $85, with tickets for special concert events $5 - $51; five-show series passes run $24 - $363. For the full calendar of season performances and special events, and to purchase tickets, visit utahfestival.org. (SR)
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And the Rockets’ Red Glare
Where to celebrate Independence Day with fireworks, parades and more.
BY SCOTT RENSHAW scottr@cityweekly.net @scottrenshaw
The nice thing about having July 4 fall not on a Sunday, is that you don’t have to worry about Independence Day celebrations falling on literally any day but Independence Day. For 2022, events span the month’s opening four days. If you’re looking to find a place near you to honor the occasion, and maybe ooh and aah over bombs bursting in air, here’s a roundup of some of the bigger statewide festivities, so you can leave the explosions to the professionals during a drought-ful year. Additional information is available at cityweekly.net.
Park City July 3rd Weekend Celebra-
tion: If you’re looking to kick off your festivities early, you can enjoy it in the cool of the mountains at Canyons Village (4000 Canyons Resort Dr., Park City). For three days, July 1 – 3, get started in the afternoons for live music, kids’ activities, live art experiences and first-ever-in-Summit-County professional drone lights shows. Wrap up your weekend with a grand fireworks celebration on Sunday, July 3. Events are free to the public. cvma.com
North Salt Lake Liberty Fest: More early events launch in North Salt Lake on July 1-2. The first day showcases the Car Show at Eaglewood Golf Course (1110 E. Eaglewood Dr.); Saturday, July 2 features the Fun Fair at Legacy Park (1140 W. 1100 North), with three different race courses for runners, grass volleyball tournament, vendors, food, bounce houses and live music, concluding with fireworks at 10 p.m.
nslcity.org
Stadium of Fire/America’s Freedom
Festival: Utah’s most extravagant Independence Day event has long been held in Provo at Lavell Edwards Stadium (1700 N. Canyon Rd., Provo), part of the city’s even more bigger Freedom Festival. This year’s headliner event on Saturday, July 2 features musical performances by Tim McGraw and Marie Osmond, military tributes, F-35 flyover and what is advertised as “the biggest stadium fireworks show in the U.S.A.” Showtime is 8 p.m. on Monday, July 4; tickets are $35-$250. The Grand Parade takes place Monday, July 4 beginning at 8 a.m., with a course including University Ave. and Center St. in Provo. freedomfes-
tival.org
The Gateway 4th of July Celebration:
Downtown SLC’s own showcase event at The Gateway (200 S. 400 West) is free and open to the public, and features live music performances on the Plaza Stage at the north end of the lower level, plus yard games, face painting and photo ops from 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. on Monday, July 4. Fireworks show begins at dusk. atthegateway.com
Thanksgiving Point Independence
Day Celebration: The lovely Electric Park at Thanksgiving Point (2650 N. Ashton Blvd., Lehi) hosts an evening of outdoor entertainment, vendors and concessions. The event is free to the public; gates open at 4 p.m., with fireworks at 10 p.m. thanksgiv-
ingpoint.org
Layton Liberty Days Celebration: It’s a full day of fun at Ed Kenley Amphitheater (403 N. Wasatch Dr.) and Layton Commons Park (437 N. Wasatch Dr.), beginning at 6:30 a.m. with a Liberty Days breakfast, and featuring a fun run, all-star softball game, parade at 10:30 a.m. and plenty of family activities beginning at noon. Live entertainment performances also run throughout the afternoon at the park, leading up to the evening headliner concert at the amphitheater beginning at 8 p.m. and fireworks at 10 p.m. All events are free. lay-
toncity.org
Murray Fun Days Parade & Activities:
Kick of your Independence Day early with a 7 a.m. sunrise service at Murray Park Amphitheater (296 E. Murray Park Ave., Murray), followed by a community breakfast. The Murray parade begins at 8:30 a.m., running from Fashion Place Mall to Murray Park, where daytime entertainment including games and food trucks runs from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Return to the amphitheater for an evening concert featuring Metro Music Club at 8:30 p.m., followed by 10 p.m. fireworks. All events are free. murray.utah.gov
Sandy July 4th Freedom Day: Gather at the Sandy City Hall Promenade (10000 Centennial Parkway, Sandy) beginning at 8 a.m. with the traditional 5K run. From 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., enjoy a full day of inflatables, games, vendor booths, food and several live bands, including evening headliners The Salamanders. The parade begins at 6 p.m., with fireworks “sky concert” at 10 p.m., followed by even more music. Admission is free, individual activities have ticketed prices. sandy.utah.gov
South Salt Lake July 4th Parade & Ac-
tivities: South Salt Lake’s Independence Day parade kicks off at 10 a.m., running a course from 2250 S. 300 East to 3050 S. 500 East. The day’s celebration events take place in Fitts Park (3050 S. 500 East) from 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., with vendors, food and family-friendly activities. sslc.gov
And that’s just the start, with plenty of events from Southern Utah—including St. George (sgcity.org) and Cedar City (visitcedarcity.com)—north to Logan (loganutah.org), with several other municipalities holding their own fireworks or festival events. Visit your city’s website to find out more, be safe out there, and let freedom ring. CW
Drone lights come to Park City’s Canyons Resort
In winter, the Common’s roller-skating loop will open for ice skating.
Common Ground
Millcreek leans into summer with its new city-center plaza.
BY AIMEE L. COOK comments@cityweekly.net
The long-planned Millcreek Common is now open, giving the historic eastside community a central gathering space and offering something fun for everyone this summer season.
Open daily, the Common (located off 3300 South between 1300 East and Highland Drive at 1354 E. Chambers Ave.) features a roller skating loop—which will become an ice-skating loop in cooler months—and will host the recurring Food Truck Thursday events, which are an ideal spot for a casual night out. On Saturdays, the space hosts a live DJ to get everyone up and dancing, or skating, if you are so inclined. Skates are available for rent, and other free activities for the kiddos are hosted at the Adventure Hub.
Incorporated as a city in 2016, Millcreek’s city government has been hard at work creating a general plan. The idea for Millcreek Common came from a series of feedback opportunities given to residents as part of the planning process.
Through surveys and conversations with residents, Millcreek Mayor Jeff Silvestrini said that a frequent request of the nascent city government was to establish areas for people to come together, see their neighbors and have fun.
“One of the things that we heard from our residents over and over was, ‘Where is Millcreek’s downtown?’” Silvestrini said.
After the general plan’s approval, the Millcreek City Council went to work on a master plan for its city center, which was adopted in June 2019. A $20 million bond was issued, and the city then broke ground on what would become Millcreek Common in March 2021. The construction finished up just in time for the 2022 summer season.
Bonding debt for the project is expected to be repaid through property tax from new developments in the area, without the need for an additional burden on Millcreek taxpayers.
Today, Phase I of the Millcreek Common project—which includes the buildout of the plaza, the skating loop and some retail space on the ground level—is almost complete, covering roughly 2 acres. A splash pad for kids is slated to open in July with plenty of benches for seating and umbrellas for shade. When daytime temperatures drop below 50, the loop will be prepared for ice skating, with fire pits to provide warmth.
In naming the plaza the “Common,” the goal was for “the ‘common’ people to come together with a ‘common interest,’” says Holly “Sparkles” Jensen, Millcreek’s Adventure Hub Sports development manager. “We want the area to be used all day, every day, by everyone. We want them to experience all the things on the loop.”
In addition to creating the social and entertainment space of the Common, Millcreek City government has been on the move—so to speak—since its incorporation and will soon be moving into new and permanent digs currently under development.
As the city is currently leasing its space, Silvestrini stressed the need for new city offices. “Our landlord told us they wanted to be part of the redevelopment of this area. We are building a new city hall, and we are incorporating the police department into it as well.”
Much like the desire for a downtown area, Silvestrini said residents were vocal about establishing a permanent home for the city council and administrative offices.
“People felt the city should own its city hall and not rent it,” he said. “They also wanted to see things that the public could utilize as well. We want to engage our entire community and celebrate our diversity.”
The new city hall is slated to have a ground-floor public market, an incubator space for new restaurants and open event space for booth setups and to accommodate arts and crafts shows and other functions. Additional event space on the building’s sixth floor can accommodate up to 180 people. The city has also obtained an outdoor recreation grant and plans to put an outdoor climbing wall on the building that will be the largest in the state.
Parts of Phase II are underway and will include a mixed-used development with green space along the Wasatch fault line, an outdoor amphitheater, housing, office space and retail. The second phase is scheduled for completion in August 2023 and will be connected by bike paths and walkable infrastructure.
Once completed, the city center project will cover a roughly 4-acre area in the heart of the Millcreek community.
“This area is going to transform into a much denser area,” said Silvestrini. “There will be a lot more housing, offices, restaurants and retail space. We hope that people will come enjoy the space from other parts of the valley.” CW
ROB NORBUTT Millcreek envisions the Common as a new “downtown” for the eastside city.
MILLCREEK COMMON 1354 E. CHAMBERS AVE., MILLCREEK MILLCREEKCOMMON.ORG Daily: Skate Loop—rentals available 5-10 p.m. Weekdays: Playtivities—free, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursdays: Food Truck Rally—5-8 p.m. Fridays: G.O.A.T—7-10 p.m. Saturdays: DJ Skate Night—7-10 p.m.
Opening July 2022: Daily: Millcreek Springs Splash Pad— 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Saturdays at the Common feature live DJ performances.
ROB NORBUTT ROB NORBUTT JUNE 30, 2022 |
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Utah’s Second Gentleman
Getting to know Gabe Henderson, spouse of Utah Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson.
BY BENJAMIN WOOD bwood@cityweekly.net
In 1975, Utah created the office of lieutenant governor, replacing the secretary of state as first in the line of gubernatorial succession. And in 1993, the late Olene Walker became Utah’s first female lieutenant governor, ahead of eventually becoming the state’s first—and so far, only—female governor between 2003 and 2005.
Walker’s career was one of many firsts for the state, including her significant role in establishing Utah’s Rainy Day funds, which set budget reserves aside in good economic times for use during bad ones. And in the grand tradition of political marriages, the Walker administration is also notable for giving Utah its first second gentleman and first first gentleman, in the form of businessman Myron Walker, who passed away in 2018 and who is said to have preferred “First Lad” to the stuffier, polysyllabic “gentleman” title.
It took 15 years after the Walkers left the Governor’s Mansion for Utah to get its second second gentleman. The 2020 election saw the victory of Republican Gov. Spencer Cox and his lieutenant governor, Deidre Henderson, who had previously served two terms in the state Senate. Henderson’s husband, Gabe, a Utah transplant, is now the proud bearer of the dormant, only-used-once title “second gentleman.”
City Weekly caught up with Gabe Henderson to chat about his background and interests, his experience meeting and marrying the highest-ranking woman in state government (who recently completed her bachelor’s degree on top of her official duties) and his status as the relatively undefined second gentleman of Utah.
Responses were received via email and edited for length and clarity.
City Weekly: Where are you from and what brought you to Utah?
Gabe Henderson: Hailing from Wilmington, North Carolina, I am a third-generation member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I moved to Utah to attend Brigham Young University, where I met Deidre.
Later, we moved to North Carolina so that I could attend physical therapy school.
CW: What’s your profession? And how do you view your public role?
GH: I am a physical therapist by trade. We own a company called Mobile Outpatient Physical Therapy, which contracts with home health agencies and provides outpatient house calls for seniors. I would say my profession has shaped my public role as second gentleman, not the inverse.
My primary responsibilities are to provide for my family and create a space for Deidre to excel. I participate in state events as often as possible, but I hope Utahns understand that sometimes I can’t.
CW: Tell us about meeting your wife and realizing she could be ‘the one.’
GH: We met in French class at Brigham Young University. On the second day of class, I sat down behind Deidre and she turned around and introduced herself. “Hi, I’m Deidre,” she said. “What’s your name?” I told her my name, and she said she had a cousin named Gabe. I didn’t quite know how to reply, so I just said, “Cool,” and she turned back around.
Later, the teacher tasked us with finding a partner. We were told to speak French with them outside of class. Not knowing anyone, I quickly asked Deidre, and she said, “Sure.”
When we met at the library, Deidre was dressed in sweatpants, a sweatshirt, no makeup, glasses and a ponytail. Immediately, I thought that she was so funny. I didn’t know she was an actress, but she kept doing a French accent. I was so charmed.
After about 30 or 40 minutes, we went our separate ways, and I walked over to the Wilkinson Center. I set my stuff down at an empty table, left for food and when I came back Deidre was sitting across from me. I was convinced she followed me. She will argue that her stuff was there first.
In French class, we were also told to see a French film. I asked her to see a film with me. I then asked her if she would get food with me first, and she paused, putting her finger on her chin to think. She asked to go home and change, and when I went to pick her up, I hardly recognized her. I remember thinking to myself, “I just hit the jackpot!”
I was a latchkey kid growing up, and my etiquette … was not great. Later at dinner, I remember a look she gave me. I must have been chewing with my mouth open, I thought. And I was. I immediately apologized and bought myself a second chance.
CW: How have you as a couple changed over time?
GH: When I first met Deidre, she was very straight-laced. At the same time, she had a beautiful wholesomeness to her, which, when combined with her clever sense of humor, made her totally captivating. While Deidre’s basics haven’t changed in the years since, she has become very self-aware and mindful about the world around us.
When you combine her experience as a mom, state senator, nontraditional college student and lieutenant governor, you get someone who really has a sense for how things work.
At the same time, I’ve changed because of her experiences. My eyes have been opened to the obstacles that women in leadership encounter on a regular basis— too often, men don’t see these obstacles.
CW: Where do you like to dine and search for things to do in Salt Lake?
GH: If you take price out of the equation, a couple of my favorite restaurants in Salt Lake City are Valter’s Osteria on Broadway and Current Fish & Oyster. I’m also a big fan of The Pie Pizzeria.
For entertainment, my family loves musical theater. The Eccles Theater brings incredible shows to Utah that otherwise we would have missed.
Of course, I really enjoy visiting Utah’s national parks. For years, we traveled outside of Utah to see the sites. But now we’ve decided that Utah staycations deliver some of the most breathtaking views anywhere in the world.
I’m also a huge fan of Real Salt Lake.
CW: Are there any public figures whom you draw inspiration from?
GH: I mean this when I say that I draw my inspiration from Deidre. I have always admired the way she navigates sensitive issues and brings all the stakeholders to the table. She assembles every point of view and finds workable solutions.
I used to tell people that if you ever disagree with something she supports or does, just ask her why. She will explain her position in a way that will help you fully understand her perspective. By the end, even if you still disagree with her, you will value her perspective. A native of Wilmington, North Carolina, Utah’s ‘second gentleman,’ Gabe Henderson, moved to Utah to study at Brigham Young University, where he met his wife, Deidre, who would become Utah’s lieutenant governor.
CW: When was a moment that you were particularly proud of your spouse?
GH: I am proud of Deidre every day. Forced to choose, I was immensely proud of her on the day she gave her inaugural speech at the Tuacahn Center for the Arts in Ivins. I was so proud that—when I held the Bible during her oath of office—my hands were shaking.
CW: What’s it like being the second gentleman? Does being a man ever come up against the ‘normal’ way of doing things?
GH: It is a privilege to be the second gentleman. My role hasn’t surprised me nearly as much as Deidre has impressed me. She works so hard and really gets things done for Utah. I am grateful that Gov. Spencer Cox sees her value.
As for my title, I think the moment we box in this position is the moment we lose progress for women. CW
