City Weekly May 16, 2024

SUMMER GUIDE

CONCERTS, FESTIVALS, FILMS, FARMERS MARKETS AND MORE

CITY WEEKLY STORE

SLC FORECAST

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BOX

Save Abravanel

When I was interviewed for the Sept. 19, 2019, issue of City Weekly on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of opening concerts at Abravanel Hall (originally called Symphony Hall), I couldn’t have imagined that in only five years time, the edifice would need “re-imagining,” let alone that the thought of its demolition could be entertained by parties seeking to create a “sports, entertainment, culture and convention district.”

And proponents speak of a “sustainable” entertainment district at that, as

Smith Entertainment Group’s Michael Maughn suggested at the May 8 Salt Lake City Council work meeting during SEG’s presentation. What could be less sustainable than the demolition of a building that has stood for only a little more than two generations? A building that has served the needs of the city, the county and the state, that has provided a home for a full-time professional orchestra—which, let’s face it, was one of the only things “major league” in Salt Lake when it was built— and has provided joy to both adults and children for nearly half a century? This building simply must be saved.

Don’t take my word for it—though I was a member of the Utah Symphony at the very first concerts in September 1979 and worked there for the next 44 years until my retirement—read the Deseret News’ Richard Eyre, who passionately recalled the efforts of an entire community to conceive, plan and execute a home for Maurice Abravanel’s beloved orchestra.

Maintenance? Yes. Repairs? Yes. But, a final curtain? Absolutely not!

JAMIE ALLYN Millcreek

Finding Votes

Eleven thousand seven hundred eighty, Will forever be remembered in our history. Just find “one vote” more to declare Georgia victory! And free our nation from election “fraud” misery!

A defeated president on a telephone call, Pleading and threatening our democracy to appall.

A grand jury RICO indictment justice to implore, Which the Supreme Court’s immunity review does ignore.

Free and peaceful elections our nation’s foundation, By, for and of the people the determination. No authoritarian dictator for you and me, A fundamental principle of democracy.

I k now what I heard and saw as being obvious, But if not in trial or court then justice is at risk.

GEORGE KIBILDIS Sparta, New

Jersey

“Post Hoc,” May 3 online news

Editor’s note: readers react to the opening of the Post District, a mixed-use housing and commercial development near the freeway entrances to Salt Lake City.

All “districts” in Salt Lake City amount to two blocks.

ULLA LA Via Facebook

Hurray! Go-go gadget “Gentrification”!

TREVOR DIMON Via Facebook

Care to sound off on a feature in our pages or about a local concern?

Write to comments@cityweekly.net or post your thoughts on our social media. We want to hear from you!

THE WATER COOLER

Do you have any summer traditions?

Scott Renshaw

It never ceases to be a pleasure to attend the Utah Arts Festival. Whether I’m in the mood for music, food or just browsing booths, it’s just the thing I look forward to most every summer.

Benjamin Wood

Scout camp with my stepson and 4th of July weekend in my hometown, which unfortunately overlap this year.

Kayla Dreher

We launch fireworks off our floating raft on the 4th of July (a Wisconsin thing). Not sure that I have any traditions in Utah yet. Still exploring.

Sofia Cifuentes

Enjoying the sun as much as I can!

Bryan Bale

If I have any summer traditions, it’s music and culture festivals, starting with Living Traditions (though that’s technically near the end of spring). I’ll be playing music there on Sunday, May 19, with Bazeen. I’ll also be behind the scenes at the Multicultural Ethnic Dance Festival: A Celebration of Diversity on June 1, the Utah Summer Dance Festival on Aug. 17, and the Avenues Street Fair on Sept. 14.

Eric Granato Naked

camping.

OPINION

BY JOHN RASMUSON

Evangelizing Pickleball

Ifirst hit pickleballs in Wyoming in 2010. I was in the Sheridan YMCA gym, where two courts had been delineated on the floor in red tape. I helped friends assemble portable nets and then, wielding a borrowed paddle, I played mixed doubles for two hours.

It was more fun than tennis or racquetball. I wanted more. In Salt Lake City, however, pickleball courts were as scarce at the time as Frisbee golf courses. Three temporary ones in Sandy’s Dimple Dell Recreation Center gym were all I could find. I began scouting places that would accommodate a pickleball court.

The more I asked around, the more I heard: “What the hell is pickleball?” The question came up at places like Big 5, Sports Mall, Tenth East Senior Center and Salt Lake City’s Parks department. I made no headway.

I soon realized I was bumping up against a paradoxical catch-22, whereby construction of courts was determined by player demand, but demand was dependent on the availability of courts. Without a place to play, demand dried up.

Pickleball—a tennis-like game played with a solid paddle and a perforated, plastic ball—is not the upstart sport that padel (a tennis-squash hybrid) is. Pickleball predates Nike’s “swoosh” logo. The sport was invented in 1966 by the late Joel Pritchard, a congressman from Washington. He cobbled together handmade plywood paddles, a borrowed wiffle ball and a badminton court to create a game for his kids.

The source of the silly name? You hear two stories. One features a ball-chasing cocker spaniel named Pickles. The other comes from Pritchard’s wife, who wrote in 2008: “The name of the game became pickleball after I said it reminded

me of the pickle boat in crew where oarsmen were chosen from the leftovers of other boats.”

Pickleball eventually took root in sunbelt retirement communities. More accessible than tennis, it was an ideal sport for “active seniors,” especially those hobbled by sore knees and slowing reflexes. (The Villages, a 55+ community of 80,000 in Florida, now has more than 200 courts.) In 2003, pickleball reached St. George via the Huntsman Senior Games. It then leapfrogged Salt Lake City for Ogden because John Gullo, a pickleball proponent, donated $60,000 to build courts in Mount Ogden Park.

A turning point came when Ben Hill, then the manager of the Holladay Lions Recreation Center, acquiesced to my Field of Dreams, build-it-and-they-will-come proposition. He made a single pickleball court in his gym. I bought four paddles and invited people I knew to try a game most had never heard of. Ten years later, people in pickleball togs sit on the sidelines, chatting about grandkids or knee replacements, waiting for a turn on one of six courts there.

The pick-up games on the Holladay Lions courts kindled demand. Soon, Millcreek, Central City, Murray and other recreation centers added courts. And why not, pickleball players importuned—the gyms were mostly vacant on weekday mornings and nets were cheap.

On the other hand, outdoor courts were expensive. The cheapest option was to convert existing tennis courts. You could repurpose two tennis courts and get enough space for six pickleball courts. Because the city had about 90 tennis courts, many of them dilapidated, six-for-two conversions seemed to be the ideal way to go. My friends and I lobbied the Parks department for tennis-court conversions, and I promoted them in City Weekly. The city’s tennis players organized a counteroffensive.

As the dust settled, support from the Greater Avenues Community Council caused pickleball lines to be painted on three tennis courts—one each in Pioneer, Reservoir and Sunnyside parks—to make dual-use courts. Then, a 2015 meeting with Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker yielded the

city’s first two outdoor courts on C Street and Fifth Avenue. Handsome pickleball complexes in Fairmont Park and 11th Avenue Park followed. The new courts attracted a younger demographic, whose jobs had kept them away from the recreation center courts. The new courts allowed for weekend pickleball, and Gen Z players soon filled them.

Pickleball is now the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. There are several reasons for its popularity. The court is invitingly small and learning the basics takes minutes, not hours. With its underhand serve and no-volley zone along the net, pickleball is not a serve-and-volley game. Smart tacticians hold their own against big hitters, so it is conducive to mixed doubles and intergenerational pairs.

It is also known for having a cordial social dimension, which I think is attributable to a tradition of vacating the court at the end of each game. Sharing the court with waiting players creates a sideline interval in which amiable conversation flourishes.

In those courtside conversations, I have often heard people reflect on the sport they assert has been life-changing. I began this column with that in mind. Would the writing process disclose some underlying explanation? I envisioned “The Zen of Pickleball” as the headline. But the more I wrote, the more I revisited the growth of the game along the Wasatch Front, the more I was drawn to Woody Allen’s observation that showing up accounts for 80% of success.

Pickleball partisans like me showed up for many years. We did so in the service of self-interest, it is fair to say. But we showed up as squeaking wheels at county planning meetings, and we badgered Salt Lake City’s Parks department. As a result, pickleball was considered when zero-sum financial decisions were made.

New courts slated for west-side parks in Poplar Grove, Rosewood and Glendale indicate that pickleball players like Ifa Motuliki are still showing up to evangelize while showing up to play. CW

Private Eye is off this week. Send feedback to comments@cityweekly.net

HITS & MISSES

BY KATHARINE BIELE | @kathybiele

MISS: On the Outs

Despite growing diversity in the state, it’s notable how religion continues to take center stage. Carl Wimmer should know; so should Steve Urquhart. Both are former Republican legislators and, coincidentally, former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints. Wimmer settled a religious discrimination case for $80,000, according to a Fox13 report. He’d been in law enforcement since 1997 and was in the Legislature from 2007-2012, after which he became an evangelical. Wimmer was working as detective at the Gunnison Valley Police Department when the chief job opened, and he claimed he was passed over for a less qualified candidate who is LDS. The department denied the claim, while settling it. Urquhart is another story altogether. He left the Legislature in 2016, forming a church around “magic mushrooms.” Urquhart converted to Mormonism at 10 after the suicide of his brother, but left thinking “there is no God” and is now “exploring” a new paradigm with psychedelics. He still thinks the LDS Church has an unreasonable hold on the state’s lawmakers.

HIT: Church and State

There’s more about the state’s predominant religion. The Salt Lake Tribune is lucky to have Peggy Fletcher Stack. Religion News Association called her the top religion reporter for midsize and small newspapers for 2023. OBTW, it’s the sixth time she won. Yes, she mostly writes about the LDS religion. She’s not the only one who writes about “the Church” at the Trib, which seems to have taken a lead in covering Mormon news the Deseret News wouldn’t touch. This week, emblazoned on the front page, was a story about how LDS parents see their LGBTQ children. There is a lot to learn about how the church affects women and children in the state. A recent report from the Utah Women & Leadership Project points out that religious influence is “the third most common challenge for Utah girls and women related to the influence of religion, church, and/or faith.”

MISS: Pro League

And if you’ve ever wanted to know what the LDS Church thinks of abortion, just check the Deseret News’ coverage. The newspaper recently ran a lengthy article about a “gathering of 120 Latterday Saint pro-life advocates.” And boy did the D-News hammer it home. The gathering was sponsored by Latter-day Saints for Life, a “worldwide coalition of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints protecting preborn babies and promoting a prolife culture,” though professing not to be affiliated with the church. A member of the church’s Utah Area Seventies was a keynote speaker, and there was a lot about the doctrine behind the prolife cause. Since the confab took place at a public charter school in Draper, you might expect the school to host a gathering of pro-choice advocates next. Or not.

BY KATHARINE BIELE

Choice Is Yours

The Legislature is expanding its voucher program. There are 10,000 vouchers to be given out, but the demand is higher. Supporters call it proof that families are hungry for “educational options.” But what is the real proof? Utah already has a robust system of school choice, allowing students to opt into any public school if there is room. The state also offers programs at more than 100 public charter schools.

Charters started in 1997 with a pilot of eight schools. There was no shortage of detractors, but the vision was to strengthen the school system by opening doors to innovation. The state school board was so sure charters would destroy public schools that they sued and lost. “When I was in the Legislature, the local school boards were utterly without vision,” said former state Sen. Howard Stephenson, who sponsored the original charter bill.

It’s been 20 years since I co-founded one of Salt Lake’s first charters. Salt Lake Arts Academy was a shared vision of two principals and parents from Beacon Heights and Wasatch elementaries. The idea was to enhance the public system—not destroy it. The Legislature was cutting back on arts education—programs both schools were known for. Meanwhile, the school district had targeted the elementaries for closure. If that sounds similar, it is—Salt Lake’s school population has long been declining, and buildings are expensive to maintain.

The district, however, was playing a numbers game. While both Beacon Heights and Wasatch were full, half of their students came from outside the district (for instance, parents who work at the university but live outside the city). To the school board, however, those schools were half full, marking them for closure. Arts Academy parents sought to become a district-sponsored charter, but the school board refused. That started the long and frustrating search for facilities.

As charters thrived, the district became more amenable to sponsorship. Take the Salt Lake Center for Science and Education on the west side. Its focus on STEM education has attracted students, as has the Open Classroom in the shuttered Lowell Elementary. The Salt Lake School for the Performing Arts did not fare so well. The state charter board has taken it over, has weighed new locations and is working on fixing its financial problems.

Salt Lake City is now facing the prospect of four empty elementary buildings. The district has not released plans for their use. And Rosslyn Heights Elementary, which closed in the early 2000s, could have housed a charter school but will be demolished and repurposed for high school sports.

If Salt Lake wants families to come back, it needs to not only look at housing prices, but also what it offers to school children. It should embrace charter schools and learn from the creative programs they offer.

Otherwise, they may be seeing students flee to a voucher system that lacks accountability and drains funds from the public system. CW

Big Shiny Robot

Getting Geeked Up for Summer

A preview of the promising movies, TV series, comics and games for this season

BY BRYAN YOUNG comments@cityweekly.net

Summer is the time of year I like to hibernate the most. Thanks to climate change, it’s usually too hot to go outside for long without suffocating in the heat. Thanks to the Utah Legislature’s failure to properly regulate businesses, we’re also suffocating from the poor air quality. So, we add to the problem by cranking the AC to survive indoors and that gives us a lot of time to do fun, nerdy things, like watch TV shows, read books, and watch movies. Or we can chill in the glorious AC of a movie theater—my preferred way to watch motion pictures.

Here’s my look at the stuff I’m most excited about this summer:

Star Wars: The Acolyte - The brand-new television show in the Star Wars universe is created by Leslye Headland, and takes place more than a hundred years before the events of The Phantom Menace. It looks to be a mystical martial-arts take on the Star Wars universe, with a murder mystery beating at its heart. It also happens at the end of the High Republic era, which is some of the best storytelling Star Wars has been doing. (June 4, Disney+)

Deadpool and Wolverine - Like everyone else, I thought 2017’s Logan was a perfect and fitting end for Hugh Jackman’s portrayal of Wolverine. But if there is one per-

son who could have brought him back into the character in a way that made sense, it was Ryan Reynolds and his fourth-wall breaking take on Deadpool. Deadpool & Wolverine sets them loose in the multiverse on July 26 in theaters.

Alien: Romulus - Set between the events of Alien (1979) and Aliens (1986), Alien: Romulus is the seventh film in the Alien franchise (we don’t count anything with Predator, or directed by Paul W.S. Anderson) and looks to be a return to form for the franchise that Ridley Scott has taken back into the realm of philosophical sci-fi. It hits theaters Aug. 16.

Gail Simone’s Uncanny X-Men - Gail Simone is one of the best writers working in comics. She’s funny, she’s a terrific storyteller, and her sense of pacing is unreal. Throwing her into the world of the X-Men with a relaunch of their flagship title is a recipe for excitement, especially since the majority of her team features everyone’s favorites from the ’90s animated series currently undergoing a renaissance thanks to a new season that debuted on Disney+. Simone and artist David Marquez relaunch Uncanny X-Men in August.

Batman: Resurrection - We always needed more stories in the Tim Burton Batman universe, and author John Jackson Miller is giving us exactly that. Set between the events of Batman (1989) and Batman Returns (1992), this all-new tale of the Caped Crusader also offers a look at some of the characters who disappeared between the two films. I know it comes out on the border of fall in October, but I’m too excited about it not to list it.

Star Wars: Outlaws - Star Wars has been hitting home runs lately with their video game offerings, and Outlaws looks to be like the latest grand slam. An open world action-adventure game puts you right in

the middle of the underworld action in a galaxy far, far away, in just about any way you can think of to explore the story. The trailers make it look amazing, and it’s going to be a must play sort of game in the canon. It hits consoles and PCs on Aug. 30.

BattleTech: Mercenaries - You’d be crazy if you thought I wouldn’t put board games on this list, and BattleTech: Mercenaries is one I’ve had a chance to play. Focusing on mercenaries in the world of BattleTech and MechWarrior, this tabletop miniatures game has all the strategy of the classic game with some of the best looking paintable minis on the market. It’s supposed to hit stores sometime this summer; you won’t regret snagging it.

A classic to get into if you’re not already: Root - I know not everyone wants to wait for summer to start having fun now, and that’s why I wanted to put Root on the list. This might be one of the best boardgames I’ve ever played. In this game that features assymetric play, each player controls a different faction of woodland creatures as they try to dominate the forest. If you’re skeptical about the board game, download the tablet app. It’s seriously incredible and it’s been haunting my dreams for months. I just want to play more. It’s available now at your local game store or from Leder Games. If this doesn’t all keep you busy this summer, then I have to wonder if there might be something wrong with you. CW

Amandla Stenberg in Star Wars: The Acolyte

theESSENTIALS ENTERTAINMENT PICKS,

Modern West Fine Art: Counterpoint

One of the fascinating challenges for art curators is understanding when artists complement one another to the extent that placing their works in juxtaposition tells a story. They may not be artists from the same time or place, nor even directly influence one another, but their styles and themes can support letting them exist side-by-side. And that’s what Shalee Cooper and Modern West Fine Art accomplish with the joint exhibition Counterpoint, showcasing the work of Russian-born/Utah-based artist Dimitri Kozyrev and the late Taos Modernist artist Beatrice Mandelman.

Kozyrev, who relocated to the United States after the fall of the Soviet Union, offers a unique creative intersection between realism and abstraction (“Lost Landscape #13” is pictured). A gallery statement describes the artist’s work as “the intersection of physical and mental landscapes with real world events. He uses modernist, constructivist methods to abstract pictorial space –– acknowledging the scars and ruins left behind by war and human impact.”

Mandelman’s work was informed by her own geographical relocation, from New York to the American West. Early paintings that emphasized representational imagery gave way to a greater focus on abstraction with her move to Taos. As Modern West describes the pieces in the exhibition, “Her compositions are vibrant and full of energy, often with a densely-packed network of overlapping geometric and organic shapes … approached with playfulness, but also with purpose and restraint.

Counterpoint runs at Modern West Fine Art (412 S. 700 West) now through June 14, open to the public during regular gallery hours Tuesday – Friday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., or Saturday by appointment. Visit modernwestfineart.com for additional event information. (Scott Renshaw)

Sklar Brothers

Like other great comedy teams—the Smothers Brothers, Martin and Lewis, Rowan and Martin, among them— comedians Randy and Jason Sklar effortlessly interact with each other while sharing an irrepressible attitude with their audiences. Perhaps best known from such popular TV shows as Curb Your Enthusiasm, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and Better Call Saul, they’ve never been easy to typecast, given routines that can include observations about Charles Barkley and Shaq, to reflections on the Jonestown Massacre. They made a most emphatic impression playing conjoined twins on a memorable episode of Grey’s Anatomy and warring agents on HBO’s Entourage. They further demonstrated their prolific prowess by hosting a series on the History Channel, making ongoing appearances on Showtime’s Jim Rome (courtesy of a segment titled “Sklarred For Life”) and popping up regularly on ESPN. They’ve starred on two Comedy Central half-hour specials, scored rave reviews for their Netflix special The Sklar Brothers: What We Are Talking About, made their mark on Starz as Hipster Ghosts and released a Top Ten comedy album, Henderson and Daughters, which pop pundits The Onion A.V. Club included among their Top 10 Comedy albums of 2011. The brothers’ podcast, “View From the Cheap Seats,” continues to garner a faithful following as well, suggesting that any seats—cheap or not—are worth acquiring for their upcoming engagement.

The Sklar Brothers perform a 21 + show at Wiseguys Jordan Landing (3763 West Center Park Drive, West Jordan) Friday, May 17 and Saturday, May 18 at 6 p.m. nightly. Tickets cost $25 at wiseguyscomedy.com. (Lee Zimmerman)

An Evening with Ira Glass

As host and producer of the National Public Radio program and podcast This American Life, Ira Glass would seem to have a daunting task before him. After all, when you attract over five million listeners each week, there’s an awesome responsibility that comes with trying to find stories that can bridge today’s deep divides. Nevertheless, Glass’ efforts have paid off, courtesy of extraordinary episodes flush with irony and intrigue, compelling circumstance, unexpected plot twists, and interesting ideas. Mostly though, they’re cinematic snapshots found within audio environs. It’s little wonder that the program has garnered high honors, including seven Peabody Awards and the first Pulitzer Prize ever awarded for audio journalism. In 2021, one of its episodes was inducted into the Library of Congress’s National Recording Registry, the first podcast that’s been so honored.

The New York Times referred to Glass as a journalist and storyteller “who filters his interviews and impressions through a distinctive literary imagination, an eccentric intelligence, and a sympathetic heart.” Renowned playwright and screenwriter David Mamet said Glass “finds—uncovers—drama and humor in the most pedestrian of places.” Glass seems to have come by this noble stature naturally, having started his broadcasting career as a 19-year-old intern at NPR prior to initiating This American Life in 1995. Nearly 30 years later, it should be fascinating to hear how Glass shares a life story of such special significance.

An Evening With Ira Glass takes place at the Eccles Theater (131 S. Main St.) at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 18. Tickets cost $25 - $45; visit arttix.org. (LZ)

SUMMER GUIDE

CONCERTS, FESTIVALS, FILMS, FARMERS MARKETS AND MORE

CW STAFF

Let’s face it:

Every summer is not the same. In 2023, the warm season came on the heels of a brutal winter, and we were all desperate to finally tunnel out from our respective snow banks. This year might have been milder overall, but that May squall kept us on our toes. Meteorology and psychology combine to create a distinctive cocktail of feelings as the mercury begins to rise.

And yet, there is one consistent factor when it comes to summer: There’s different stuff we want to experience. The thing about living in a climate with actual seasons is that we plan to experience those seasons differently. And every year, we’re here to help.

The 2024 City Weekly Summer Guide offers a wide variety of tools to help you consider how you want to spend your months of sun and warmth. Mark your calendar with all of the arts and cultural festivals that fill parks and other venues. Budget your

ticket-buying for an amazing lineup of live music, blockbuster movies and the unique theatrical offerings that appear in the summer. Take a visit to our local resorts to see how different— and amazing—they are even without snow. Consider a relaxing, reinvigorating visit to Utah’s zoo, aquarium and aviary. Check out a rundown of farmers markets for food, arts and crafts no matter where you live. Look elsewhere through this volume for patio dining and the coming attractions in geeky media.

Whether you want to figure out a way to get cooled down or fired up, summer in Utah will always have its own particular vibe. You can vibe along with it—and we’re here to make sure you figure out just the right way for you.

Scott Renshaw Arts & Entertainment editor

Summer Arts & Cultural Festivals Calendar

Plan your summer weekends with a full list of food, art, entertainment and education.

BY SCOTT RENSHAW & ERIN MOORE comments@cityweekly.net

MAY

Living Traditions

Library Square will once again see the annual return of the Living Traditions festival, where dozens of cultural offerings are on display—enjoy dance and music performances from Greek, South American, Scottish and Southeast Asian cultures just to name a few, or get into crafts like the lei-making or Chinese kite building workshops. There are also familyfriendly games, Sundance film screenings, dozens of vendors and, of course, more multicultural food offerings than you’ll be able to swallow. May 17-18, Washington and Library squares, 200 E. 400 South, SLC, saltlakearts. org/programs/living-traditions-festival

Scandinavian Festival

If you know Utah, especially the more rural parts, you know Scandinavian immigrants made a huge impact on the culture and places many Utahns call home today. This festival calls itself the largest gathering of Scans in the West, and they invite you not just to dig into their history but to have fun while doing it. Here, beards can win gold medals, wives are carried for sport and the city organizes tours of its historical Scandinavian immigrant-built structures. You can also look forward to more modern-day entertainment, like the parade, car show, chalk art, quilt show and special exhibitions at Granary Arts. May 24-25, Ephraim Pioneer Park, 75 W. 100 North, Ephraim, scandinavianfestival.org

Moab Arts Festival

Moab is way more than just a quirky place to crash in between adventurous hikes in Arches and Canyonlands. Over Memorial Day weekend in May (one of the better times temperaturewise to be there), you can explore the one-ofa-kind city itself while browsing tons of art and jewelry vendors, plus tons of food vendors, a beer garden and two days packed with fun kids’ activities, crafts and games. May 25 - 26, Swanny City Park, 400 N. 100 West, Moab, moabartsfestival.org

Soldier Hollow Sheepdog Classic

If you love the novelty of a rodeo, or a demolition derby, we’ve got your new favorite special event lined up for you—the sheepdog herding competition. Not only do you get to cheer on everybody’s favorite zoomy dogs as they do

what they do best, but you can have family fun at the festival with games, drinks and eats. Go full farm and don’t miss the sheep shearing demo, either. May 24 - 27, Soldier Hollow Nordic Center, 2002 Soldier Hollow Lane, Midway, soldierhollowclassic.com

Also in May: Great Salt Lake Bird Festival, May 16–19, daviscountyutah.gov/greatsaltlakebirdfest/the-festival

JUNE

Utah Pride Festival and SLC Pride

Kick off June right by celebrating Pride Month! With the Utah Legislature making it more and more challenging for queer people to live both authentically and safely in our state, it’s more important than ever to celebrate the queer community, its spaces and traditions. Don’t miss the always-big blowout that is the Utah Pride Festival and its corresponding parade. Then, close out the month at The Gateway with a Stonewall commemoration, trans-pancakes on The Green and more TBA! June 1-2 (Utah Pride Festival), Washington Square Park, 451

S. State, SLC, utahpride.org; June 27-30 (SLC Pride), The Gateway, 400 S. 300 West, SLC, slc-pride.org

Utah Asian Festival

Celebrate the rich cultural legacies of Utah’s Asian community at the 47th annual Utah Asian Festival. The festival is jam packed with music, song and dancing—from K and JPOP to Chinese, Indian, Filipino, Chin dances and more. Past festivals have featured martial arts demonstrations and fashion shows. And, of course, there’s maybe no better place to taste delicacies from your favorite Asian cuisines, or try something new. June 8, Utah State Fairpark, 155 N. 1000 West, SLC, utahasianfestival.org

SaltCON Gaming Convention

Gamers, assemble … the board game. This gaming convention is not about what we typically think of as “gaming” these days—at the SaltCON Gaming Convention, it’s all about board games. The convention appears throughout the state, and its Salt Lake stop is not to be missed. Browse the con’s game

library of over 2,000 games, shop the flea market, do some sustainable trading at the game swap or learn how to play a new game from the Hot Games teachers. June 7-9, Davis Conference Center, 1651 N. 700 West, Layton, saltcon.com

Juneteenth Festival

Get yourself Ogden-bound for their robust festival celebrating the anniversary of Juneteenth. The festival combines a parade, games and children’s activities with learning opportunities—like the State of Black Utah Town Hall, a film presentation and discussions, a health and wellness expo and storytelling, drum and genealogy workshops. Plus, some friendly competition from the Golden Clipper Barber and Braid Battles. June 14 - 16, Ogden City Amphitheater, 343 E. 25th St., Ogden, juneteenthutah.org

Also this month: Multicultural Ethnic Dance Festival, June 1, atthegateway.com; Latino Arts Festival, June 14-16, pscarts.org/latinoarts-festival; Utah Arts Festival, June 28-30, uaf.org

Continued on page 20

JULY

America’s Freedom Festival

The state’s biggest Independence Day festivities take place in Utah County in early July. The Freedom Festival, July 3-5, includes plenty of carnival-style fun, with games, rides and vendors in downtown Provo. The Grand Parade takes over Main Street and Center Street in Provo on the morning of July 4 (starting at 9 a.m.), and the Stadium of Fire at Lavell Edwards Stadium wraps things up with a spectacular featuring fireworks, F-35 flyover and music headliners Jonas Brothers. July 3-5, various locations, Provo and Orem, freedomfestival.org

Utah Foster Care Chalk Art Festival

For more than 20 years, amazing artists have brought their skills to bear in support of Utah Foster Care, with sidewalk images featuring fanciful characters, amazing animals and other trompe l’oeil creations. Stop by either to see the artists at work, or to appreciate the final results of their efforts, plus enjoy vendors and other entertainment. July 12-13, Thanksgiving Point Electric Park, 2650 N. Ashton Blvd., Lehi, utahfostercare.org

Uniting Communities Powwow

The event formerly known as the Native American Celebration in the Park—a traditional bit of counter-programming to Pioneer Day events— has a new name, and now operates under the auspices of the Utah Native American Chamber of Commerce. Stop by to experience traditional dancing, food and more, plus vendor booths. July 24, 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Liberty Park, 600 E. Harvey Milk Blvd. (900 South), SLC

Springville World FolkFest

Every year, dancers from around the world come to Springville to bring the folk dancing traditions of their respective countries to local viewers. Events begin July 30 with a free “parade of nations” and dance party at Orem’s University Place Mall, followed by a July 31 folk storytelling event at the Springville Arts Park. The main event takes place Aug. 1-3, with gates opening 6 p.m. nightly at the arts park for the dancers’ performances, plus other special cultural events and activities. July 31Aug. 3, Springville Arts Park, 700 S. 1300 East, Springville, worldfolkfest.org

Also in July: Days of ’47 Rodeo and Parade, July 19-24, various venues, daysof47.com; Utah Festival Opera & Musical Theatre, July 10-Aug. 3, Logan (see p. 24).

AUGUST

Park City Kimball Arts Festival

Not that you need an excuse to head up into the mountains during the heart of summer, but Park City’s annual event—the 55th installment—brings artists from around the country to Main Street for a different celebration of the arts than the one in January that Park City is better known for. Approximately 200 artist booths are anticipated for 2024, plus plenty of live music on the Mountain Town stage and great food. Aug. 2 (5-9 p.m.), Aug. 3 (10 a.m.-8 p.m.) & Aug. 4 (10 a.m.-6 p.m.), Main Street,

Park City, kimballartsfestival.org

Craft Lake City DIY Fest

Craft Lake City celebrates the work of independent makers year-round, but their biggest showcase comes during this annual festival of people crafting jewelry, fine arts, personal care products, foods and much more. Local live music performances add to the ambiance, you can participate in STEM maker-space activities or other short on-site DIY projects, and a Kids Row celebrates the work of younger creators. Aug. 9-11, Utah State Fairpark, 155 N. 1000 West, SLC, craftlakecity.com

Also in August: City Weekly’s Utah Beer Festival, Aug. 17-18, Granary Live, 742 S. 500 West, utahbeerfestival.com (see p. 22); Ogden Pride, Aug. 4, Ogden Amphitheater, 343 E. 25th St., Ogden, ogdenpride.org; Midway Swiss Days, Aug. 30-31, Midway, midwaycityut.org

SEPTEMBER

Timpanogos Storytelling Festival

Storytelling may be the oldest of human art forms, and purveyors from around the country—and even around the world—gather in the mountains of Utah each year for a celebration of the form. More than 70 storytellers are currently scheduled to participate, representing a wide range of regional and cultural traditions, and for a variety of ages. Relive the stories with TimpFest Online 2024, available after the onsite festival for a limited time starting Oct 15. Thanksgiving Point Ashton Gardens, 3900 Garden Dr., Lehi, Sept. 5-7, timpfest.org

Greek Festival

For 48 years, Salt Lake City has hosted a celebration of the local Greek community and its cultural heritage in an event that has become the largest Greek festival west of the Mississippi. Enjoy performances by local dance and music groups, and sample plenty of amazing food from local restaurants. Sept. 6-8, Holy Trinity Cathedral, 279 S. 300 West, SLC, saltlakecitygreekfestival.com

FanX

Pop-culture enthusiasts of every stripe swarm to the Salt Palace annually for the celebration of movies, TV, comics, gaming, animation and more. This year’s lineup of celebrity guests (as of press time) already includes Susan Sarandon, Anthony Daniels (C3PO himself), Marisa Tomei, Six Million Dollar Man Lee Majors and Bionic Woman Lindsay Wagner. But don’t miss out on the always-fascinating panel discussions covering a huge range of subjects, plus a show floor with vendors, writers and artists. Sept. 26-28, Salt Palace Convention Center, 90 S. West Temple, SLC, fanxsaltlake.com

Also in September: Brazilian Festival, Sept. 7, University Place Mall, 575 E. University Parkway, Orem, utahbrazilianfestival.com CW

Springville World Folkfest

Salt Lake City Greek Festival

Party With City Weekly What to know about our summer Utah Beer Festival

BY PETE SALTAS & BENJAMIN WOOD

Scheduled Aug. 17-18 from 2 p.m.-8 p.m. at Granary Live (742 S. 500 West, SLC), Utah’s hoppin’est party will spread out over two city blocks in one of Salt Lake City’s hottest upand-coming neighborhoods.

The 2024 Utah Beer Festival will feature more than 250 different beers, ciders and seltzers from more than 70 breweries, with non-alcoholic beverages also available. More than two dozen Utah brewers will be participating, representing roughly three-fourths of the local beer industry.

Granary Live’s concert stage will host several live performances during the festival, with music by popular local bands. Other entertainment includes daily trivia and events to benefit a local charity. Enjoy tasty bites to go with your beer samples that will be available from a variety of food trucks and the Woodbine Food Hall.

Transit is a convenient option, with the Trax Red, Blue and Green lines stopping less than a mile away on 200 West and 900 South. The regional FrontRunner train also stops within a mile of Granary Live at Salt Lake Central Station. Free bike valet service will also be available near the Utah Beer Festival entrance on 500 West (tips appreciated). Both 700 South and 800 South are striped with cycling lanes, while the 9-Line multi-use trail is located two blocks south of the event on 900 South.

For those who choose to drive, street and garage parking is available in the surrounding Granary district and adjacent neighborhoods, but 500 West will be blocked off from direct vehicle access, and guests are reminded to travel responsibly. The area is also close to downtown and served by Uber, Lyft and other ride-hailing services.

Find tickets to the Utah Beer Festival online at utahbeerfestival.com , or at the door for day-of prices. Weekend passes and single-day entrance tickets are available, with guests able to pre-purchase drinking passports or refill their punch passes on the premises.

Whether drinking or not, the event is restricted to guests age 21 or older. Beer festival passports are required for sampling, and no package sales of alcohol are permitted.’

Doors open at 1 p.m. each day for VIP and Early Beer ticket holders, and at 2 p.m. for general admission. The event ends at 8 p.m. both days.

Editor’s note: A version of this feature originally appeared in the 2024 Salt Lake City Guide.

Summer Stages

Whether outdoors or indoors, options for enjoying theater don’t take a holiday.

BY SCOTT RENSHAW scottr@cityweekly.net @scottrenshaw

Every summer, many of Utah’s performing arts organizations take a wellearned summer break to gear up for their new seasons in the fall. But that doesn’t mean stages are entirely bare throughout the warm-weather months. Between outdoor venues with seasonal programming and indoor spots choosing not to go on hiatus, there are many opportunities to enjoy musicals, plays, dance and more while the sun shines.

Utah Shakespeare Festival

Cedar City’s little showcase of the Bard’s canon is justifiably world-renowned, including a regional theater Tony Award. Every season includes indoor and outdoor performances, with this year’s Shakespeare lineup featuring Henry VIII , The Winter’s Tale, The Taming of the Shrew and Much Ado About Nothing. NonShakespeare plays also join the festivities, with productions of The 39 Steps , Silent Sky and The Mountaintop. The season runs June 17Oct. 5, but individual show runs vary. Individual ticket prices begin at just $15. bard.org

Tuacahn

The red rocks of Ivins provide a magnificent backdrop for a season of hit shows. This year’s summer season of Broadway musicals includes Disney’s Frozen (through Oct. 17); Anastasia (May 17-Oct. 18); Jersey Boys (July 13-Oct. 19) and Ring of Fire (June 21-Aug. 10). Tickets are $35-$132. tuacahn.org

SCERA Shell Orem

Orem’s SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre provides a wonderful setting with mountain views, and celebrates its 40th season in 2024. In addition to concert performances and outdoor movies, SCERA serves up a few seasonal theater productions, including Disney’s The Little Mermaid (June 7-22), Crazy for You (July 5-20) and Fiddler on the Roof (Aug. 2-20). SCERA.org

Sundance Summer Theatre: Disney’s Newsies If you’ve never experienced a play at the wonderful outdoor amphitheater at Sundance

Resort, you’re really missing something. Each year, the venue hosts a (usually) familyfriendly production, and this year’s show is Disney’s Newsies , the stage musical version of the film about the New York newsboys strike of 1899. The production runs July 18-Aug. 10, with performances Mondays and Thursdays-Saturdays at 8 p.m. nightly; ticket pricing is $32-$54. Guests may also enjoy a pre-show BBQ dinner on-site for an additional fee. sundanceresort.com

Utah Festival Opera & Musical Theatre

It’s well worth a visit to Logan for its annual four-week season of beloved musical theater favorites and classical opera at the Ellen Eccles Theatre. The 2024 lineup includes Cole Porter’s Anything Goes ; Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats ; Little Shop of Horrors ; Guys & Dolls ; and a program of Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi and Buosso’s Ghost. Additional one-night-only offerings include Verdi’s Requiem and the annual Michael Ballam Vocal Competition. The season runs July 10-Aug. 3; individual performance dates vary by show. Full season tickets and individual tickets are available. utahfestival.org

With the Beehive SLAC’s long-standing annual summer tradition of an all-new satirical musical production continues. This time around, a pair of aliens are sent to Earth to determine if our planet is worth saving. What will they learn about humanity when they land in Salt Lake City? Cabaret table seating is available for groups, and guests often bring their own picnics to the event. Performances run June 26-Aug. 18, with tickets beginning at $41. saltlakeactingcompany.org

Hale Centre Theatre

It’s year-round theater on two stages for the stalwart Utah company located in Sandy, as productions continue into the summer. Currently scheduled shows for the season include May We All: A Country Musical (through June 8); The Time Machine (through July 20); The Nutty Professor (July 1-Aug. 17); Freaky Friday: The Musical—Youth Production (July 22-Aug. 2); A Musical Tribute to Elton John, Billy Joel & Friends (July 25-Aug. 3); The Addams Family (Aug. 19-Nov. 16). hct.org

Contemporary interpretations of Shakespeare classics continue through the summer at the Sister Dottie S. Dixon Blackbox of the Alliance Theater (602 E. 500 South, SLC, in Trolley Square). The Sir John Falstaff spinoff comedy The Merry Wives of Windsor runs through May 18, and All’s Well That Ends Well drops in Aug. 16-25. newworldshakespeare.com

SB Dance Curbside Theater: Tarotville

The engaging pop-up mix of dance and theater that SB Dance pioneered during the pandemic continues with an updated version of its ongoing production Tarotville. A portable stage comes to a variety of outdoor venues (dates and locations July-September still TBD at press time), with dancers, live music and a kind of roving carnival experience including tarot readings for audience members. curbsidetheater.sbdance.com

Many other community theaters will be running shows throughout the summer, including on outdoor stages, including Murray Arts in the Park. Visit the website of your local company for even more chances to enjoy seasonal theater. CW

Salt Lake Acting Company Summer Show: Close Encounters

New World Shakespeare Company

SB Dance Curbside Theater presents Tarotville

Utah Shakespeare Festival

Utah Festival Opera & Musical Theatre

Creature Comforts

What’s new this year for Hogle Zoo, Loveland Living Planet Aquarium and Tracy Aviary.

BY SCOTT RENSHAW scottr@cityweekly.net @scottrenshaw

There’s nothing uniquely summer about Utah’s best places for up-close experiences with animals; facilities are open year-round, and each season has its own appeal. But with kids out of school, parents are often thinking about visits to Utah’s Hogle Zoo, Loveland Living Planet Aquarium and Tracy Aviary at this time of year—even if they can also be wonderful places for grownups to enjoy an experience without any youngsters in tow.

We spoke to representatives from the three facilities to explore what you can find there in the summer of 2024, including new exhibits, special scheduled events and more.

Utah’s Hogle Zoo

2600 Sunnyside Ave., SLC, hoglezoo.org

The big news for this year is the addition of a brand-new 3-acre expansion—the Aline W. Skaggs Wild Utah Exhibit— which focuses on the wildlife of our own state. The area is slated to feature cougars, desert bighorn sheep, burros, grey foxes and more, in addition to an education animal center that allows for interactive experiences and a new bee mural by artist Matt Willey. As construction is completed, the Eccles Express electric train attraction will also be opening at an as-yet-unspecified summer date. While the addition of new experiences is noteworthy, Hogle Zoo has experienced other changes in the past year, including the departure of the zoo’s elephants and a red panda cub. According to Rachael Eames, marketing manager for Hogle Zoo, these decisions—while perhaps disappointing to some visitors—are part of efforts to follow best practices of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, including making sure elephants are part of larger, more multi-generational herds. “We really want to be transparent about animal well-being,” Eames says. “In the past, people might not have had an understanding about why animals are coming and going. We’re trying to manage the population in a way that’s biologically sound, and geographically sound.” Summer at the zoo also includes several date-specific events. The after-hours Zoo Brew events—taking place on select Wednesdays in the summer—are 21-and-over occasions for visitors to have a different, perhaps more tranquil experience of the zoo while enjoying adult beverages. Then, on June 7-9, Chalk the Zoo brings chalk artists to the zoo for a chance to watch them at work and see the finished creations featuring animals represented at the zoo. “There’s a little bit of an assumption that you have to have kids to come to the zoo,” Eames adds. “If you just need a little respite, it’s a great place to just walk and unwind. … Traditionally, the zoo has been looked at as an attraction, and we want to be part of the community fabric.”

Loveland Living Planet Aquarium

12033 Lone Peak Parkway, Draper, livingplanetaquarium.org

A couple of new additions have made their way to The Living Planet Aquarium in the past 12 months. In June 2023, the aquarium welcomed a now-2-year-old Komodo dragon, still considerably short of the maximum size he might reach. And in April, a male Asian small-clawed otter joined the family; at press time, a contest was still ongoing to name him, with aquarium passes and a Penguin Encounter available to the winner. Meanwhile, construction is ongoing for the Science Learning Center building, with a planned opening in first quarter 2025.

In terms of seasonal activities, much is connected to the outdoor plaza, including the Nights Under Lights series, with the first one scheduled for June 15. This event marks a special occasion: the 15th anniversary of the “aqua-van” mobile exhibit that was the seed for The Living Planet Aquarium (which also marks 10 years in its Draper home in 2024). Marketing director Karmel Harper also notes that the “Love on Thin Ice” series featured on the aquarium’s TikTok draws attention to the fact that it’s penguin breeding season, and that “we may have some penguin eggs, and penguin babies.” While summer camps are likely sold-out, at press time, ongoing activities include the before-hours Nature Storytimes, as well as the Monday night “SEArenity Yoga” set against the backdrop of the aquarium’s shark and ray tank. Planning ahead for events and visits is always advisable, since admission is on a flexible-pricing basis that varies based on day of the week and number of days out from the current date.

Tracy Aviary

589 E. 1300 South, SLC, tracyaviary.org

The most noteworthy new addition to Tracy Aviary is something related not specifically to the familiar Liberty Park location, but to the aviary’s Jordan River Nature Center (1125 W. 3300 South, South Salt Lake), a free-habitat (animals not under human care), free to the public facility opened in 2020. That facility is in the process of expanding, and rolling out a new name as the Nature Center at Pia Okwai (“big river” in the Shoshone and Piute language).

The aviary proper, meanwhile, is introducing a monthly “Exploring Nature” speaker series, included with admission, with staff talking about projects or local partners. “We wanted to target an older audience, maybe people who are retired, or people who want some continued learning,” says Lora Eschtruth, Tracy Aviary social media and marketing coordinator. “A lot of our other programs are geared toward children, so it’s about finding that balance—a little something for everyone.”

While summer camps are currently full or close to full, there are always ongoing “nature play” opportunities that allow visitors to interact with nature in their own way. Other scheduled events also demonstrate that attempt to offer programming for all ages. June 20 marks a “Wine Takes Flight” night, partnering with Eat Drink Salt Lake and Wine Academy of Utah for an after-hours adult event. And June 22 includes a kid-focused “Breakfast with the Birds” fundraiser, including hands-on activities.

This wide-ranging programming is part of what makes facilities like Hogle Zoo, Loveland Living Planet Aquarium and Tracy Aviary appealing to guests of all ages—but not the only part. “People perceive zoos as for kids,” Eschtruth says. “But getting out in nature, and learning about nature and wildlife can be kind of restorative, and good for mental health.” CW

Summer Concerts

Big names at big venues highlight a summer of terrific concert options.

BY EMILEE ATKINSON AND SCOTT RENSHAW comments@cityweekly.net

There is no shortage of summer music in Utah. The season is jam packed with huge shows, and it can be hard to keep track. Never fear, though: Here’s a list of some of the biggest shows and all of the info you need to plan your epic, music-filled summer.

Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre

May – October

5150 Upper Ridge Road, West Valley City livenation.com

The venue formerly known as USANA Amphitheatre for 20 years continues to be the seasonal hot spot for some of the biggest touring acts in the world. The loaded lineup for 2024 includes Brooks & Dunn, James Taylor, Red Hot Chili Peppers, New Kids on the Block with Paula Abdul and DJ Jazzy Jeff, Hootie & the Blowfish, Alanis Morissette, Santana with Counting Crows, Rob Zombie with Alice Cooper, Train with REO Speedwagon, Hozier, Def Leppard, Lainey Wilson and Imagine Dragons.

Sandy Amphitheater

May - September

1245 E. 9400 South sandyamp.com

The South Valley venue offers outdoor performances in a more intimate environment, but still with some big names. Scheduled performers this year include Brothers Osborne, The Decemberists, Norah Jones, Air Supply, Koe Wetzel, Walker Hayes, Howard Jones with ABC and Haircut 100, and The National Parks, plus tribute acts showcasing the music of Queen, ABBA and The Eagles.

Ogden Twilight

May – September

Ogden Amphitheater, 343 E 25th St, Ogden Ogdentwilight.com

The baby sibling of the SLC Twilight Series, Ogden Twilight brings the fun up north a ways to offer even more variety to concertgoers. 2024 marks the ninth year for the series, which is in -

sanely popular in Ogden; good luck finding a parking spot or tickets to a show on any night of the series. Shows officially start on Thursday, May 16, and have dates clear until September. Some artists you can expect are Phoenix, Metric, Cannons, Washed Out, Ben Böhmer, Diplo, St. Vincent and many others. Check out the lineup and grab tickets before they’re gone.

Ogden Music Festival

Friday, May 31 – Sunday, June 2 Fort Buenaventura 2450 A Ave., Ogden ofoam.org

Why come to Ogden if you’re not going to stop in at Ogden Music Festival? I mean, there are plenty of reasons to head there, but if you’re a fan of bluegrass, folk and acoustic music in general, you do not want to miss this festival. Some of the acts you’ll get to see this year are Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, Sarah Jarosz, Hays Carll, Celisse, Say She She, Las Cafeteras, Pixie & The Partygrass Boys, and many more. Head to Ogden Music Festival’s website for all show details, as well as information for volunteering, if that’s your bag.

Deer Valley Music Festival

June – August 2250 Deer Valley Drive South, Park City deervalley.com

If you’re in the mood for a show and a gorgeous view, you won’t want to miss any of the shows of the Deer Valley Music Festival, celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Bring your coziest blanket, pre-order a picnic from the venue and have a relaxing evening of beautiful music with a view. In addition to showcase performances by the likes of Leslie Odom, Jr. with the Utah Symphony, headliners include Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit, Ziggy Marley, Michael Franti & Spearhead and The Dead South.

Red Butte Outdoor Concert Series

June – September

Red Butte Garden Amphitheater, 2188 Red Butte Canyon Rd, SLC redbuttegarden.org/concerts

Seeing shows at the Red Butte Amphitheater is an experience all its own. With the beautiful backdrop of greenery, listeners are treated to a top-notch experience each time they go to a show at this stunning location. This year’s Outdoor Concert Series has some excellent talent that you won’t want to miss. Tickets for shows do often sell out, so keep that in mind when watching for artists you want to see. The first wave includes sets from Burning Spear and Xavier Rudd, Kaleo, Matt Kearney, The String Cheese Incident and The Revivalists, to name a few. In wave two you can catch Gary Clark Jr., Shakey Graves, Pink Martini and The Airborne Toxic event, among many others.

Alanis Morissette

Jason Isbell

The National Parks

COURTESY PHOTO

DANNY CLINCH SHEA LINDSEY

Fort Desolation Fest

Thursday, June 6 – Saturday, June 8

Cougar Ridge Resort, 800 S 600 East, Torrey fortdesolation.com

If you’re in the mood to get away and head out of town for an adventure, Fort Desolation Fest should be your destination. Head down south to listen to great tunes, even do some camping while you’re there. Reserve an on-site camping spot or check out this year’s new glamping feature. The lineup this year includes Black Pumas, Sierra Ferrell, Paul Cauthen, The Record Company, Jaime Wyatt, The Lil Smokies, Pokey LaFarge, Rev. Peyton’s Big Damn Band, Olivia Wolf and Cory Mon.

Utah Blues Festival

Friday, June 14 – Saturday, June 15

Gallivan Center 50 E. 200 South, SLC Utahbluesfest.org

Nearly 10 years on, the Utah Blues Festival returns once more to bring you all of your blues favorites to one place. This year you can catch Larry McCray, Tab Benoit, Dennis Jones, Cash Box Kings, Sue Foley, Southern Avenues, and many more. Enjoy some great music and attend the various free workshops.

Twilight Concert Series

June – August

Gallivan Center, 50 E. 200 South, SLC saltlakearts.org

Before Kilby Block Party, before Das Energi, there was the Twilight Concert Series. Creeping ever closer to its 40th (!) year, the Twilight Concert Series has continued to recognize incredible national acts alongside our own beloved locals. It typically has a diverse lineup that appeals to a wide range of listeners. The shows start officially on Friday, June 21 and have dates through August. Don’t sleep on getting tickets! They tend to go fast. Here are some of the artists you can expect in this year’s lineup: Laufy, Thee Sacred Souls, Watchhouse, Jungle, The Marías, Alex G and many others, including awesome locals.

Country Fan Fest

Wednesday, July 24 – Saturday, July 27

Deseret Peak Complex 2930 UT-112, Grantsville Countryfanfest.com

Discover the electrifying lineup of country music’s brightest stars set to grace the stages of Country Fan Fest. Explore the artist roster below to find out who’s performing on each day of this unforgettable music festival at the

Deseret Peak Complex in Tooele County. This year’s lineup includes Neal McCoy, Graham Barham, Riley Green, Chase Rice, Aaron Watson, Abby Anderson, Bailey Zimmerman and many others.

Urban Arts Festival

Saturday, July 27 – Sunday July 28

The Gateway 400 W. 200 South, SLC utaharts.org

The Urban Arts Festival is your one-stop shop to see great performances, buy gorgeous art and just have an overall great time with those in your community. “Rooted in the social and cultural life of the community, Urban Arts Festival provides a platform for cultural art, music, and performance,” their website reads. There’s plenty of activities for everyone, including kids, so feel free to bring the whole fam! Keep an eye on the website for a full list of activities that will be at the festival and for the lineup of music acts.

Das Energi

Friday, Aug. 9 – Saturday, Aug. 10

The Saltair 12408 W Saltair Dr, Magna dasenergifestival.com

SLC has become well-known over the years for its ever-growing EDM scene. Each year, thousands head to The Saltair to dance to the very best the genre has to offer. For the last decade or so Das Energi has continued to grow and become a favorite of ravers and connoisseurs of dance music. Here are some of the artists you can expect at one of the biggest EDM events in the state: Above & Beyond, Rezz, Sevon Lions and Subtronics. According to the website, the full lineup is yet to come. So keep an eye out for that, and get your tickets before they sell out.

Park City Song Summit

Thursday, Aug. 15 – Saturday, Aug. 17 Newpark Town Center 1389 Center Drive, Park City

parkcitysongsummit.com

The Park City Song Summit is a unique event that combines music and wellness. “Park City Song Summit was started out of a passion for music and a mission to bring clarity and normalcy to the struggles musicians, artists, and music lovers alike face around mental health and dependency,” according to the event’s website. Here’s a taste of some of the performers who will be in attendance: Anders Osborne & Jackie Greene, Cimafunk, Cory Mon, Jobi Riccio, Josh Kelley and many more. CW

Thee Sacred Souls EBRU

Continued from page 28

Cinematic Summer

What’s coming in theaters and streaming services, plus local outdoor film series.

BY SCOTT RENSHAW scottr@cityweekly.net @scottrenshaw

The 2023 strikes by the Screen Actors Guild and Writers Guild of America might yet be having ripple effects on the release slate, but there are still plenty of high-profile titles on the way for the summer movie season. Here’s a roundup of what you’ll find in theaters (plus a few streaming titles). All release dates are subject to change.

May 17

Headliner: IF. A young girl develops the ability to see all the imaginary friends left behind by kids who have grown up. And some of them are so adorable! Also: Marisa Abela plays Amy Winehouse in the musical biopic Back to Black; the creepy home invaders from the 2008 thriller The Strangers get an origin story in The Strangers: Chapter 1; two troubled teenagers get caught up in the world of a fantasy television series in I Saw the TV Glow

May 24

Headliner: Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga. Director George Miller returns to his post-apocalyptic franchise, with Anya Taylor-Joy in the origin of the Charlize Theron character from Fury Road Also: The lasagna-loving comic-strip cat returns in The Garfield Movie; Jennifer Lopez goes on a mission to stop an AI soldier (Simu Liu) determined to destroy humanity in the Netflix sci-fi epic Atlas

May 31

Headliner: Robot Dreams. The 2023 Oscarnominated animated feature—and one of last year’s best films—about a dog and his robot companion finally gets a theatrical release. Also: A divorced stand-up comedian (Bobby Canavale) takes a road trip with his autistic son in Ezra; childhood BFFs Diane Keaton, Kathy Bates and Alfre Woodard take a comedic reunion trip in Summer Camp; Daisy Ridley plays pioneering distance swimmer Trudy Ederle in the biopic Young Woman and the Sea

June 7

Headliner: Bad Boys: Ride or Die. Will Smith and Martin Lawrence are back in action; remember how the previous one was the last big movie before the pandemic? Also: Dakota Fanning is among several strangers trapped in a room by a mysterious entity in The Watch-

ers ; Glen Powell stars in the sort-oftrue story of a college professor who becomes an undercover cop posing as a hired assassin in Netflix’s Hit Man

June 14

Headliner: Inside Out 2. Amy Poehler and Phyllis Smith are joined by new emotions in the sequel to the Pixar animated hit. Also: A grieving father joins a community theater production of Romeo & Juliet in the Sundance favorite Ghostlight

June 21

Headliner: The Bikeriders. Austin Butler and Tom Hardy are among the members of a 1960s motorcycle club that turns to crime. Also: June Squibb plays a grandmother on a mission to recover money stolen from her in a phone fraud in Thelma; Jessica Alba plays a Special Forces veteran taking on organized crime in Trigger Warning

June 28

Headliner: A Quiet Place: Day One. Just in case you wondered what things were like when the blind aliens of A Quiet Place first came to earth … now you’ll know. Also: Kevin Costner explores the settling of the 19th-century American West in Horizon: An American Saga – Part 1 (with Part 2 coming Aug. 16)

July 3-5

Headliner: Despicable Me 4. More Gru! More Minions! More silly voices! Also: Ti West ( X , Pearl ) continues his horror partnership with actor Mia Goth in the 1980s porn industry-set MaXXXine. Eddie Murphy once again dons a Detroit Lions jacket in Los Angeles in Netflix’s Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F

July 12

Headliner: Fly Me to the Moon. Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum are part of a team staging a back-up fake moon landing in 1969 in case Apollo 11 fails. Also: Maika Monroe is an FBI agent on the trail of serial killer Nicolas Cage in Longlegs

July 19

Headliner: Twisters. Glen Powell and Daisy EdgarJones are among the tornado-chasing scientists in this kinda-remake of the 1996 adventure.

July 26

Headliner: Deadpool and Wolverine. Hugh Jackman returns to play the claw-wielding mutant, teamed up with real-life pal Ryan Reynolds. Also: A Chinese-American boy’s coming-of-age is at the center of the Sundance award-winning drama Dìdi

Aug. 2

Headliner: Harold and the Purple Crayon. The beloved children’s book becomes a fantasy with Zachary Levi starring as the now-grown Harold entering the real world. Also: A teenager facing difficult life choices gets a warning from her grown-up self (Aubrey Plaza) in My Old Ass.; a SpongeBob SquarePants character gets a spinoff movie in Netflix’s Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie

Aug. 9

Headliner: Trap. M. Night Shyamalan’s latest casts Josh Hartnett as a dad who takes his teen daughter to a pop concert that turns out to have a secret purpose. Also: Blake Lively deals with the repercussions of a traumatic childhood in It Ends With Us ; Eli Roth directs the video-game adaptation Borderlands

Aug. 16

Headliner: Alien: Romulus A group of young space colonizers encounter—you guessed it—the deadliest double-jawed creature in the universe. Also: Mark Wahlberg and Halle Berry team up for a European spy mission in Netflix’s The Union

Grab your blanket for these outdoor films screening around the state.

Aug. 23

Headliner: The Crow. Bill Sarsgård takes on the role of vengeance-seeking murder victim Eric Draven in the new adaptation of the James O’Barr comic book.

Aug. 30

Headliner: Kraven the Hunter Aaron TaylorJohnson stars as the Marvel Comics character who survives a lion mauling, only to develop unique powers.

Sept. 6

Headliner: Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. After nearly 40 years, Michael Keaton returns to play the mischievous spirit for director Tim Burton.

Local Outdoor Movie Series

Utah Film Center Summer Outdoor Movie Series (Liberty Park, utahfilmcenter.org)

July 12: Searching for Sugar Man

July 19: Nine Days

July 26: Robot Dreams

Aug. 2: Utah Filmmaker Showcase short films

Aug. 9: Everybody’s Talking About Jamie

Spanish Fork Movies in the Park (City Park, spanishfork.org)

June 7: Top Gun: Maverick

July 5: Coco

Kaysville (Heritage Park, kaysville.gov)

June 15: Wonka

July 3: National Treasure and Moana

Aug. 17: Cars

Davis County Free Friday Movies (Kenley Amphitheater, discoverdavis.com)

June 7: Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl

June 14: Vivo

June 21: Shrek

June 28: Miracle

July 5: Mary Poppins Returns

July 12: The Goonies

July 19: Top Gun: Maverick

July 26: Zootopia

Aug. 2: Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile

Aug. 9: Raiders of the Lost Ark

Aug. 16: The Super Mario Bros. Movie

Aug. 23: The Bad Guys

Aug. 30: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem

SCERA Shell, Orem (scera.org)

June 12: Labyrinth

June 19: E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial

July 10: An American Tail

July 17: Raiders of the Lost Ark

Aug. 7: Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi

Aug. 14: Field of Dreams CW

Farmers Market Roundup

Where and when to go for local produce, arts and crafts

BY BRANDI CHRISTOFFERSEN comments@cityweekly.net

The sun is out and the temperatures are starting to rise. Summer is just around the corner, bringing with it the many sights, scents and sounds of the season. It also heralds the return of the farmers market, with rows of blooming flowers, homemade delicacies and fresh fruits and vegetables.

A s these outdoor bazaars are both functional and entertaining, we wanted to provide a short list of some of the most popular.

Downtown Farmers Market (350 W. 700 South, SLC, Saturdays from June 1-Oct. 19, 8 a.m. -2 p.m., slcfarmersmarket.org)

This 33-year-old market has become a tradition for Salt Lakers. Located at Pioneer Park, customers will not only find a vast array of fruits, vegetables and flowers, but also a nice variety of grass-fed meats, eggs, honey and dairy. Locally crafted items like sauces, pastries and other baked goods are also plentiful. Locals’ tip: Check out the Art & Craft Market adjacent to the farmers market to find goodies, like jewelry, artwork, body products and other trinkets.

9th West Farmers Market (1000 S. 900 West, SLC, Sundays, June 9-Oct. 8, 10 a.m. -3 p.m., facebook.com/peoplesmarket/)

This neighborhood market is all about cultivating a welcoming and diverse atmosphere. Located on the south side of Jordan Park, it’s a place where customers can find everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to artisan goods like eggs and honey.

Locals’ tip: Anyone under the age of 18 can set up a vendor booth for only $5 and promote their wares. The vendor needs to only provide a week’s notice prior to participating.

Wheeler Farm Farmers Market (6351 S. 900 East, Murray, Sundays May 19-Oct. 13, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., slco.org/wheeler-farm)

Located on the Wheeler Historic Farm, this legendary market not only features fresh summer produce, homemade items and baked goods, but also showcases a living farm and wagon rides.

Locals’ tip: Ask about their farmhouse tours— very interesting and entertaining!

Utah Farm Bureau Farmers Market-Murray (296 E. Murray Park Way, Murray, Fridays & Saturdays July 26-Oct. 28, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., utahfarmbureau.org/Utah-Farm-Bureau/ Food/Farm-Bureau-Farmers-Markets)

Utah Farm Bureau Farmers Market-South Jordan (1600 Towne Center Drive, South Jordan, Saturdays Aug. 3-Oct. 12, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., utahfarmbureau.org/Utah-Farm-Bureau/ Food/Farm-Bureau-Farmers-Markets)

The purpose of the markets in Murray and South Jordan is to give Utah farmers directto-consumer access. That’s why the markets are food-only (with select artisans featured at the South Jordan market.) They spotlight naturally grown local produce and pantry staples like fresh bread, jams and sauces. Locals’ tip: Take a screenshot of the Utah Produce Calendar, found on Farm Bureau’s website, to identify what months each fruit or vegetable is in season.

West Valley Farmers Market (5405 W. 3100 South, West Valley City, Thursdays June 20-Oct. 10, 5 p.m.-9 p.m., wvc-ut.gov/1700/ Farmers-Market)

Customers can enjoy local entertainment as they pursue the multitude of booths offering delicious produce grown by local vendors. The lively market, located at Centennial Park, also promotes local food trucks and artisans. Locals’ tip: Bring the little ones along and let them get their face painted.

Sunnyvale Farmers Market (4013 S. 700 West, SLC, Saturdays June 15-Oct. 12, 10:30 a.m.1:30 p.m., newrootsslc.org/farmers-markets)

Redwood Farmers Market (3005 Lester Street, Wednesdays June 19-Oct. 9, 4:30 p.m.-7 p.m., newrootsslc.org/farmersmarkets)

These two markets are part of New Roots SLC, which highlights immigrant and refugee farmers and food businesses and offer locally-grown fruits and vegetables. The Sunnyvale Farmers Market extends free sack lunches to children and features a food pantry with non-perishable and household items. Locals’ tip: Both markets offer discounts to customers who shop with SNAP/EBT cards.

Farmers Market Ogden (Historic 25th Street, Ogden, Saturdays May 25-Sept. 14, 8 a.m. -1 p.m., farmersmarketogden.com)

This is not just a farmers market, but a community event. Customers will enjoy the music of local talents as they stroll the endless booths filled with crisp and juicy produce, artisan goods and regional treasures. Homemade foods, beverages and treats will also delight the senses.

Locals’ tip: Pack your mat and water bottle and join in with the free yoga class at the municipal park.

Provo Farmers Market (500 W. Center St., Provo, Saturdays June 1-Sept. 28, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., and Oct. 6-26, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., provofarmersmarket.com)

Each Saturday in the summer and fall, downtown Provo lights up with excitement due to their city’s farmer market. Customers will find a nice selection of local produce, as well as arts, crafts and family-friendly activities. Locals’ tip: Unlike many of the farmers markets in the area, Provo Farmers Market does allow dogs, provided that they are leashed and cleaned up after. CW

Wheeler Farm

Provo Farmers Market

High Roads to Adventure

When the heat is on in Salt Lake City, nearby mountains offer a cool reprieve.

BY AIMEE L. COOK comments@cityweekly.net

Utah’s ski resorts aren’t only about their legendary powder snow. In the summer, they become havens for hikers, bikers and picnickers. Nature lovers can amble through fields of gorgeous wildflowers, while concertgoers can sip a stein of beer and relax on a mountain slope listening to a great band. Or just play with gravity as it carries you through the forest on an alpine coaster or zipline. Mountain resorts were made for summer escapades.

Snowbird: An Adrenaline Playground

Take in the 360-degree views across valleys and peaks from Snowbird’s newly constructed tram rooftop balconies, the only ones of their kind in the United States. Thrill-seekers can test their courage on the Mountain Coaster, zipping through twists and turns amid the alpine splendor. “Sled” down the slopes on the Alpine Slide, or glide among the treetops on the ZipWhipper. Two iconic activities not to be missed are the scenic tram rides and Oktoberfest. For those with littles, check out the Forever Young Boundless Playground; it is free and accessible to kids of all abilities. 9385 S. Snowbird Center Drive, Snowbird, snowbird.com/summer-activities

Snowbasin: Where Trails Meet Tunes

A scenic ride on Needles Gondola opens to meandering trails and panoramic views of the Wasatch Range for lift-served hiking and biking. You’ll have a scenic 26-mile network of more than 20 trails to explore on foot or by bike. Spend some time mastering the 18-hole mini golf course and plan ahead for the SnowWiesen Oktoberfest. The resort is also a hotspot (er, cool spot?) for music lovers, with the Snowbasin Blues, Brews & BBQ concert series that fills the valley with soulful tunes. 3925 E. Snowbasin Road, Huntsville, 801-620-1100, snowbasin.com

Solitude: A Local Favorite Shred epic trails in the mountain bike park, designed by Gravity Logic, with options for every skill level from beginner cruisers to gravity-defying pros. Laceup your boots to hike alpine meadows and forests. Put your aim to the test on the challenging disc golf course; starting at 9,000 feet, the 18-basket course is perfect for a friendly-family competition or a solo Zen session. Bring the kiddos to Adventure Park, featuring zip lines, climbing walls and a bungee trampoline. Unwind after a day of adventure with weekly live music, free at Solitude Village. 12000 Big Cottonwood Canyon, Solitude, 801-536-5786, solitudemountain.com/ discover-solitude/summer

Continued on page 40

Alpine Slide at Snowbird

Deer Valley: Elegance in the Wild

Deer Valley retains its elegant charm in the summer, with lift-served mountain biking and guided historical hikes that reveal the area’s mining past. Stand-up paddleboard yoga is offered on the serene Snow Park pond, and the renowned Deer Valley Music Festival (deervalleymusicfestival. org) and Deer Valley Concert Series provide both classical and pop performances at the Snow Park Outdoor Amphitheater. Enjoy a pre-concert entrée from the seasonal menus at the Brass Tag and the Royal Street Café. For a more laid-back meal, visit the Deer Valley Grocery Café. The Deer Valley Mountain Beer Festival is a must for beer enthusiasts, as is the Hops on the Hill series (7700 Stein Way, Park City, 435-645- 6455, steinlodge.com/hops-on-the-hill) on the deck of the Stein Eriksen Lodge. 2250 Deer Valley Drive South, Park City, 435-649-1000, deervalley.com/discover-deer-valley/summer

Deer Valley Amphitheater

Continued from page 40

Park City Mountain: Events for Every Passion

In summer, cyclists love coming to Park City Mountain for its more than 150 miles of winding paths, some of which are lift-served. Bike rentals are also available. Discover the thrill of the 3,000-foot downhill ride on the Alpine slide or take a seat on the two-person Flying Eagle zip line and enjoy views of the town below. Scenic lift rides and disc golf are also family favorites in the summer, as are the farmers’ markets on Wednesdays. Thursday and Saturday nights bring musical acts for the free summer concert series in Canyons Village. Two locations: Park City Village and Canyons Village, 435-649-8111, parkcitymountain. com/explore-the-resort/ activities/summeractivities

Sundance: Easy Rider

In summer, trade your skis for fly rods and cast a line in the Provo River, teeming with trout and rustic scenery. Explore the Wasatch Range on foot, choosing from 20 miles of diverse hiking trails. Bike riders enjoy more than 25 miles of lift-serviced, single-track mountain biking trails that offer an exhilarating descent. Sundance’s ZipTour, with more than 2,100 feet of vertical drop, is among the nation’s highest. Saddle up for a horseback ride led by experienced guides. Beyond outdoor adventure, Sundance transforms into a cultural hub in the summer. Enjoy theater performances in the intimate setting of the Sundance Summer Theatre or tap your foot to live outdoor concerts, ranging from jazz and bluegrass to folk and indie rock. 8841 N. Alpine Loop Road, Sundance, 801-225-4107, sundanceresort.com

Heber Valley: Adventure for Days

All aboard! Take a ride on the family-friendly Heber Valley Historic Railroad (450 S. 600 West, 435-654-5601, Heber City, hebertrain.com). The train departs several times a day, meandering 16 miles through farmlands, along the bucolic Provo River, and along mountain foothills to the west bank of Deer Creek Reservoir. Unleash your wild side and tackle the Provo River with your raft,

Continued on page 44

COURTESY PHOTO

kayak, tube and stand-up paddleboard. Or else join the ranks of elite anglers in the pursuit of Utah trout in any number of creeks in the area. Book a guide at a company like Fish Heads Fly Shop (32 S. Main, Heber City, 435-657-2010, fishheadsflyshop.com) to get you to the most bountiful fishing holes. Venture into Midway (aka “Little Switzerland”) to discover the geothermal hot springs of the Utah Crater at Homestead Farm (700 N. Homestead Drive, Midway, 435-657-3840, utahcrater.com). There, you can swim, snorkel, take a paddle board yoga class or just enjoy a nice soak. Cheese lovers should be sure to stop in at Heber Valley Artisan Cheese (920 River Road, Midway, 435-654-0291, hebervalleyartisancheese.com), home of farm-made cheese. It is as good as it sounds. gohebervalley.com

Mystic Hot Springs: Soak Off the Dust

Just 150 miles south of Salt Lake City, in Monroe, you’ll find a nostalgic escape radiating with hippie spirit. At Mystic Hot Springs, vintage cast iron bathtubs and a concrete pool offer relaxation and rural views from the hillside overlooking the valley. With water rich in calcium carbonate, you’ll enjoy

an odorless and rejuvenating soak. Summer evenings, you might catch a concert under the stars or a meteor shower. Afterward, indulge in a tranceinducing massage. If you decide to stay overnight, you can cozy up in one of their pioneer cabins or a converted school bus. 475 E. 100 North, Monroe, mystichotsprings.com CW

Blue Skies!

Go ahead and jump! Why? I don’t know why—but those who do say things like, “I wish I’d done this sooner” and want to do it again. The skilled instructors at Skydive Utah (4647 N. Airport Road, Erda, 435-833-9999, skydiveutah.com) and Skydive the Wasatch (2001 N. Airport Road, Nephi, 385321-0284, skydivethewasatch.com) will make it happen—safely! If that’s too much air, try iFly (2261 Kiesel Ave., Ogden, 801-528-5348, iflyutah. com), an indoor flying experience simulating a skydive free fall using a wind-tunnel technology. Thrilling!

—By Kass Wood

Editor’s note: The above feature originally appeared in the 2024 Salt Lake City Guide.

Summer happenings in Draper

For more information about Draper Amphitheater events, please visit www.DraperUtah.gov/Amphitheater

MAY 24, 25, 27, 31, JUNE 1, 3, 7, AND 8

DRAPER AMPHITHEATER @ 8PM

FULL OF SPECTACULAR EFFECTS AND MEMORABLE SONGS, THIS CLASSIC FAIRY TALE SHOULD NOT BE MISSED!

Legally Blonde, Jr.

JULY 26, 27, 29, AND AUGUST 2, 3

DRAPER AMPHITHEATER @ 8PM A MUSICAL ADAPTATION OF THE MOVIE CLASSIC, THIS PLAY DELIVERS BIG LAUGHS AND IS FULL OF HEART!

AUGUST 16, 17, 19, 23, AND 24

DRAPER AMPHITHEATER @ 8PM

Come enjoy “Happily Never After,” a musical variety show sure to delight fans of all ages!

This special one-night-only show brings the traditions of the Islands right here to Utah! Come experience live music, traditional dance, fire dancing, and more!

SEPTEMBER 7 @ 8PM @ the Draper Amphitheater

CORNER CANYON

HALF MARATHON, 10K, AND 5K

SEPTEMBER 21 @ 7AM

Challenge yourself with a run through beautiful Corner Canyon Registration deadline: August 25 More

Skydive Utah

COURTESY

PARKS

Utah has five national parks and more than a dozen national monuments, historic sites and recreation areas, all within a day’s drive of Salt Lake City.

Arches National Park

5 miles north of Moab, US-191, 435-719-2299

The collection of eroded sandstone formations here is the largest of its kind in the United States. A road winds past many of the arches and many others can be found hiking.

Bryce Canyon National Park

270 miles south of SLC, off Utah SR-12, 435-834-5322

The landscape of Bryce Canyon ranges from fantastical to eerie. Unique geology conditions result in columns and spires that must be seen.

Canyonlands National Park

20 miles south of Moab, SR-313, 435-719-2313

Chopped into three distinct sections by the Colorado and Green rivers, Canyonlands is best experienced off-road or on the rivers. Island in the Sky offers amazing vistas. Only sturdy hikers and bikers should try The Maze.

Capitol Reef National Park

230 miles south of SLC, SR-24, 435-425-3791

Named for the white sandstone that resembles the buildings in Washington D.C., Capitol Reef is dominated by colorful formations and cliffs.

Zion National Park

325 miles south of SLC, Springdale, SR-9, 435-772-3256

From the wide-mouth canyon near Springdale to the clifflined, bottleneck canyons of the Narrows, Zion impresses from start to finish, offering visible evidence of six distinct geological epochs.

Bears Ears National Monument

356 miles from SLC; highways 191, 211, 95, 261 and 163 all provide access; 435-587-1500

Utah’s youngest national monument gets its name from two buttes that rise from the horizon. L ocated in San Juan County, visitors can see Native American ruins and cave drawings and enjoy hiking, river rafting and rock climbing.

Cedar Breaks National Monument

25 miles east of Cedar City, SR-14 to SR-148, 435-986-7120

Cedar Breaks is home to “painted cliffs” and colorful spires with nearby forests that are home to some of the world’s only Bristlecone pine trees, the oldest living things.

Dinosaur National Monument

20 miles east of Vernal, US-40 to SR-149, 435-781-7700

In addition to the world’s largest quarry of Jurassic fossils anywhere, Dinosaur offers fantastic rafting on the Green and Yampa rivers.

Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area

45 miles north of Vernal, off US-191 or via SR-43, 435-784-3445

The park, known for some of the best trout fishing in the state, extends into Wyoming and covers over 200,000 acres.

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

Via US-89, dam 2 miles north of Page, Arizona, 928-608-6200

Situated on the Utah-Arizona border, Lake Powell is a favorite vacation spot for myriad water sports.

Golden Spike National Monument

32 miles west of Brigham City via SR-13 & SR-83, 435-471-2209

Commemorated here is the historic occasion of May 10, 1869, when the eastern and western rail lines met and the country was connected coast-to-coast.

Grand Staircase-Escalante

National Monument

300 miles south of Salt Lake via I-15, SR-24 & SR-12, 435-644-1200 Grand Staircase is more than 1.8 million acres of fabulous desert topography and geology.

Hovenweep National Monument

Around 40 miles from either Blanding or Bluff, Utah, 970-562-4282

Located in the heart of the Four Corners, here you’ll find dwellings of ancestral Puebloans, including multistory towers perched on canyon rims.

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park

380 miles south of SLC via US-163, 435-727-5870

To capture iconic views of the American West, you can drive the 17-mile Tribal Park Loop, hike the Wildcat Trail and visit Forrest Gump Point. Or, book a tour to see more of Monument Valley.

Natural Bridges National Monument

East of Lake Powell, US-191, SR-95 to SR-275, 435-692-1234

Centered around three natural bridges cut by Colorado River tributaries, Natural Bridges offers great hiking and camping.

Rainbow Bridge National Monument

Northeast of Page, Arizona, via Lake Powell, 928-608-6200 Most accessible by boat from Lake Powell, Rainbow Bridge boasts the world’s highest free-standing natural bridge.

Timpanogos Cave National Monument

American Fork Canyon via I-15 exit 284, SR-92, 801-756-5239

In close proximity to Salt Lake City, the cave is reached via a 1.5 mile hike and includes three separate limestone caverns.

Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest

801-999-2103, fs.usda.gov/uwcnf

For information regarding fishing, camping, hiking or picnicking in the mountains surrounding Salt Lake City, contact the National Forest Service. CW

Salt Lake City is surrounded by state parks in all directions, and a few of the more popular are shown below. For camping reservations, visit utahstateparks. reserveamerica.com.

STATE PARKS

Antelope Island State Park

4528 W. 1700 South, Syracuse, 801-773-2941

The largest island in the Great Salt Lake can be accessed via a seven-mile causeway from the town of Syracuse, about 40 miles north of Salt Lake. Home to a variety of wildlife, including free-roaming bison, the Island features sandy beaches and a boat marina.

East Canyon State Park

5535 S. SR-66, Morgan, 801-829-6866

About 28 miles northeast of Salt Lake City is a 608-acre reservoir and forest area, rich in pioneer history. A popular spot for boating, fishing and camping.

Great Salt Lake State Park

From SLC via I-80 West exit 104, 801-828-0787

Don’t let the smell or the bugs stop you from visiting this must-see salt water lake. The Great Salt Lake extends over 2,000 square miles and is saltier than the ocean. The park features a marina and picnic areas.

Jordanelle State Park

From SLC via I-80 East to US-40, 435-649-9540

Located near Heber City just 40 miles from Salt Lake City,

nestled among mountains, is the Jordanelle Reservoir providing fishing, boating, water skiing, swimming and paddle-boarding. There are also hiking trails and campgrounds for RVs and tent camping.

This Is the Place Heritage Park

2601 Sunnyside Ave., SLC, 801-582-1847

Site of the Mormon pioneers’ entry into the Salt Lake Valley, the park features Old Deseret Village, a recreation of pioneer settlements, as well as the This Is the Place monument, the Brigham Young Forest Farmhouse and picnic areas.

Utah Lake State Park

Exit 265B from I-15 to 4400 W. Center St. Provo, 801-375-0731

The Provo River empties into Utah Lake, which is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the West. Only 50 miles from SLC, this park offers a campground, boat ramps, marina , modern restrooms plus disc golf and year-round fishing.

Wasatch Mountain State Park

1281 Warm Springs Road, Midway, 435-654-1791

Enjoy camping in the Pine Creek Campground, or choose to play one of four 18-hole golf courses. Explore mountain trails by foot, on bikes or ride ATVs or on horseback. CW

Antelope Island State Park

Indoor Pools

Cottonwood Heights Rec Ctr

7500 S. 2700 East, Cottonwood Heights, 801-943-3190

Draper Rec Center

657 E. Vestry Road, Draper, 385-468-1995

Fairmont Aquatic Center

1044 E. Sugarmont Drive, SLC, 385-468-1540

Dimple Dell

10670 South 1000 East, Sandy, 385-468-3355

Gene Fullmer Rec Center

8015 S. 2200 West, West Jordan, 385-468-1951

Holladay Lions Rec Center

1661 East Murray-Holladay Road (4800 South), Holladay, 385-468-1700

Kearns Oquirrh Park

5624 S. Cougar Lane, Kearns, 801-966-5555

The Park Center

202 E. Murray Park Ave., Murray, 801-284-4200

POOLS

Northwest Rec Center

1255 W. Clark Ave., SLC, 385-468-1305

J.L. Sorenson Rec Center

5350 W. Herriman Main St., Herriman, 385-468-1340

South Jordan Aquatic Ctr

10866 S. Redwood Road, South Jordan, 385-468-1603

SLC Sports Complex

645 S. Guardsmen Way, SLC, 385468-1925

Steiner Aquatic Ctr West

855 W. California Ave., SLC, 385-468-1300

Outdoor Pools

Cottonwood Heights Rec Ctr

7500 S. 2700 East, Cottonwood Heights, 801-943-3190

Crestwood Swimming Pool

1700 E. Siesta Drive, Cottonwood Heights, 385-468-1683

Draper Outdoor Pool

657 E. Vestry Road, Draper, 385-468-1995

Kearns Oquirrh Park

5624 S. Cougar Lane, Kearns, 801-966-5555

Liberty Park Pool

650 E. 900 South, SLC, 385-468-1564

Magna Outdoor Pool 3270 S. 8400 West, Magna, 385-468-1826

Murray Aquatic Center

5109 S. Murray Park Ave., Murray, 801-290-4190

Redwood Outdoor Pool

3100 S. Redwood Road, West Valley City, 385-468-1870

SLC Sports Complex

645 S. Guardsmen Way, SLC, 385-468-1925

South County Pool

12765 S. 1125 West, Riverton, 385-468-1362

Taylorsville Outdoor Pool

4915 S. 2700 West, Taylorsville, 385-468-1740

West Jordan Outdoor Pool

8125 S. 2200 West, West Jordan, 385-468-1941 CW

FRIDAY, MAY 31 9pm Red Shot Pony SATURDAY , JUNE 1 9pm DJ Geovante

BLOCK PARTY! SUNDAY, JUNE 2

INSIDE

NOON 3PM 6PM

OUTSIDE NOON 3PM 6PM

Salt Lake City is a golf adventure in the making. With numerous private and municipal courses located in the city and nearby (see listings below), you’ll find just the terrain and links you’re looking for.

Bonneville Golf Course

954 Connor, SLC, 801-583-9513

Eaglewood Golf Course

1110 E. Eaglewood Drive, North Salt Lake, 801-299-0088

Fore Lakes Golf Course

1285 W. 4700 South, Taylorsville, 801-266-8621

Forest Dale Golf Course

2375 S. 900 East, SLC, 801-483-5420

Glendale Golf Course

1630 W. 2100 South, SLC, 801-974-2403

Glenmoor Golf Course

9800 S. 4800 West, South Jordan, 801-280-1742

Lakeside Golf Course

1201 N. 1100 West, West Bountiful, 801-295-1019

Forest Dale Golf Course

Meadowbrook Golf Course

4197 S. 1300 West, Taylorsville, 385-468-1500

Mick Riley Golf Course

421 S. Vine, Murray, 385-468-1400

Mountain Dell Golf Course

Parleys Canyon, I-80 Exit 134, SLC, 801-582-3812

Mountain View Golf Course

2400 W. 8660 South, West Jordan, 385-468-1414

Mulligans Golf & Games

692 W. 10600 South, South Jordan, 801-254-3377

Murray Parkway Golf Course

6345 S. Murray Parkway Ave., Murray, 801-262-4653

Nibley Park Golf Course

2780 S. 700 East, SLC, 801-483-5418

Old Mill Golf Course

6080 S. Wasatch Blvd., Holladay, 385-468-1440

Riverbend Golf Course 1040 W. 12800 South, Riverton, 385-468-1460

Rose Park Golf Course 1386 N. Redwood Road, SLC, 801-596-5030

South Mountain Golf Course 1247 E. Mike Weir Drive, Draper, 385-468-1480

The Ridge Golf Club

5055 Westridge Blvd., West Valley City, 801-966-4653

Thanksgiving Point Golf Club

3300 Club House Drive, Lehi, 801-768-7400

salt

CITY WEEKLY

BY WES LONG wlong@cityweekly.net

“There’s a decision that needs to be made, quickly, by the residents of Salt Lake City. And if we don’t get our acts together soon, the wrong decision will be made for us,” remarked Benjamin Wood in the July 7, 2022, issue. “Salt Lakers need to decide, right now, whether we’re going to be a real city or not.”

Real cities, Wood stressed, featured a wide array of living spaces and did not cater solely to cars. “Real cities understand that, as a collection of people, the city itself is a living, ever-changing thing, full of cheerful hellos and painful goodbyes,” he wrote. “The flaws of a city’s human builders trickle through its veins and seep from its pores, and the medicine is not always easy to swallow.” Wood lamented that proposals to expand local trails, modernize mass transit and incentivize affordable housing had all been met with opposition, “often based on half-truths, rumor, innuendo and, in some cases, naked prejudice.”

One could argue that state of affairs was widespread around Utah and the country in our 39th year. Mass shootings occurred in grisly repetition, COVID was mutating amid a public in denial, and public health was spurned by the Supreme Court’s rulings on abortion, overturning of Roe v. Wade (1973) and Planned Parenthood v. Casey (1992). The forces contributing to (or prolonging) each of these conditions were themselves attributable to no small amount of halftruths, rumor, innuendo and prejudice.

Closer to home, Rep. Kera Birkeland, R-Morgan, was scaremongering about a transgender “explosion” on official Utah House letterhead, mosquitoes were feasting at the relocated-on-wetlands State Prison, and a proposed gondola in Little Cottonwood Canyon advanced over the objections of nearly everyone. The state was forging ahead on expanding Interstate 15 regardless of need or neighborhood loss, while the Legislature enacted a scheme to tie vouchers to teacher raises and remove constitutional language reserving tax revenue for education. Yes, public leaders were making efforts at saving the Great Salt Lake, but heaven help you if your suggestions for conservation encroached upon alfalfa farming! The flaws and chicanery of local leaders were seeping through the collective pores, and everyone was feeling the effects. Yet any counteracting medicine to these ills

was rarely welcome. Still, there remained healthy successes, including a new state flag, the acquittal of animal rights activists after taking two sick pigs from an industrial farm in Milford, the failure of a proposal to dredge Utah Lake and build a city in the middle and the failure of legislators to rescind the state’s ban on conversion therapy. Not to mention the good laugh everyone had over the Tribune op-ed endorsement of Sen. Mike Lee—penned by his own campaign. What kind of city, state and nation did we want to be? It remained unclear, but what was evident was that if we didn’t get our acts together, wrong decisions would continue to be made for us. Wood concluded his opinion column hoping that Salt Lakers would “get on the same page” and begin “demanding the right kind of change” together. A timely appeal then as well as now.

As for City Weekly itself, we had cheerful hellos and painful goodbyes of our own, such as the departures of music editor Thomas Crone and listings desk manager Kara Rhodes—succeeded, respectively, by Emilee Atkinson and Wes Long. Plus, we had two new columns, with Cole Fullmer’s Salt Baked City Weekly on the state’s cannabis program and Bryant Heath’s On the Street to share unique sights around the city. Notable stories included Eric S. Peterson’s investigation of cities’ use of homeless funds, Aimee L. Cook’s story on Millcreek’s city-center plaza, Wes Long’s look at the historic Nettie Gregory Center and Connor Sanders’ report on Tooele County School District’s imperiled German language immersion program.

Remembering Vol. 39: In writing

“Right now,” Bryan Young commented in the May 25, 2023, issue, “thanks to the boom in artificial intelligence and the abysmal treatment of writers that led them to go on strike in Hollywood, writers are being forced to assert their self-worth in clearer terms than ever.”

The filmmaker/author had long familiarity with receiving little to no pay for his work at various outlets. Entering into the realm of nerd journalism in the late aughts, Young—with co-founder Lucas Ackley— started local nerd news site Big Shiny Robot!, first appearing in the Tribune’s short-lived IN This Week and then transferring over to City Weekly in the early 2010s.

“I was writing for City Weekly with the ca-

veat that I wasn’t going to be paid in cash, I was just going to get gift certificates for the foreseeable future,” Young wrote in a recent recollection. “That was more than I was getting elsewhere for any of my writing, and my family liked getting to eat at the various restaurants that happened to be advertising in Salt Lake City Weekly.”

Running at various frequencies over the years, Big Shiny Robot! commented on developments and controversies within nerd circles, as well as basking in the stories and characters around which these circles gathered. In recent years, Young branched out into political and cultural commentary.

“The capitalist society of the United States loves the work of writers, but is actively hostile to a political system and lifestyle that would actually produce high quantities of great writers,” Young wrote in his May 2023 article. “I lament all of the future Shakespeares, Kurt Vonneguts and Ursula K. Le Guins whose words the world will never have, because instead of making a living in short fiction and building to their great full-length novels, these writers are instead working themselves to the bone for the bare necessities to live.”

Young encouraged the public to put their money where their mouths were and pay for artisans rather than succumb to the baseless boosterism and contrived conveniences around artificial intelligence. “Tech-bros are pointing to AI and saying, ‘We can do this without writers,’” Young wrote. “But have you read any of the drivel produced by AI? It’s nonsensical. AI has no capacity to create that prism through which good art shines. Even if AI writing gets better at becoming a facsimile of the writing humans can do, it will still lack the depth of emotion, creativity and spirit of a human writer—because artificial intelligence doesn’t have emotions. It can’t. It never will.”

And in case you’re wondering, City Weekly long ago began paying Young in actual dollars for his work. Just putting it out there.

In the pews

“Repentance is a bedrock teaching of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,” Keith Burns commented in a March 2 editorial. “Considering that daily repentance is expected of its millions of members, it’s also fair to expect the church to properly repent for its wrongdoings and errors.”

One area ripe for change and self-improvement, in Burns’ view, was the realm of finance. “On Feb. 21 [2023],” Burns wrote, “the church was charged by the Securities and Exchange Commission with ‘failing to file forms that would have disclosed the church’s equity investments’ of $32 billion, held by its investment firm, Ensign Peak. They instead filed forms for 13 shell companies in what church officials explained was an effort to ‘maintain the privacy’ of its investments. Ensign Peak acknowledged that the obfuscating was done knowingly, because the firm wanted ‘to avoid ‘attention’ that would be ‘potentially damaging.’”

In a press release at the time, the church stated that the SEC’s concerns had been raised four years previously and necessitated a change in “approach.” Since then, the church affirmed, “13 quarterly reports have been filed in full accordance with SEC requirements.” Church officials were said to regret the “mistakes made, and now consider this matter closed.”

For Burns, a practicing Latter-day Saint, the church’s response was characteristic of a leadership approach that dodges accountability and misses opportunities to heal and grow. “While the church in this instance expresses vague ‘regret,’” he wrote, “they do not genuinely apologize nor demonstrate sufficient accountability for a significant and illicit breach of financial transparency.”

Such a leadership attitude, Burns opined, manifested itself along other historical paths that church leaders had traveled, as with issues related to gender equity, racial attitudes and LGBT members. As these decisions continue to bring pain, Burns wondered whether opportunities for repentance were going unclaimed by current leaders.

“Although I disagree with numerous church teachings,” he concluded, “I welcome invitations to become a more compassionate and charitable version of myself. ... I sincerely ask them to model the same principles of repentance, honesty and accountability they emphatically preach to their members.”

Burns has been a recurring voice for these subjects on our pages, sharing insight to that of English theologian Andrew Linzey, writing in a different context: “There is always hope for a church that repents.” Church representatives could not be reached for this story despite multiple attempts.CW

Patio Paradise

With winter finally behind us— fingers crossed—it’s time to celebrate local patio options.

BY ALEX SPRINGER comments@cityweekly.net @captainspringer

Isure hope I don’t jinx anything by saying that winter is officially over in Utah; I’m still rubbing my neck from the meteorological whiplash caused by the May blizzard that rolled in after enjoying a 75-degree high. The forecast is looking optimistic thus far, which means patio dining is back in style, bay-bee. From people-watching to stellar views of the valley, here are a few of the best local spots for outdoor dining.

Cliff Dining Pub (12234 Draper Gate Drive, 801-523-2053, cliffdiningpub.com):

Cliff Dining Pub is one of those spots that seamlessly combines the Wasatch Front’s metropolitan beauty with its natural beauty. It sits right on the bench of the Wasatch foothills, near the mouth of Bear Canyon, and its west-facing patio offers a gorgeous view of the Salt Lake Valley. If you can manage to get there when the sun is just starting to set, watching our metro area transition from day to night from this vantage point is hard to top. The menu at Cliff lends itself to patio dining, with a wide variety of sushi and lighter starters like heirloom tomatoes topped with whipped feta and walnuts, or the Avocad Oh!, which makes a decent meal out of a fresh avocado dressed with soy sauce and lemon juice. Early risers can enjoy Cliff’s weekend brunch menu, which includes lemon-basil pancakes or

Whether you’re gearing up for a big night or a big day, Cliff’s spectacular view, light pub fare and signature sangria are patio perfection.

Mar Muntanya (170 S. West Temple, 385-433-6700, mar-muntanya.com): The Hyatt Regency’s stellar Mar Muntanya has been upping its patio game all year with its climate-controlled winter domes, so they’ve had plenty of time to prepare for spring and summer. The reason Mar Muntanya is an excellent option for patio dining year-round comes from its spot on the sixth floor of the Hyatt, which gives you just enough height to get a unique view of our downtown skyline while munching on Basque-inspired tapas. Some patio-friendly options here would be the refreshing tomato conserva toast, which is a generous slice of toasted sourdough served with a confit garlic spread and a chilled heirloom tomato jam. Once summer comes along, this well-curated bite of cool, refreshing flavors does wonders to help you forget the heat. I’m also always going to recommend their funeral croquettas, since getting the chance to see traditional funeral potatoes get transformed into an elevated tapas dish is always going to be worth it. Pairing any of Mar Muntanya’s dishes with one of their signature interpretations of gin & tonic—the Klasikoa is always a pleasure—is a great way to enjoy the downtown scene.

De Los Muertos (1215 Wilmington Ave., Ste. 104, 801-869-1006, delosmuertosmexican-restaurant.com): It can be hard to find an oasis of calm amid the bustle of downtown Sugar House, but De Los Muertos has a great patio just tucked away on Wilmington Avenue. Their patio space is decked out in colorful flags and plenty of dia de los muertos aesthetic. Summer din-

ing isn’t really much fun if tacos and beer aren’t a part of the program, and De Los Muertos is one of the best local spots to grab some of both.

Anything on the taco menu is going to be great for outdoor dining, and the plant-based menu at De Los Muertos really opens the experience up to anyone keeping things vegan. Once you’ve got your Mexican comfort food of choice and an ice-cold Corona with a lime wedge, you can enjoy the spoils on a good-sized patio that encourages socializing.

Bar Nohm (165 W. 900 South, 385-4654488, barnohm.com) and Water Witch (163 W. 900 South, 801-462-0967, waterwitchbar.com): The Central Ninth neighborhood has undergone plenty of changes to make it into an excellent social hub near the Granary District and Kilby Court. Bar Nohm’s concept is based on the Korean term anju, which is shorthand for bar food or food meant to be enjoyed with drinks and good company. Bar Nohm’s patio puts diners right in the middle of the Central Ninth social scene, and its superb menu of eats and cocktails is tailor-made for a casual evening of eating, drinking and socializing.

Their kimchi rice with its sausage and shrimp is an excellent shareable, as are the curry dip and branzino. The spicy chicken, chicken wings and beef belly wrap are a bit closer to Western bar food, if that’s what you’re after. Plus, they’ve got an excellent stock of imported Japanese liquor; they’ve got me hooked on the Iwai 45.

The sisterhood that Bar Nohm has forged with next-door neighbor Water Witch makes it easy to mosey on over to the latter for some continued drinking and socializing as the sun goes down. This combo of hip urban hangouts should put Central Ninth on the top of your nightspot list. CW

French toast made with the restaurant’s signature butter cake.

E 2100 S Sugar House

2 Row Brewing

6856 S. 300 West, Midvale 2RowBrewing.com

Avenues Proper

376 8th Ave, SLC avenuesproper.com

On Tap: Midnight Especial- Dark Mexican Lager

Bewilder Brewing

445 S. 400 West, SLC BewilderBrewing.com

On Tap:  Cerveza De Mayo for Bewilder.

Bohemian Brewery

94 E. Fort Union Blvd, Midvale BohemianBrewery.com

On Tap: California Steam Lager

Bonneville Brewery

1641 N. Main, Tooele BonnevilleBrewery.com

On Tap: Peaches and Cream Ale

Chappell Brewing

2285 S Main Street chappell.beer

On Tap: Mesogose - Miso Sour with Yuzu & Ginger

Craft by Proper

1053 E. 2100 So., SLC properbrewingco.com

On Tap: Gungan Sith Lord - Dark Lager

Desert Edge Brewery

273 Trolley Square, SLC DesertEdgeBrewery.com

On Tap:  La Playa-Mexican Style lager

Epic Brewing Co.

825 S. State, SLC EpicBrewing.com

On Tap: Chasing Ghosts IPA

Fisher Brewing Co.

320 W. 800 South, SLC FisherBeer.com

On Tap: A rotation of up to 17 Fresh Beers!

Grid City Beer Works

333 W. 2100 South, SLC GridCityBeerWorks.com

On Tap: Cask Nitro CO2

Helper Beer

159 N Main Street, Helper, UT  helperbeer.com

Hopkins Brewing Co.

1048 E. 2100 South, SLC HopkinsBrewingCompany.com

On Tap: Guava Goddess

Kiitos Brewing

608 W. 700 South, SLC KiitosBrewing.com

On Tap: Tropical Haze IPA - HBC 1019 Hops with Heavy Notes of Peach

Level Crossing Brewing Co.

2496 S. West Temple, South Salt Lake LevelCrossingBrewing.com

On Tap: Sun Slope Sour (on Nitro too!)

Level Crossing Brewing Co., POST

550 South 300 West, Suite 100, SLC LevelCrossingBrewing.com

On Tap: Bat Country Blonde Ale

Moab Brewing

686 S. Main, Moab TheMoabBrewery.com

On Tap:  Bulliet Bourbon barrel-aged Brown

Mountain West Cider

425 N. 400 West, SLC MountainWestCider.com

On Tap: Pomme Paloma- Grapefruit & Hopped Cider collab with Pink Boots Society

Offset Bier Co 1755 Bonanza Dr Unit C, Park City offsetbier.com/ On Tap: DOPO IPA

Ogden Beer Company 358 Park Blvd, Ogden OgdenBeerCompany.com

On Tap: 1851 Premium Lager

Park City Brewery 1764 Uinta Way C1 ParkCityBrewing.com

On Tap: Cinco por Ciento Mexican Lager. Also now available in 16oz cans!

Policy Kings Brewery 223 N. 100 West, Cedar City PolicyKingsBrewery.com

Prodigy Brewing 25 W Center St. Logan Prodigy-brewing.com

On Tap: Cached Out Hefeweisen -- Now available to go!

Proper Brewing/Proper Burger 857 So. Main & 865 So. Main properbrewingco.com

Proper Brewing: SLC Pils - Pilsner

Proper Burger: Salted Caramel PorterPorter Brewed with Caramel and Salt

Proper Brewing Moab 1393 US-191, Moab properbrewingco.com

On Tap: YRJB - Juicy IPA

A list of what local craft breweries and cider houses have on tap this week

Red Rock Brewing 254 So. 200 West

RedRockBrewing.com

On Tap: Gypsy Scratch

Red Rock Fashion Place 6227 So. State Redrockbrewing.com

On Tap: Munich Dunkel

Red Rock Kimball Junction 1640 Redstone Center Redrockbrewing.com

On Tap: Bamberg Rauch Bier

RoHa Brewing Project

30 Kensington Ave, SLC RoHaBrewing.com

On Tap: Moon Flower San Diego

Pale Ale and Shoreline Hazy IPA

Roosters Brewing

Multiple Locations

RoostersBrewingCo.com

On Tap: Pineapple Sour Seltzer

SaltFire Brewing 2199 S. West Temple, S. Salt Lake SaltFireBrewing.com

On Tap: Ginger Lemon Saison

Salt Flats Brewing 2020 Industrial Circle, SLC SaltFlatsBeer.com

On Tap: Luau Rider - Coconut Chocolate Milk Stout

Scion Cider Bar 916 Jefferson St W, SLC Scionciderbar.com

On Tap: Scion Oaked Strangler7.1% ABV

Second Summit Cider 4010 So. Main, Millcreek secondsummitcider.com

On Tap: Pineapple Jalapeno

Shades Brewing 154 W. Utopia Ave, South Salt Lake ShadesBrewing.beer

On Tap: Foggy Goggle Winter Lager

Live Music:  Thursdays

Shades On State

366 S. State Street SLC Shadesonstate.com

On Tap: Hellion Blonde Ale

Silver Reef

4391 S. Enterprise Drive, St. George StGeorgeBev.com

Squatters Pub Brewery / Salt Lake Brewing Co.

147 W. Broadway, SLC

saltlakebrewingco.com/squatters

On Tap: Salt Lake Brewing Co. Dog Lake Pale Ale

Squatters and Wasatch Brewery 1763 So 300 West Utahbeers.com

On Tap: Holy

BEER NERD

Sprung!

Spring beers in all of their glory.

BY MIKE RIEDEL comments@cityweekly.net

@utahbeer

Wasatch/Squatters - Rites of Spring: Maibock is a German-style lager beer that translates to “May beer.” They’re typically hoppier than other Bock styles, and are designed for spring. This bockbier pours a golden amber color with a thick two-finger head of pure white. The head is quite stable, hanging around for quite some time, before eventually fading to leave a decent level of foamy lace on the sides of the glass. The aroma of the beer is big and bready, with tons of a doughy smell. Some sweeter aromas of a caramel and toffee nature join the bready aromas. You get a light bit of graininess as well, and some very light, hoppy aromas of a grassy and earthy nature are present, creating an overall smooth bock aroma. The taste also begins big and doughy, with lots of caramel sweetness right from the start. As the taste advances, some lighter fruit flavors sweeten the brew even more, with apple and apricot hitting the tongue. While very sweet and bready at the outset, the flavor gets even more so on both fronts as the taste moves on to the end. This increase in the two primary flavors is accompanied by the arrival of some lighter grassy and hay-like tastes, which actually very efficiently calm the big sweeter flavors of the brew, and complement them very nicely overall. With the mix of sweet, bready and light grassy hop flavors that is left on the tongue at the end, a rather pleasant and moderately robust maibock flavor (at least for a 6.5 % abv. brew) linger through to the end.

Verdict: This was a very big-flavored and rather tasty, easy-drinking maibock at 7.1 percent. I rather enjoyed this one, and would certainly recommend it

to you.

Templin Family - 2024 Grisette Farmhouse Ale: A tribute to Belgian farmhouse table beers, this Grisette Farmhouse Ale was fermented with Petite Sirah Grapes and aged in Zinfandel Barrels. No hops are used in this ale. It pours a mostly clear, dark rose hue—a beautiful color—with lots of streaming effervescence. A finger of white foam appears before receding. On the nose, there are some funky, grassy barnyard notes, along with lassic grainy/ spicy/saison ester aromas. There is definitely the presence of white oak, lending an almost oaky chardonnay character to it. Very faint botanical notes appear as well, plus a hint of wildflower honey.

Now this is a proper grisette. The palate is first met by a light lemon pulp sourness, along with some spicy, grassy, ester notes; vinious notes akin to blueberry swirl around the beer, pushing this ale into wine territory. Now the oak starts to come into play, bringing with it butter, vanilla, grassy funk, lots of farm-y notes, some incredibly subtle aged hop bitterness and even a crusty cracker hint. A savory mineral note comes through towards the finish; that minerality is such a grisette thing, and it really brings it all together. Onto the second glass, I’m also getting faint notes of very floral honey (I’ll add that to the nose). The mouthfeel is exceptionally lively—bright, loud and rambunctious.

Verdict: I honestly think they nailed this one. Grisettes have such nuance, complexity and hidden beauty in their delicate character, and if there’s one heavy-handed slip up, you’ve ruined it. Not this one. This is an amazing, classic grisette that TF absolutely nailed. I can’t drink many 750ml bottles myself, but this? Not a problem.

You won’t find many beers of this caliber in clear bottles, because no hops mean no skunkiness. Grab some of this from TF before it’s too late; 16-ounce cans of Rites of Spring are limited as well. As always, cheers! CW

BEER + PIZZA = <3 SUN-THU: 11am - 10pm • FRI-SAT: 11am - 11pm

Ramen & Sushi Bar

the

BACK BURNER

BY ALEX SPRINGER | @captainspringer

Living Traditions Festival 2024

The Living Traditions Festival is a truly vibrant celebration of the different communities that make Utah great. I like to celebrate by spending the bulk of my time at the food vendor area, as it’s been ground zero for many of my international favorites. When you check out all of the great cultural organizations that create programming featuring live entertainment, music, art and crafts, and then see how they’re also whipping up delicacies from each of their respective backgrounds, it’s hard to want to do anything else this weekend. The Living Traditions Festival takes place from May 17 - 19 at Library Square (200 W. 400 South).

Paris Baguette Opens

Paris Baguette, a powerhouse in the South Korean baking scene, recently opened its doors in Midvale (950 E. Fort Union Boulevard). I’ve dipped my toe into the tradition of Korean baking through various spots in the Chinatown Supermarket in South Salt Lake, and it’s exciting to see more of these regional pastries make their way to us. Paris Baguette offers a huge variety of cream-filled sweet rolls along with croissants, doughnuts and a few gorgeous cake options. They’re also serving up a wide selection of coffee and tea, making this new spot a must for anyone in need of a sweet tooth indulgence.

Adelaide Launches New Seasonal Menus

The hip, Creole-inspired menu at Adelaide at Le Meridien and Element Salt Lake City has taken some interesting turns as of late. These seasonal menus will include a breakfast menu featuring lemon curd ricotta hotcakes, bayou biscuits & gravy, cider mill doughnuts and the luscious crab Louie eggs benedict royale. Their brunch, lunch and dinner menus have also followed suit with items like jambalaya fettuccine and Dungeness crab croquettes. On top of all this culinary goodness, they’ll be offering a prix-fixe menus that include creole-spiced BBQ shrimp and fire pit jerk-spiced salmon. The Adelaide team always seems to have some great tricks up their sleeve, and these new menus sound fantastic.

Quote of the Week: “If you know the way of cake, you know the way of happiness.” – C.

JoyBell C.

May 2024 Music Spotlight

New music and older favorites including Mel Soul, Caleb Darger, Dirt Nappers, City Ghost

BY EMILEE ATKINSON eatkinson@cityweekly.net @emileelovesvinyl

Luckily, the music news in the local scene never stops. There are always new releases from your favorite bands, and plenty to discover from bands you don’t know yet. If you’re anything like me, you love to have a playlist for every occasion and mood. Here’s a good mix of older and new releases that are perfect for your library.

Mel Soul & The Heartbeat, “I Am Now” music video: SLC songstress Mel Soul is back with a delightful new music video for her song

“I Am Now.” While this isn’t good news for your playlists, it’s great news for your viewing pleasure. In the video, Mel Soul is on stage with her bandmates at the International, as fans are smiling and vibing with the excellent tunes. The song is upbeat and cheerful, which is reflected in the video itself. The lyrics are also very empowering, all about living in the now and taking control of your life. Add the song to your playlists if you need a little boost, and check out the video if you want to see people having a great time together.

Caleb Darger, “Quanah”: “I wrote [this song] several years ago after spending time at Standing Rock during the protests there in 2016,”

Darger said of his new single. “I wrote it about the destruction of the environment by the oil industry, specifically the destruction of Indigenous lands. It’s a little different

vibe from my other songs, so I didn’t have a project to release it under until recently, when I decided it fits well enough with the songs on my upcoming album.” “Quanah” is a deeply contemplative and beautiful song that envelops you in its sound. It’s atmospheric and gentle, but delivers an impact with its statement about Indigenous lands, as Darger mentioned above. This is a great track for when you’re in a mellow mood and you want a song that will speak to your soul.

The Dirt Nappers, Pushing Up Daisies: Rock trio The Dirt Nappers pack a punch with their sound—and their latest album, Pushing Up Daisies, is a shining example of those punchy qualities. Father/son duo Jeff and Cole Goodwin bring a southern tinge to the sound, creating a listening experience that you don’t want to miss out on. Joined by drummer Brad Clark, the group creates an exciting soundscape that keeps you coming back for more. If you’re a fan of rock and blues, you’ll want to give this new album a listen ASAP. The Dirt Nappers sound fresh, but have nostalgic qualities to them; you’re hearing them in 2024, but you could have also heard them in previous decades, and they would fit right in. Rock and blues have that timeless quality. You can find Pushing Up Daisies on Bandcamp or YouTube.

City Ghost, “Good News”: If you’re in the mood for some dreamy, ethereal indie rock, you’ll want to add City Ghost’s latest single “Good News” to your library. “Good News” is equal parts anthemic and noisy—noisy in the best way possible. You’re completely surrounded by pounding drums and persistent guitar that serve up a distinctive energy. This song released last summer, and City Ghost has been a bit quiet since last fall, but hopefully they’re doing well and will return soon with more fantastic tracks like “Good News.”

Caleb Darger

MUSIC

Bliss Peak, The Grand Machine: Bliss Peak’s latest album The Grand Machine, seems like it is itself a grand machine, with an impressive 15-track length and considerable play time. Many of the songs pass the four-minute mark, yet you never feel bored or tired while listening through. Each track holds similarities to one another, but new elements are introduced as the album continues, keeping you wondering what will pop up next. Bliss Peak is the brainchild of local singer/songwriter/producer JaCoby Newton (cleverly dubbed @obiwan_jacoby on Instagram, shout out to all the Star Wars fans), with The Grand Machine being the latest project. It’s a great album to get lost in if you need to space out for a bit and think about other things. Not to say that this album is boring and will make you space out, but it has a comforting feel that’ll make you feel less lonely and part of something bigger. Like a grand machine, perhaps.

Sinking About, Church of Jupiter: I’ve never felt compelled to join a church, but the Church of Jupiter is one I’d join.

Sinking About’s latest release is a three-track EP including the title track— and these are songs that haven’t left my head since I listened to them. The band hasn’t stopped thinking about them, either, saying they’re “Sinking about churches on Jupiter,” on their Instagram. Yeah, a good pun is always welcome. The indie group creates a world all their own, especially with “Church of Jupiter.” It has it all: persistent synths, chugging drums and dreamy vocals that will have you slowly ascending to that extraterrestrial house of worship. Add this to your playlists when you’re feeling excited and happy, and you want to show loved ones a good time.

This is just a small taste of the local scene, so follow your favorite artists to stay up to date on their latest releases and quality content for your playlists. CW

THURSDAYS

FRIDAY, MAY 17

SATURDAY, MAY 18 HIP HOP WEEKENDS

SHARK SUNDAYS

POOL TOURNEY HOSTED BY TANNER

MONDAYS

REGGAE MONDAY WITH DJ NAPO TUESDAYS

WEDNESDAYS KARAOKE

Marcus King @ The Complex 5/17

One would be hard-pressed to find a more expressive, honest or impactful album than Marcus King’s current opus, Mood Swings. An exercise in abject vulnerability and self-reflection, it’s cloaked in a soulful sway that reverberates throughout each emotive entry. It conveys a decidedly downcast set of circumstances— specifically, King’s struggle with substance abuse, suicidal ideation and deepening depression, a shift that wreaked havoc on his already fragile psyche. Granted, one might wonder why there’s such a contradiction in terms as far as his mood and music. Having earned a Grammy nomination for his debut album El Dorado, he’s maintained a well-regarded and rewarding career. His second album, Young Blood, which, like his first, was produced by Dan Auerbach, reaped critical acclaim, including kudos from Billboard, which declared it “a staggeringly confident work.” The album debuted at number one on the Billboard Blues Album Chart, no small accomplishment in itself. At age 24, with three highly acclaimed albums released in the span of only four years, King clearly has reason to be proud of his achievements. The fact that he’s willing to confront his demons with such honesty and integrity affirms both his courage and credibility. Few other artists would be so willing to bare their souls so decidedly and dramatically, and then do it so well. Marcus King’s Mood Swings World Tour comes to The Complex at 8 p.m. on Friday, May 17 with special guest JJ Wilde. Tickets cost $46 GA at tickets.thecomplexsic.com (Lee Zimmerman) DevOps Engineer sought by Pluralsight LLC in Draper, UT. Curate Developer selfservice tools & sys. Req: MS+3/BS+5 yrs. WFH. Apply via email to: Pluralsight LLC, Attn: Conner Shaw, peopleops@pluralsight.com.

Life is Better on the patio! Live Music

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15 TJ GURN

SATURDAY, MAY 18 THE POUR

THURSDAY, MAY 16 REGGAE THURSDAY TRIBE OF I

WEDNESDAY, MAY 22 SIMPLY B

FRIDAY, MAY 17 HARPERS

THURSDAY, MAY 23 A ARON GOLAY AND THE ORIGINAL SIN

MUSIC PICK S

IDLES @ The Union 5/17

I do appreciate when bands who’ve achieved some level of success try to evolve a bit—or even change entirely—rather than sticking with their formula. Sometimes I don’t like the new stuff, but that’s fine. That’s not the case here with IDLES’ latest release TANGK, however, because it’s brilliant even if its genre can’t be put in a box. “Being called a punk band was something I wanted to stop, because I didn’t want to then have to ride that horse and be forced to play what people thought was punk music,” vocalist Joe Talbot told Rolling Stone UK. “I’m in a band with five very different human beings in it, and we’re not going to be just one thing.” Sure, some songs hit harder than others. A lot of IDLES music is great, especially when performed live as intended. And IDLES are all about performing live. Is there anyone who, after attending one of their gigs, has gone away saying, “Meh”…? I think not. They stand apart from a lot of contemporary bands, because of their focus on raw aggression over musicality. They’ve got the volume, politics and sardonic lyricism that shows music is still relevant and exciting. There is nothing about this group I don’t like. They also craft wonderful shout-out-loud-alongs; be there to witness it all. Catch IDLES at The Union on Friday, May 17. Doors at 6 p.m.; show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets for the all-ages show are $35 can be found at ticketmaster.com (Mark Dago)

Nate Lowpass @ Sky SLC 5/17

Get ready for summer and warm weather this weekend with rooftop sessions’ latest event: Electric Sky Carnival at Sky SLC. It will start off with local DJ and producer, Nate Maretsky, known as Nate Lowpass. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Maretsky moved to Salt Lake City in 2007, and has worked his way into being a top name in the local EDM scene. He has played his signature house and techno music at several local warehouses, clubs and festivals, including a former residency at Sky SLC called “Playhouse” as well as the main stage at V2 Presents Das Energi. He’s been a staple of the local scene for more than a decade, giving back to the community by formerly teaching music production and DJ lessons at Salt Lake DJ and Production downtown. Now, he has secured a residency for local production company LNE Presents Rooftop Summer Music Series on select Friday nights. Maretsky can be described as a studio/synth nerd who loves to produce house music. He has released songs like the mid-tempo “Beat Me” with local duo X&G and Los Angeles singer josh pan, as well as techno “In The Bag” with producer Elijah. His sets are generally a fun, exciting vibe perfect for a summer night with friends on a rooftop overlooking the city. Nate Lowpass plays on Friday, May 17 at Sky SLC. Doors open at 9 p.m. Tickets are free with RSVP and entry before 10:30 p.m. at tixr.com (Arica Roberts)

Oingo Boingo Former Members @ Liquid Joe’s 5/18

For a significant subset of late-period boomers and the first GenXers, Oingo Boingo was an important part of the soundtrack of their teenage and college-era lives. Starting in 1972 as an outlandish musical theater troupe known as the Mystic Knights of the Oingo Boingo, this Los Angeles ensemble combined many musical genres and a sense of the wild and absurd. With inimitable front man Danny Elfman as the group’s most prominent member, the band shortened its name and sharpened its approach and trimmed down its 12-person lineup to a more manageable number. Between 1981 and 1994, Oingo Boingo released seven studio albums, a live set and three compilations. The group also contributed to many film soundtracks and appeared in several films. They crafted many songs that would remain in the public’s consciousness: “Only a Lad,” “Little Girls” (with its slightly unnerving MTV video), “Weird Science” (from the film of the same name) and “Dead Man’s Party” are just some of Oingo Boingo’s classics. Elfman, of course, left the group for a highly successful career of scoring and film soundtracks (Batman, The Nightmare Before Christmas), but he has given his blessing to this band that brings the music of Oingo Boingo to 21stcentury audiences. Five key members from the band’s ’80s-’90s heyday are in the current lineup; joined by four more ace players, they serve up the exuberant and mysterious music of Oingo Boingo for their Saturday, May 18 show at Liquid Joe’s. Tickets for this 21+ concert at $50 at liquidjoes.ticketsauce.com (Bill Kopp)

The Lip, Theoretical Blonde, Caleb & The Haze @ Urban Lounge 5/22

Sometimes genres take hold of a certain area or city and become a big part of the culture. Colorado is partial to reggae, it seems, and that sound has rubbed off on local band The Lip, who are Coloradan reggae enthusiasts, according to their Instagram. If you’re not familiar with the sound, The Lip’s latest release 801 is a good place to start. It’s a raucous, fun and energetic EP that will have you bobbing your head along with it from start to finish. If the band brings even half the energy to their live show that is found on its recordings, you’re bound to have an incredible night. Also on the bill is Theoretical Blonde, who comes with a different yet still very welcome sound. The bluegrass group also boasts an incredible energy found in their music, and that’s especially true with their latest releases, “Bode’s Reel” and “Time.” You’ll find plenty of traditional bluegrass elements here, but it’s also not like every other bluegrass band you’ve heard. If you’re a fan of the genre, Theoretical Blonde is a must-listen. If you’re not a bluegrass fan, why not try them out anyway? Last but not least, you’ll be able to catch Caleb & The Haze on this fine Wednesday night. Come hang out for a fun show at Urban Lounge Wednesday, May 22. Tickets for the 21+ show are $10 and can be found at 24tix.com. (Emilee Atkinson)

Nate Lowpass

Theoretical Blonde

free will ASTROLOGY

BY ROB BREZSNY

ARIES

(March 21-April 19)

Polish-born author Joseph Conrad (1857–1924) didn’t speak English until he was 21 years old. At 25, his writing in that language was stiff and stilted. Yet during the next 40 years, he employed his adopted tongue to write 19 novels, numerous short stories and several other books. Today he is regarded as one of the greatest writers in the English language. You may not embark on an equally spectacular growth period in the coming months, Aries. But you do have power to begin mastering a skill or subject that could ultimately be crucial to your life story. Be inspired by Conrad’s magnificent accomplishments.

TAURUS

(April 20-May 20)

Hypothetically, you could learn to give a stirring rendering of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 on a slide whistle. Or you could perform the “To be or not to be” soliloquy from Shakespeare’s Hamlet for pigeons that aren’t even paying attention. Theoretically, you could pour out your adoration to an unattainable celebrity or give a big tip to a waiter who provided mediocre service or do your finest singing at a karaoke bar with two people in the audience. But I hope you will offer your skills and gifts with more discernment and panache, Taurus—especially these days. Don’t offer yourself carelessly. Give your blessings only to people who deeply appreciate them.

GEMINI

(May 21-June 20)

When I lived in San Francisco in 1995, thieves stole my Chevy Malibu during the celebratory mayhem that swept the city following the local football team’s Super Bowl victory. Cops miraculously recovered my car, but it had been irrevocably damaged in one specific way: It could no longer drive in reverse. Since I couldn’t afford a new vehicle, I kept it for the next two years, carefully avoiding situations when I would need to go backward. It was a perfect metaphor for my life in those days. Now I’m suggesting you consider adopting it for yours. From what I can discern, there will be no turning around anytime soon. Don’t look back. Onward to the future!

CANCER (June 21-July 22)

Cancerian basketball coach Tara VanDerveer is in the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame. She won more games than anyone else in the sport. Here’s one aspect of her approach. She says the greatest players “have a screw loose”—and she regards that as a very good thing. I take her to mean that the superstars are eccentric, zealous, unruly and daring. They don’t conform to normal theories about how to succeed. They have a wild originality and fanatical drive for excellence. If you might ever be interested in exploring the possible advantages of having a screw loose for the sake of your ambitions, the coming months will be one of the best times ever.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)

Am I one of your father figures, uncle figures or brother figures? I hope so! I have worked hard to purge the toxic aspects of masculinity that I inherited from my culture. And I have diligently and gleefully cultivated the most beautiful aspects of masculinity. Plus, my feminist principles have been ripening and growing stronger for many years. With that as our background, I encourage you to spend the coming weeks upgrading your own relationship to the masculine archetype, no matter which of the 77 genders you might be. I see this as an excellent time for you to take practical measures to get the very best male influences in your life.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Now that your mind, heart and world have opened wider than you imagined possible, try to anticipate how they might close down if you’re not always as bold and brave as you have been in recent months. Then sign a contract with yourself, promising that you will not permit your mind, your heart and your world to shrink or narrow. If you proactively heal your fears before they break out,

maybe they won’t break out. (PS: I will acknowledge that there may eventually be a bit of contraction you should allow to fully integrate the changes—but only a bit.)

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

I would love you to cultivate connections with characters who give you shimmery secrets and scintillating stories you need to hear. In my astrological opinion, you are in a phase when you require more fascination, amazement and intrigue than usual. If love and sex are included, so much the better—but they are not mandatory in your assignment. The main thing: For the sake of your mental, physical and spiritual health, you must get your limitations dissolved, your understanding of reality enriched and your vision of the future expanded.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

Writer Andrew Solomon made a Scorpionic comment when he wrote, “We all have our darkness, and the trick is making something exalted of it.” Of all the signs of the zodiac, you have the greatest potential to accomplish this heroic transmutation—and to do it with panache, artistry and tenderness. I trust you are ready for another few rounds of your mysterious specialty. The people in your life would benefit from it almost as much as you.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

Have you been nursing hope that someday you will retrain your loved ones? That you will change them in ways that make them act more sensibly? That you will convince them to shed qualities you don’t like and keep just the good parts? If so, the coming weeks will be an excellent time to drop this fantasy. In its place, I advise you to go through whatever mental gymnastics are necessary as you come to accept and love them exactly as they are. If you can manage that, there will be a bonus development: You will be more inclined to accept and love yourself exactly as you are.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

I brazenly predict that in the next 11 months, you will get closer than ever before to doing your dream job. Because of your clear intentions, your diligent pragmatism and the Fates’ grace, life will present you with good opportunities to earn money by doing what you love and providing an excellent service to your fellow creatures. But I’m not necessarily saying everything will unfold with perfection. And I am a bit afraid that you will fail to capitalize on your chances by being too insistent on perfection. Please assuage my doubts, Capricorn! Welcome imperfect but interesting progress.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

In his book Ambivalent Zen , Lawrence Shainberg mourns that while meditating, his mind is always fleeing from the present—forever “lurching toward the future or clinging to the past.” I don’t agree that this is terrible. In fact, it’s a consummately human characteristic. Why demonize and deride it? But I can also see the value of spending quality time in the here and now—enjoying each new unpredictable moment without compulsively referencing it to other times and places. I bring this up, Aquarius, because I believe that in the coming weeks, you can enjoy far more free time in the rich and resonant present than is normally possible for you. Make “Be Here Now” your gentle, relaxing battle cry.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)

Two-thirds of us claim to have had a paranormal encounter. One-fourth say they can telepathically sense other’s emotions. One-fifth have had conversations with the spirits of the dead. As you might guess, the percentage of Pisceans in each category is higher than all the rest of the zodiac signs. And I suspect that number will be even more elevated than usual in the coming weeks. I hope you love spooky fun and uncanny mysteries and semi-miraculous epiphanies! Here they come.

CAD BIM Operators

urban LIVING

Maestro!

I’ll admit it right off—I’m a band geek. I started with the violin, then the upright bass, then percussion, followed by brass and finally French horn.

In high school, I was chosen to be in the American Youth Symphony that Europe one summer. Then, I went on to play in the Westminster College symphony until a bunch of wiseguys sitting behind me in rehearsals kept playing jazz riffs and screwing up practices. It pissed me off, so I quit.

Those riffs came from Albert Wing, later known as the band Blind Melon Chitlin’—and I was a Luddite when it came to jazz music. Funny how so many years later, I love jazz but still have my heart in classical music.

Our Utah Symphony was created in 1940 and is known as one of America’s major orchestras, touring all over the world and winning top awards. There are roughly 85 full-time musicians who perform in more than 175 public concerts each year.

The group came to be recognized as a quality ensemble largely due to the efforts of one Maurice Abravanel, the music director/conductor from 1947 to 1979. During his tenure, the symphony made more than 100 recordings and provided educational classes to thousands of groups. Until the opening of Symphony Hall, our symphony performed at the Mormon Tabernacle downtown for more than 30 years.

The board of the Utah Symphony worked with Abravanel, Jack Gallivan (then-Salt Lake Tribune publisher) and O.C. Tanner (professor, philanthropist and founder of O.C. Tanner) to raise money and design Abravanel Hall. Designed by local award-winning architects FFKR and owned by Salt Lake County, the hall was built in a rectangular shape, like some of the greatest concert halls in the world (in Vienna, Amsterdam and Boston).

Cello and bass players were encouraged to make holes in the stage floor for their endpins so the sounds they made would resonate through the wooden floors. Inside, there are convex surfaces on the walls and ceilings and no 90-degree angles because of how such angles affect sound.

I remember how an expert who helped design the acoustics for the Kennedy Center in NYC visited the hall and “played” the walls with padded drumsticks to ensure the best sounds possible in the venue.

In 2002, Dale Chihuly created the 30foot tall red glass tower in the lobby of the hall for the Winter Olympics. After the games, the Salt Lake Organizing Committee raised $625,000 to pay to keep it permanently at Symphony Hall.

Fast forward to the past few weeks when we learned that Smith Entertainment Group bought Arizona’s NHL team and will bring the team here. The Smiths want to create a “sports, entertainment, culture and convention district” downtown, which could lead to changes at Abravanel Hall or even a full rebuild of the venue. n

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

ACROSS

1. Mil. officers

6. Razor guy

11. Really quiet, on sheet music

14. Photoshop creator

15. Damages

16. Before, poetically

17. “Friends” character with a namesake hairstyle

19. Actor Pace

20. Pompousness

21. Co-founder of the Pittsburgh Penguins (with state senator Jack McGregor)

23. “___ Kleine Nachtmusik”

25. Burpee unit?

26. ___ Field (Mets ballpark)

27. 1976 best-seller that opens in The Gambia

29. “Straight, No Chaser” jazz pianist Thelonious

31. English actor who played Tywin Lannister on “Game of Thrones”

38. High points

41. “1984” superstate

42. Mess of a room

43. Nephrologist played by Hugh Laurie

46. Honeycomb locale

47. Mystik Dan, for one

51. Grocery store area

53. Discover rival

57. Critical hosp. department

58. “Saturday Night Live” alum (2000-2001) who was also on “Mr. Show” and “Arrested Development”

60. Course estimate

61. Prefix with raptor

62. Description of the five theme answers?

65. Flying fox, actually

66. Nebraska’s largest city

67. Actor Rami

68. Shady

69. Clearance events

70. Detroit soul singer Payne

DOWN

1. Professional path

2. Barber’s “___ for Strings”

3. ___ Mountains (Appalachian range)

4. “Frankly,” in texts

5. Look at

6. “Golly!”

7. A la ___

8. “Rocky” character Apollo

9. NAFTA part, briefly

10. Ari Melber’s network

11. Some exercise bikes

12. Area in a crime drama

13. Cheat at cards, in a way

18. Stacks of wax

22. L as in “NATO”?

24. “... and so forth”

28. “Get outta here!”

30. It may have a fob

32. Crossworder’s dir.

33. Wrestler ___ Mysterio

34. “Well ___-di-frickin’dah!”

35. “Music for Airports” musician Brian

36. Char ___ (Cantonesestyle barbecued pork)

37. Morse code symbol

38. “It’s so annoying!”

39. Like the earliest life forms

40. What storm levels may indicate

44. Machinery part

45. Many, many millennia

48. Small wave

49. Climbed

50. Cry of epiphany

52. Misbakes like this one

53. Like some videos

54. Nip it ___ bud

55. Tofu beans

56. Surrealist sculptor Jean

58. Apple co-founder Steve

59. One of the Berenstain Bears

63. “Unbelievable” group of 1991

64. Rower’s paddle

Last

week’s answers

Complete the grid so that each row, column, diagonal and 3x3 square contain all of the numbers 1 to 9. No math is involved. The grid has numbers, but nothing has to add up to anything else. Solve the puzzle with reasoning and logic. Solving time is typically 10 to 30 minutes, depending on your skill and experience.

NEWS of the WEIRD

BY THE EDITORS

Creme de la Weird

The latest plane failure story—about the emergency slide that fell off a Boeing 767 leaving JFK Airport last week—gets a “whodathunkit” follow-up, the New York Post reported. On April 28, the slide washed up right in front of the beachside home in Belle Harbor, Queens, of Jake Bissell-Linsk, who happens to be the attorney who filed a federal lawsuit against Boeing after the Alaska Airlines door blowout in January. Belle Harbor is about 6 miles southeast of JFK. “I didn’t want to touch it, but I got close enough to get a close look at it,” Bissell-Linsk said. He said a Delta Airlines crew arrived a few hours later and threw the slide into the back of a truck. “We haven’t decided if the slide is relevant to our case,” he noted.

Animal Antics

The large animals are restless lately. On April 28, four zebras made a break for it from a trailer at a highway exit in Washington State, The New York Times reported. Kristine Keltgen was hauling them to her petting zoo in Anaconda, Montana, when the latch on the trailer became loose and the zebras “bolted out.” Police officers and volunteers headed up the effort to corral them, but David Danton of Mount Vernon, Washington, was a ringer: Danton is a former rodeo clown and bullfighter. He and his wife happened to be driving by and stopped to help. “It was kind of divine intervention,” Danton’s wife said. Danton built a makeshift chute leading to a horse pen on a nearby farm. “It’s just about being quiet, working them gentle and not getting excited,” he said. As of May 2, one of the zebras was still on the lam, but Keltgen was sure it would be found.

The Golden Age of Air Travel

Passengers aboard an American Airlines flight from Washington, D.C., to Phoenix on April 25 were delayed by about 90 minutes after their flight had to make an unplanned stop in Oklahoma City, Simple Flying reported. While AA’s official statement called the problem a “mechanical issue,” social media reports indicated that the toilets became clogged, and the plane had to land for maintenance. One traveler posted: “I was on this flight. Apparently, the lavatory tanks were not emptied from the previous LAX to DCA flight the night before.”

Tourists Behaving Badly

Fujikawaguchiko, Japan, “is a town built on tourism,” said Michie Motomochi, the owner of a cafe in the city. So it says a lot that the town began constructing a large black screen on a stretch of sidewalk that is a favorite spot for viewing and photographing Mount Fuji in the distance. The Associated Press reported that construction began on April 30; the screen will be 8 feet high and 65 feet long. “I welcome many visitors,” Motomochi said, “... but there are many things about their manners that are worrying,” such as littering, crossing the road in traffic, ignoring traffic lights and trespassing. The town has reportedly tried other tactics—signs in multiple languages and security guards—to no avail.

Suspicions Confirmed

Ashley Class of Charlotte, North Carolina, was stumped by her toddler’s reports of monsters in the wall of her bedroom, NPR reported. For months, Saylor told her mom she could hear something, but Class chalked it up to the stress of a new baby in the house. She and her husband deployed “monster spray” (water) and pretended to look for the monsters. But finally, Class called a pest control specialist, who went into Saylor’s room with a thermal camera. “It lit up like Christmas,” Class said. “It was floor to ceiling.” Behind Saylor’s wall was a 100-pound honeycomb and about 50,000 bees, which the beekeeper removed. But not before the bees had done tens of thousands of dollars in damage. “It’s been a nightmare,” Class said.

ANDREWS MCMEEL

A

Hard Act to Swallow Parashuram, 38, a convict in a Karnataka, India, prison, acted quickly to hide his smuggled-in cellphone when guards raided his cell in early April, The Indian Express reported. Instead of stashing the contraband in a pillowcase or toilet, the convicted murderer serving a life sentence swallowed the phone. When he started complaining of stomach pain, he was transferred to Victoria Hospital in Bengaluru, where doctors did an ultrasound. On April 25, he went under the knife to remove the phone, which was stuck at the entrance of the small intestine. The phone had been inside Parashuram for 20 days when it was removed; the prisoner recovered from the surgery and was returned to his cell.

Surprise!

When David Loop of Sierra Pacific Furbabies, a feline rescue organization in California, found a box dumped in front of their office in April, the attached note explained that the “kitten” was found “in Mt. Rubidoux hiking path.” But when he opened the box, Loop said instantly, “I’m pretty sure this is a bobcat kitten.” Sure enough, Newsweek reported, when Loop contacted a local wildlife center, they thought the bobcat kitten was 3 to 5 weeks old. The furball has been transferred to a wildlife center where it will hang out with other bobcats and eventually be reintroduced to the wild.

Most Chatty Criminal

Last September, Stephanie Langley, 55, of East Farleigh, Kent, England, stepped outside the Hare and Hound pub and stabbed her former brother-in-law, Matthew Bryant, to death. She was convicted on May 1, the BBC reported. Although Langley “claimed in court that she had never intended to hurt her victim,” she started that violent evening by telling pub-goers, “Get a drink while he’s still alive.” Then she told Bryant, “You’re dead tonight.” After she stabbed him three times, witnesses heard Langley say, “I hope he’s dead.” She told arresting officers she had killed him, was glad she had killed him and was happy to go to jail for it. She’ll be sentenced at a future hearing, probably to life.

News You Can Use

Attention Tornado Alley dwellers: On April 30, as violent storms were coursing around the Midwest, two “rare” versions were detected near Loveland, Oklahoma, Fox Weather reported. Meteorologist Stephen Morgan acknowledged that “some strange things” popped up during that night. Turns out, more than 98% of tornadoes spin in a counterclockwise direction. But that night, two tornadoes—technically called anticyclones—were found to be spinning clockwise. Morgan said the anticyclonic tornado “rotated around what you could call a ‘normal’ tornado. What we saw ... was very rare.” The anticyclones are typically smaller and weaker than cyclonic storms. There were no reports of injuries in the area.

It’s Come to This

Stanislav Netesov of Moscow, Russia, was attacked on April 27 at a bus stop while traveling home from work, Oddity Central reported. The assailants took his phone and knocked out one of his teeth. The next day, Netesov went to the Ministry of Internal Affairs to report the attack, but instead of taking his report, they accused him of a crime: dyeing his hair yellow and blue, the colors of the Ukrainian flag. Doing so is a punishable offense against the Russian army. Police took his fingerprints, handed him a summons to military enlistment and told him they’d force him to “kiss his native soil in the trenches.”