Located in downtown Salt Lake City in the cultural core known as THE BLOCKS, The Utah Museum of Contemporary Art (UMCA), is a chance to explore art that’s funny, unique and relatable—if you are able to get on the same wavelength as the artist. For myself, the experience was the first venture into the “Contemporary” Art. The obvious question: what does the adjective … [Read more...]
A Colorful Evening : A Quartet of Innovative Plays Comprises Plan-B Theatre ‘s….Of Color
There is nothing funny about bigotry and racism. Or is there? Currently running at the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center is ...Of Color, four short plays that were spawned in Plan-B Theatre ’s Artists of Color Writing Workshop. The pieces were written by Mexican playwright Iris Salazar, Persian/Japanese playwright Bijan Hosseini, Latina playwright Olivia … [Read more...]
Rebirth by Junction Dance Company: Creating Urban-Fusion from a Melting Pot of Diversity
Rebirth They’re young, brash, and talented. And they know how to put on a show! "Rebirth"-- the latest production from innovative, new-kid-on-the-block, Junction Dance Company --simply ROCKS! Full of contagious, high-energy choreography that is seamlessly executed at every level, the show strives to create a one-of-a-kind “urban- fusion,” forged from a diverse mix … [Read more...]
Utah’s newest radio station KUAA
Don't Touch That Dial! KUAA and Brad Wheeler Groove a Mix of World Music Tune your radio dial to 99.9 FM, and if you are within range, you will hear the unique sounds emanating from Utah’s newest radio station, KUAA. Founded by Derek Dryer and now headed by (Bad) Brad Wheeler, this non-profit station broadcasts a diverse mix of multicultural and bilingual music … [Read more...]
Get Captivated at Utah Opera’s The Little Prince
My husband is not a regular at the opera and was a bit apprehensive about going to see The Little Prince, but he figured, “Hey, I can sleep at home, or sleep at the opera.” Well, he was surprised! No shut eye for him! He found this Opera captivating, and we were touched by the theme of “the eye cannot see what is truly essential. Only the heart can.” Our … [Read more...]
Students Shine at Salt Lake Performing School for the Performing Arts
Ron Litteral, Principal of the Salt Lake School for the Performing Arts, affectionately known as SPA, is like a proud parent as he talks about the students and programs at his school. He outlines the many awards and achievements garnered over the last 13 years while emphasizing, “It’s not about the awards, but what they learn in the process. We teach them all to do … [Read more...]
Emerge: Utah Dancers Tell Stories Through Gestures and Movement
"Emerge" Showcases Creativity and Talent of Downtown Salt Lake City's Repertory Dance Theatre The murmuring of the seated audience fades as the lights dim; the anticipation is heightened as the curtains slide open revealing odd rectangular silhouettes that begin to sway to the beat of a tune. At that moment, you know you’ve left your world and entered another; … [Read more...]
Bands are Buzzing at The Beehive Social Club
For almost 10 years, Konrad Keele has operated an all-ages venue for Utah’s punk, hardcore and Ska communities. Standing at about 6’ 2”, Keele dresses casually-not with studs and bristles- and speaks with a reserved, but confident tone. Since 2016, he has owned and operated The Beehive Social Club, located on 666 South and State Street. He seeks to empower his … [Read more...]
Moab Proud, Moab Made
Moab Made describes itself as “a shop dedicated to the local artisan community.” I would add that the Main Street store is hand-crafted for the individual who appreciates singular items. Moab Made’s wares have soul and personality. Moab Made was founded by Rebecca McAllister in 2016. “It was created out of a personal desire to do something that I knew I would feel really … [Read more...]
Stunning Skulls: Turning Animal Skulls into Art
I’d never thought of animal skulls as having much eye appeal and I certainly never thought of them as beautiful. But I changed my mind when I got a look at Joni Ballif’s stunning skull creations. Joni is the creator/owner of a unique Utah-based business called Boho Chic Skulls. She takes dead animal skulls that she acquires from livestock dealers, pawn shops, slaughter … [Read more...]