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...]
Utah Opera’s The Little Prince
The beloved story of The Little Prince comes to life as a new production from Utah Opera. Rachel Portman and Nicholas Wright’s The Little Prince presented by the Utah Opera will open January 19 and play through January 27. Meanwhile, Utah Opera Production Studios is busy building sets and creating costumes that are sure to transform the artistic visions of … [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...]
Turner Guitar Company: Ogden Craftsman Mends Guitars
Jon Turner is a fast man—he talks fast, he walks fast, he thinks fast and he works fast. I know this sounds like a Jimmy John's commercial, but Jonny T, as his friends call him, isn't making sandwiches; he is creating tone. I sat down with Turner in his basement in Ogden. The low ceiling and walls framed his work table and guitars hung from stands all over the room. … [Read more...]
A Backyard Becomes One of the Top Acoustic Music Venues in Salt Lake
Title : “Kris' backyard has become one of the top acoustic music venues in Salt Lake City.” - musician Marv Hamilton On Sunday afternoons at her Millcreek home, Kris Thorne hosts top music acts from Utah and beyond. Chairs are set up in her yard, a band arrives, people socialize, potluck dishes are shared, and a crowd settles under spreading shade trees for great … [Read more...]
Salt Lake’s Big Time Karaoke Scene
Karaoke is a unique medium that brings people from all walks of life together. From professionals, to amateurs, to friends just out for a laugh, it is a platform for individuals or groups to get on a stage and sing their favorite tunes—with or without the assistance of libations. “To me it’s the coming together of cultures. We have people of all ages and backgrounds. It’s … [Read more...]
Bonanza Campout Festival: The Hills are Alive with the Sound of Music
Tucked away in River’s Edge Campground near Heber, Utah, lies one of Utah's best kept secrets—an outdoor music festival with a star-studded lineup, fantastic amenities, and a picture-perfect alpine backdrop. Now in their third year of production, Bonanza Campout attracts people ready to enjoy the on-site camping options, local food trucks and breweries, and its unique, eclectic … [Read more...]
John Young: Luthier
"A table, a chair, a bowl of fruit, and a violin; what else does a man need to be happy." -Albert Einstein I spent a recent morning in a violin maker’s shop, being given a tour by its luthier, John Young. John picks up a future violin, a pair of wooden boards, and we look at the flaming of the grain. He shows me a scattering of violin pieces, ribs, … [Read more...]
Twilite Lounge Nights: Music that Fits the Mood
Every Wednesday and Sunday night starting at 9pm, Twilite Lounge is home to live music hosted by David Payne of The Red Bennies. Wednesday typically features musicians playing traditional instruments such as guitar, keys and bass. Sundays is geared toward creative electronica and DJs Lord British, Falchion B and Twin Bee. During these respective nights, Payne hosts through his … [Read more...]
To The Bat Kave: Tunes in Toquerville
Southern Utah is not synonymous with live music. However, near the blood red cliffs of Zion, in the little town of Toquerville, Dave Durrant is cranking away at the Bat Kave studio. Like many musicians, Durrant was interested in capturing his own material and started recording his music on a Tascam cassette recorder. Looking back on those days he says, "it was kind of cool … [Read more...]