City Weekly May 15, 2025

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BOX

“One for the Books,”

May 8 Cover

Story

Kudos to Wes Long for attempting to write the history of indie bookselling in Salt Lake City. Of course, that can’t be done in two pages! It’s long been an interest of mine, and I learned things about my trade I didn’t know.

I have my own vivid memories from childhood of haunting downtown bookshops and antique stores, including those of Sam Weller, Gene Wilson and Johann Bekker. And I’d like to give a shout out

to the Marshall clan—Earl, Earl Jr., and third-generation bookseller Peter Marshall, who runs Utah Book and Magazine on Main Street to this day. Other haunts of my youth include The Open Book and The Yarrow in the avenues, Golden Braid downtown, Central Book Exchange in Sugar House, Round Records and Bound Books and the Black and White Bookstore at 9th & 9th, A Serious Scholar, Marginalia, Fifth World Books and others

I’ve forgotten. And finally, a shout out to all the new and currently operating indie bookshops in SLC. Booksellers come and go, but the printed word in book form will never die.

Salt Lake City

Pope Donald

The president recently joked that he wants to be the next Pope. Remember, he also joked about being a dictator on “day one.” That turned out not to be a joke—his joke about the papacy is not a joke either.

A dictator cannot really be a full-fledged dictator without control of all the institutions and agencies of society. Donald Trump sees the church—both the Protestant and Catholic wings—as impediments to total power because of separation of church and state.

Separation means separate powers and lines of authority. Trump wants to erase the distance between church and state just like the tyrant King Henry VIII did in England. Henry declared himself above the church and established a precedent still alive today, whereby the King of England appoints the Archbishop of Canterbury, the highest non-royalty position in the Church of England.

Trump has that in mind for America as well. He might first have to create an established church here like Henry did in England. Not a problem for this president, who is every bit as ambitious as Henry.

KIMBALL SHINKOSKEY Woods Cross

“Banner Yet Wave,” May 7 Online

Imagine living such a pathetic life that a rainbow flag makes you this upset. I guess it makes sense—those same people wanna see the genitals of those of us represented by these flags.

TAMMIE SANDERSON Via Facebook

SLC an island of reason in a desert of intolerance. Nice work Salt Lake!

BRUCE QUAYLE Via Facebook

I wish my husband and I lived in Salt Lake City proper instead of these sad suburbs. I have so much respect for the mayor there, and the energy in the city is a lot more positive.

CAIO MORAES REGO 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

You have ONE question to ask the new Pope, Leo XIV. What is your question?

Scott Renshaw

Can you please tell my Trump-voting, Catholic family that they have some soul-searching to do?

Katharine Biele

Why do they call you the most unAmerican American Pope?

Wes Long

My best to you, your advisors and your family as you take this challenging new role. How do you expect the Sermon on the Mount will inform the priorities of the church going forward?

Benjamin Wood

I don’t have any theological questions but I’m fascinated by the urbanism of Vatican City. I’d love to get a private tour through some of the off-limits areas, particularly the underground spaces where you can see how the old Roman geography and civic architecture was covered up layer by layer.

Mike Ptaschinski

When Trump offers to buy The Vatican, what will be your price?

Paula Saltas

Since you play Wordle with your brothers daily, do you have any inside information on the best word to start with?

KEN SANDERS

OPINION

BY JOHN RASMUSON

Word Purge

“We have met the enemy and he is us.” So said Pogo, the titular character in a comic strip syndicated locally in The Salt Lake Tribune during the 1960s and 1970s. Pogo was an anthropomorphic possum created by Walt Kelly, and is remembered chiefly for his Orwellian observation—the enemy is us. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised to find a growing number of Republican normies invoking Pogo in their private conversations.

Neither would I be surprised to find MAGA Republicans thumbing through George Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four to brush up on Newspeak. A case could be made, I think, that the fictional language laid the groundwork for Donald Trump advisor Kellyanne Conway’s defense of “alternative facts” in 2017.

In either case, words are foundational. As a longtime scribbler, I have become as fussy about words as a winemaker is about grapes. My fussiness took shape in a succession of English classes at Highland High School in an era when the enemy was godless commies, not woke lefties.

Talented teachers taught the rules of grammar. I spent hours diagramming sentences, so as to visualize which pronoun was nominative case (“who,” for instance) and which was objective case (“whom”).

I came to believe that the English language was governed by settled rules. That they might change never occurred to me, until I was introduced to the feminist coinage “Ms.” in the late 1960s. Then came “s/he.” I adopted it because it was useful: It eliminated the “he or she” construct that was “awk”—English teachers’ shorthand for “awkward.”

Other conventions dialed down the awkwardness of “he or she.” It became acceptable to use “one,” as in this example: “With regard to Pogo’s judgment, one can say whatever one wants.”

Another convention simply uncoupled “he” from “she.”

Consider this example—“Every Utah legislator should have his or her own copy of Orwell’s dystopian classic” becomes “Every Utah legislator should have his own copy of Orwell’s dystopian classic.” The result may be grammatical, but the implication that no women are lawmakers is a glaring fault. Yet another tool in the wordsmith’s kit replaced “he or she” with “they” when the preconditions are met. The socalled “singular they” looks like this: “Anyone can juggle if they practice.”

This “they” was the American Dialect Society’s word of the year in 2015. The choice was based on the pronoun’s “growing use to refer to known persons whose gender identities don’t conform to the binary of ‘she’ and ‘he’.” (In Trumpspeak, it represents “misguided gender ideology.”)

I am not an early adopter. I have ignored “Mx.” as a replacement for “Mr.” I have not switched “actress” for “actor.” I have no qualms about using “guy” as a gender-neutral slang in conversation. I could ask a group of women: “Are you guys going to Victoria’s Secret?” But would I write it? No more than I would write: “Pogo confirmed those guys are the enemy and they are us.”

In conversation, I sometimes use the “singular they” spontaneously. But when I encounter one in print, the effect is as jarring as an unexpected stumble.

My insensitivity to those for whom gender is an issue is nothing to be proud of. That said, my shortcomings are widely shared.

In his new book, Pronoun Trouble, John McWhorter (a prominent linguist and author of 23 books) cites a survey that speaks to my experience. It seems that the Gen Z guys under 35 have a pretty high usage rate for the “singular they.” However, that is not the case with those over 55. Old dogs like me resist learning new tricks.

Following his inauguration, one of Trump’s first executive orders directed federal workers to wipe their email signature blocks clean of gender-related pronouns (thereby “restoring biological truth,” in Trumpspeak.) Then, press secretary Karoline Leavitt laid down the law to the news media: “As a matter of policy, we do not respond to reporters with pronouns in their bios,” she e-mailed to The New York Times.

Another government spokesperson, Katie Miller, wrote that signatures with preferred pronouns “ignore scientific realities and therefore ignore facts.” Where is Ms. Conway when the White House needs her?

The Trump administration has also called out hundreds of words to be expunged from government documents and web sites. Why such an Orwellian purge? Because the words promote “misguided gender ideology” and tend to be associated with diversity, equity and inclusion policies. No surprise that “they” made the list and is slated to be disappeared like “Gulf of Mexico.”

The Trump word purge evokes the argument between Humpty Dumpty and Alice in Wonderland: “When I use a word,” Humpty Dumpty said in rather a scornful tone, “it means just what I choose it to mean—neither more nor less.” “The question is,” said Alice, “whether you can make words mean so many different things.” “The question is,” said Humpty Dumpty, “which is to be master—that’s all.”

In Nineteen Eighty-Four, the master is a totalitarian government. It employs Newspeak to erode critical thinking within the population.

In 2025, our post-truth age has its own masters of mendacity and manipulation. They are ensconced in congress. A growing number of them refuse to attend town meetings in their home districts.

A potential reaction to modern times from Pogo? “I’d give them a piece of my mind if I could find it! I mean, them!” CW

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

HITS & MISSES

MISS: Driving Drunk

So Utah, how’s the draconian DUI limit working for you? A blood alcohol content (BAC) limit of 0.05% was supposed to scare everyone straight and keep people from drinking and driving. Pause now to laugh hysterically. It’s not just that the law makes no difference, but rather that lawmakers seem to think they can pray away the drunks. This past week saw the arrest of a 61-year-old man who killed a 41-yearold pedestrian. The driver had 114 prior arrests, 53 convictions and a blood alcohol level three times the legal limit. Legislators have pushed millions into banal commercials attempting to keep kids from underage drinking, and they continue to talk about tougher DUI laws. There’s one to make restaurants and bars more accountable, another to make drunk drivers pay for child support, and on and on. The public thinks it doesn’t matter. Utah clocks 12,000 DUI arrests each year—that’s 1,000 each month. “This case underscores the importance of a justice system that can address repeat offenders in a way that protects the community and promotes accountability,” Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd told KSL News.

MISS: Unbe-Lee-vable

Utahns can’t help themselves in their admiration of Sen. Mike Lee, arguably one of the weirdest, most ideological senators. This is the man who once despised Donald Trump, only to later hail him as a reincarnation of Captain Moroni. The Salt Lake Tribune attempted to illuminate “plans” from our allRepublican congressional delegation, starting with Lee, who has “spread misinformation to encourage the passage of his SAVE Act, which would require proof of citizenship to vote.” Non-citizens are not exactly voting in droves. The 30 suspected cases in 2016 amounted to 0.0001% of votes cast. You’ll need your birth certificate to prove your identity and—because America has hopes for white supremacy—Lee also wants to eliminate a database of racial disparities in affordable housing. One of his latest hits purports to define pornography, a longtime GOP issue. While he is often called an effective senator, since 2011, he’s introduced 500 bills. Six have passed.

HIT: Grand Old Flags

There is nothing more entertaining than punking the Legislature. Kudos to Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall for giving an official middle finger to the self-righteous culture warriors we call lawmakers. Republican sponsors Rep. Trevor Lee and Sen. Dan McCay attempted to make their flag ban “neutral,” but it was obviously aimed at the LGBTQ community. No, Utah does not want anyone indoctrinating the public with the sight of flags in classrooms or on public buildings. So Mendenhall added an SLC sego lily to all offending flags. The comments on Lee’s Twitter feed were remarkable. McCay “joked” that Mendenhall should fly a flag with the Latter-day Saint church’s logo. Others were less than kind, calling for Mendenhall’s ouster and condemning her actions. CW

BY TOM MERRILL

Hi, Density

So much of what surrounds me these days—smartphones, social media, cars, streaming services, working from home—seems almost designed to push me into a solitary existence. But when I made the move back downtown in 2016, I very intentionally did so because I knew I needed the opposite—I needed community.

I was recently divorced, a couple years into a quiet faith transition, and needed a village to help me raise my kiddos. As I recounted in a previous column, I made the move into a highrise with a bit of trepidation—mostly due to logistical concerns (space, parking, storage, etc.)

What I was truly looking for—community—I have found in abundance and then some. Everything about living downtown in high-density housing is conducive to human interaction: the inevitability of running into people in the hallways, the elevators, the lobby, the mail room, at the pool, in the gym, on the rooftop. You get the point.

Even on my most anti-social days, I will run into one of a handful of adopted building grandmas, who are eager to share with me the accomplishments of their grandchildren or reminisce about life when they were my age. I cherish these interactions.

The residents of my building host a monthly wine night where the whole building is invited. An outgrowth of this gathering is a monthly discussion group for retirees who get together to chat about life experiences. An outgrowth of that gathering is a support group for residents who are caretakers of their elderly parents. In addition to these, we have a dinner group that visits new restaurants once a month.

Not a week goes by that I don’t have at least one opportunity to gather with a diverse and friendly group of neighbors who know me by name and ask me how I’m doing.

In addition to all of this, we have a well-moderated resident Facebook group that might be one of the last bastions of friendly social media. The group wall contains several years of event invitations, helpful PSAs, furniture donations, useful recommendations for service providers and more. Something about the close proximity of your otherwise online neighbors seems to lend itself to greater civility and respect—something the world desperately needs now.

Just outside my building, I am walking distance away from hundreds of businesses, locally owned and operated. Through daily interactions over the years, I’ve gotten to know their owners and employees, and I am willing to pay more because I can see exactly what I am supporting: families, students, aspiring artists, dancers, and musicians, supporting themselves by serving my little family.

All of these things combined represent just the community we were looking for when we moved downtown. CW

Diversity and Inclusion

The Living Traditions Festival continues celebrating cultural uniqueness at a challenging moment.

BY SCOTT RENSHAW scottr@cityweekly.net @scottrenshaw

Over the past several months, “diversity” has been turned into something of a dirty word in certain corridors of power. But for Salt Lake City’s Living Traditions Festival, it’s intrinsic to what they are—and that’s not about to be eliminated with the stroke of a pen.

“Diversity is a hot-button issue, and that’s what this festival is all about,” says Jeda Higgs, production lead for Living Traditions. “This is the foundational mission of the festival, and has been for 39 years, and we’re not going to change it now.”

Over those 39 years, local artists, creators and visitors have gotten to know an annual showcase of dozens of cultural traditions sharing their food, music, dance, crafts and more. The three-day event will feature more than 70 live performances representing Latin America, Africa, Asia, Europe, Pacific Islanders, Indigenous cultures and more, plus workshops, beer tasting, kids’ activities and food booths and demonstrations—all for free admission.

It’s a wonderful opportunity for people in the community to experience the range of cultures that call Utah home—and the “traditions” in the title can apply both to those who attend as spectators, and those who participate as part of the entertainment or as vendors. According to Higgs,

A&E

it’s not uncommon for performing arts groups to have been represented at the festival across generations. “We do have a lot of legacy folks who come back,” Higgs notes. “A lot of these groups, you’ll have a grandmother watching in the audience, and then you’ll have her daughter performing with her granddaughter.”

Yet it’s also true that the festival isn’t just the same people performing the same shows year after year. According to Living Traditions Marketing and Communications Lead Quinn Winter, “We do make sure that within our programming, we both have people who have been with the festival for years, and make room for new performing arts groups or bands, those who would benefit from the stage of Living Traditions. I think the other piece is that, while we have people who have been at the festival for years, … you may see a group who has performed before, but they’re bringing new material. As these groups and the people within them adjust and change and grow as artists, they inevitably bring that to Living Traditions.”

Whether the artists are new or returning, however, they’re all representing the idea that the Utah community is not culturally homogenous, at a time when it might feel challenging to celebrate that idea. That only makes its mission more vital, the staffers agree. “I think that it’s always important for us to be aware of what our community’s needs are,” Winter says. “And in the current political climate, it’s a little heightened right now. But I’d also say that a festival like Living Traditions … has always been important, and something that Salt Lake has valued for years. Being intentional about providing opportunities for artists in communities that may be experiencing a bit more stress is important.”

“What’s been really enticing,” Higgs adds, “is that we’ve had more applications [from groups wanting to participate in the festival] than ever. Nobody doesn’t want to be out there because they’re wor-

ried. With the focus that [Salt Lake City mayor Erin] Mendenhall and the city have put on being ‘flag-forward,’ I feel pretty sure that people are going to feel safe and welcome.”

The notion of the festival’s value certainly extends to the participants and performers, including Living Traditions advisory board member Haviar Hafoka, who performs with the Polynesian music and dance group Malialole. Hafoka has been performing for 17 years at Living Traditions, and believes the festival has been an important place for people to connect with cultures like those of Pacific Islanders, separate from stereotypes that might exist about those communities. “To me, it means representation,” Hafoka says. “It means being seen. It means being celebrated. Dancing helps bridge those gaps, where talking doesn’t necessarily do it. A spiritual sort of sharing of energy is better.”

Hafoka especially notes the festival’s workshops as events that allow people to connect on a more personal, individual level. Connections of that kind are part of what makes Living Traditions an event not just about noticing and accepting the diversity of the Utah community, but celebrating it as something that adds value to a place in innumerable ways.

“It’s that exposure that really helps people to understand,” Higgs says. “You’re being exposed to, ‘These people exist and they’re in our community.’ But they’re not just another person you shop next to at Costco; they bring something unique.” CW

LIVING TRADITIONS FESTIVAL

Washington Square/Library Square

200 East & 400 South

Friday, May 16, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. Saturday, May 17, noon – 10 p.m. Sunday, May 18, noon – 7 p.m. Free to the public Saltlakearts.org/programs/living-traditionsfestival

TRISTAN SADLER

Dancers at the Living Traditions Festival

theESSENTIALS ENTERTAINMENT PICKS,

Queer Spectra Arts Festival

Let’s face it: 2025 has been a particularly challenging year to be queer in Utah. That’s an idea that’s likely to manifest itself in the work of creative artists, and the Queer Spectra Arts Festival provides a place to explore these ideas. “From an organizing perspective, we created the theme of ‘Flux & Fracture’ at the end of January,” says festival co-organizer Rae Lubbert. While the artists definitely can create with a sense of queer pride and joy, Lubbert says it’s also important to “give space for grief and disruption. And I think a lot of the art responds to that.”

Queer Spectra Arts also occupies a unique space as an interdisciplinary arts festival that includes live performance art (on Thursday and Saturday), visual art (with a reception on Friday) and literary arts. And while it’s certainly valuable to give these artists a place to show their work to the public, the event can also serve as a community connection point, with panel discussions and a brunch just for the participating artists. “Last year, [panel discussions] felt like a really strong, special place,” Lubbert recalled, “where people were talking about their work, and then jumping off each other, like a painter being really excited about the work of a musician.”

The 2025 Queer Spectra Arts Festival takes place at Sorensen Unity Center (1383 S. 900 West) Thursday, May 15 (6:30 p.m.), Friday, May 16 (6 – 8 p.m.) and Saturday, May 17 (1 – 7 p.m.). The event is free and open to the public, but donations are welcome. Visit queerspectra.com for full schedule of events and additional information. (Scott Renshaw)

This Was Water @ Dumke Arts Plaza

In 2023, composer Carey Campbell—inspired by the record low ebb of the Great Salt Lake in 2022—created a chamber work titled This Is Water. “[It’s] about the drying of the Great Salt Lake and the environmental disasters that will follow if mitigating actions are not taken,” Campbell wrote about the piece. “To bridge the gap between science and everyday people, emotions must be stirred, and, as we know, art is a perfect vehicle for such a task. … Each of the piece’s sixteen movements is a meditation on a particular aspect of the lake: a vignette of either its past, present, or future.”

Campbell and artist Kellie Bornhoft connected regarding This Was Water, with Bornhoft providing a video work to accompany its premiere, and have since expanded that collaboration to turn it into an installation piece that includes unique sculptural components. “We will exhibit five rock mounds (roughly 8 feet by 10 feet by 8 feet in size) from which fabricated crystals emerge, glowing with lights,” Bornhoft writes. “The mounds have speakers embedded to play a generative composition by Carey, and lidar sensors will change the sound and lights based on a person’s proximity.”

This Was Water will be on display at the Dumke Arts Plaza in downtown Ogden (445 25th St.), May 16, 2025 – April 30, 2026. In addition to the interactive soundscape, live performances of Campbell’s composition will be featured on select dates—currently May 16, Sept. 5, Nov. 7 and on the closing date of April 30 next year— at 6 p.m. Visit weber.edu/shawgallery for additional information. (SR)

Salt Lake City Main Library Rooftop Reopening

The main branch of the Salt Lake City Library has been one of downtown SLC’s showcase attractions for 20 years, and for most of that time, its rooftop terrace— with its wonderful views and buzzing beehives—was part of that appeal. For nearly two years, however, that rooftop has been shut down to allow for much-needed repairs and upgrades to the waterproofing system. Now, at last, that renovation project is complete, and the public is invited to join in the celebration. This Saturday, head up to the library roof for a reopening party that will include remarks by Salt Lake City mayor Erin Mendenhall and Salt Lake City Library CEO Noah Baskett, along with live local music, crafts and entertainment for all ages and children’s storytimes. And in honor of the return of the rooftop’s famous bees for the first time since 2020, honey-themed food will also be served. The new space includes more shade, more trees and more seating to allow for everyday access by library patrons, classes like outdoor yoga and special community events, plus the addition of a new original mural by local artist Cole Eisenhour. Enjoy safe panoramic views of downtown Salt Lake City, and take this wonderful opportunity to celebrate the return of a one-of-a-kind free space for all.

The Salt Lake City Main Library Rooftop Reopening party takes place May 17, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.; the rooftop will subsequently be open during regular building operating hours on good weather days. Visit slcpl.org for additional event information. (SR)

Cocktail Hour

Alpine Distilling

7132 N. Silver Creek Road, Park City 350 Main, Park City 435-200-9537

AlpineDistilling.com

Beehive Distilling

2245 S. West Temple, South Salt Lake 385-259-0252

BeehiveDistilling.com

Clear Water Distilling Co.

564 W. 700 South, Pleasant Grove 801-997-8667

ClearWaterDistilling.com

Dented Brick Distillery 3100 S. Washington St, South Salt Lake 801-883-9837

DentedBrick.com

Distillery 36 2374 S. Redwood Road, West Valley 801-983-7303

Distillery36.com

Eight Settlers Distillery 7321 S. Canyon Centre Pkwy, Cottonwood Heights 385-900-4315

EightSettlersDistillery.com

High West Distillery 703 Park Ave, Park City

435-649-8300

HighWest.com

The Hive Winery and Spirits Company 1220 W. Jack D Drive, Layton 801-546-1997

TheHiveWinery.com

Holystone Distilling 207 W. 4860 South, Salt Lake City 503-328-4356

HolystoneDistilling.com

Moab Distillery 686 S. Main, Moab 435-259-6333

TheMoabDistillery.com

New World Distillery 4795 2600 North, Eden 385-244-0144

NewWorldDistillery.com

Ogden’s Own Distillery 615 W. Stockman Way, Ogden 801-458-1995

OdgensOwn.com

Outlaw Distillery 552 W. 8360 South, Sandy 801-706-1428

OutlawDistillery.com

Silver Reef Brewing and Distillery 4391 Enterprise Drive, St. George 435-216-1050

StGeorgeBev.com

Simplicity Cocktails

3679 W. 1987 South #6, Salt Lake City

801-210-0868

DrinkSimplicity.com

Spirits of the Wasatch Distillery 3697 W 1987 S Building 5, Salt Lake City

855-927-2824

wasatch.co

Sugarhouse Distillery 2212 S. West Temple #14, Salt Lake City

801-726-0403

SugarhouseDistillery.net

Vintage Spirits Distillery 6844 S. 300 West, Midvale 801-699-6459

VSDistillery.com

Waterpocket Distillery 2084 W 2200 South, West Valley City

801-382-9921

Waterpocket.co

Spirit of the Week

Distillery: Sugar House Distillery

Spirit of the Month: Sugar House Vodka

Sugar House Vodka is one of the few vodkas distilled in Utah. Made from an on-grain mash, it’s gluten free with a creamy mouthfeel, subtle pepper notes, and a smooth finish. Perfect for sipping or crafting a clean, classic cocktail.

Martini (Classic)

Ingredients: 3 oz Sugar House Vodka

1/2 oz dry vermouth or olive brine

Lemon peel or olive

Directions: Whether you like it dirty with olive brine and a garnish, or clean with a lemon twist, the classic Martini remains one of the most iconic cocktails around. Traditionally made with gin, it’s also perfectly acceptable with vodka. Combine preferred ingredients and stir. Pour into chilled martini glass and add the garnish.

Visit sugarhousedistillery.net for more information.

Cocktail Recipe

Guide Guide

The places to go, things to do and sights to see during a season of adventure in Utah.

I don’t know about you,

but I’m ready for summer. More importantly, I think that Salt Lake City is ready for summer.

It’s not that this winter was a particularly brutal one—I’m not certain I had to shovel my sidewalk even one time and I definitely never opened my bag of icemelt (yikes, amirite?). And sure, there’s plenty of bad news that we’re all desperate to distract ourselves from, but no more than usual for whatever we’ll end up calling this post-COVID/Trump/Julia Reagan era of near-constant domestic and global calamity.

No, I’m ready for summer because I think that, this year, Salt Lake City is going to cook!

It all starts downtown, where the grueling construction projects around Temple Square, 200 South and West Temple that have worn everyone down for years are either wrapping up or fully completed, reopening critical connections and restoring the beating heart of Utah, stronger than ever with more downtown residents and better access to marquee destinations for pedestrians, cyclists and transit riders.

This sets the stage not just for the biggest summer events in the city—from Utah and SLC Pride in June to the Utah Beer Festival in August—but also everything in between, beyond, around, over and through. Salt Lake City’s concert and performance venues are stacking their schedules with the best local and national touring talent; restaurants and shops are beefing up their patios, menus and inventory; the pads are splashing and the sodas are dirtier than ever.

Can you feel it? Downtown is ready to pop, just in time for the return of the Open Streets promenade on Main during Fridays and Saturdays in June.

Outside the city, our friends along the Wasatch Front are brewing up a full season of incredible programming, be it concerts and live performances, outdoor moving screenings, arts and crafts fairs, top-shelf dining experiences and any number of special festivals, markets and community celebrations. In the following pages, you’ll find things to do from Ogden to Provo (and beyond!) plus some tips on how to get there without a car, so you can spend more of your time (and money) soaking up the sunshine and less of it idling in traffic or fighting for a parking space.

But the party doesn’t stop in the towns and cities, because everyone knows the best thing about living in Utah is how easily you can escape into the wild. From the Mighty Five national parks to the vast expanses of public land waiting to be explored, our writers offer a primer on the mountains, rivers, lakes and deserts that make this kooky place our home.

There’s always more to discover, and summer is the best time to do it. Don’t miss your annual favorites but, just as important, make a point to get out of your comfort zone and try something new. Not sure where to begin? Start by flipping the page.

—Benjamin Wood, news editor

Music of the Night

Feel the beat at Salt Lake’s live music and performance venues.

BY ARICA ROBERTS comments@cityweekly.net

Sky SLC Rooftop Concert series

There’s really no better way to spend a summer evening than on a rooftop overlooking the city as you watch the sunset against our iconic mountains. For the second year in a row, Sky SLC (149 Pierpont Ave) is hosting a Rooftop Concert series from May 8-October 12 and includes tons of DJs who will ensure you can dance late into the night. Kicking off with SPAZ, each weekend through the summer will include several other local performers: ANDY DOORS, Branden Estrada, OBAŸASHI, Bangarang, ZANDZ, Parker Andriese, J WOODZ, Elliot Tackie, BLESSED1, Benny, FRESH POWDER, DJ Bear, MAPLO, RENE SOUNDS, ParkBoiGem, Chris Light, DOOF and JOUNE. skyslc.com

Utah Symphony at Abravanel Hall

There are several performances this summer to check out at the beloved Abravanel Hall (123 W. South Temple). May 16-17 is SaintSaëns‘ Piano Concerto 2, which includes the renowned piano solo in the style of a Bach fantasia. May 23-24 is the epic for a huge orchestra, Berlioz’s Symphonie fantastique. On June 12-13, Korngold’s Violin Concerto will be performed with all its cinematic style and romantic melodies. And for all the Jedis and Siths, Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert takes place on June 26-28. Admire the architectural beauty and exceptional acoustics as you take in the ensemble of instruments over this season. utahsymphony.org

Red Butte Garden Outdoor Concert Series

The lineup this year is overflowing with talent. From Cheap Trick starting the series off on May 19 to Hermanos Gutiérrez closing it out on September 16, guests are bound to find an artist they enjoy from the eclectic range of genres

and various artists coming to the city. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. while the shows begin at 7:30 p.m. Keep in mind that the amphitheatre is located at the mouth of Red Butte Canyon (2188 Red Butte Canyon Rd) and even on the warmest days it gets breezy and chilly at night. Bring both your sun hats and your jackets. redbuttegarden.org/concerts

Kingsbury Hall

There are many events this summer to check out at Kingsbury Hall (1395 Presidents’ Circle) at the University of Utah. On May 31, Salt Lake Dance Center presents Dancing the Red Carpet, where youth dancers ages 4-18 will showcase their talent from pre-ballet to competitive teams. Ryan Adams makes a stop on June 1 for his Heartbreaker ‘25 tour—this is one you don’t want to miss if you’re a fan of alt and indie rock. Finally, on August 29, Randy Travis’ “The More Life Tour” is sure to bring out the country music fans. artstickets.utah.edu

Soundwell SLC

Located near the Salt Palace Convention Center, Soundwell SLC (149 W. 200 South) is an intimate live music venue that has events all

summer long. Enjoy some reggae from RICHIE V7 on May 30, celebrate Pride Month with Miss Iconique 2025 Utah’s Premiere Drag Showcase on June 5, and pick from the plethora of indie artists like Provoker (June 20) and Greer (June 22). There are even hip-hop acts like Lil Mosey (June 26) and Oliver Francis on June 27. Lake Effect is right next door and includes cocktails, dining and live music, so make sure to check out both. soundwellslc.com

The Depot

One of the most unique and innovative venues in SLC is The Depot (13 N 400 West), located in the historic Union Pacific train station. Use the opportunity to skip driving and take Trax for events all summer. Beats Antique is bringing their electronic and experimental world fusion performance art on May 30, the legendary rock band Bayside will make a stop on June 8 and 9 for their 25th anniversary “The Errors” tour, and you can attend Sorry Papi—The All Girl Rave on August 8. depotslc.com

The Metro Music Hall

Beginning with the official Kilby Block Party after-hours events in May, you absolutely do

not want to miss out on all Metro has to offer every week this summer. Located on the western edge of downtown (615 W. 100 South), you especially don’t want to miss out on their SLC Pride events on June 6 and 7. Metro will include the iconic, fabulous drag queens you may know from RuPaul’s Drag Race, including Mistress Isabelle Brooks and Kori King; Lexi Love and Kandy Muse. metromusichall.com

The Complex

Also known for hosting diverse genres, The Complex (536 W. 100 South) is a large-scale music space that is hosting several live acts this summer, like indie artist Malcolm Todd on June 3 and Boots ‘N Beats: A Night of Country and EDM on June 7 for fans of both genres. The electro-pop band Men I Trust performs on August 12, bringing their blend of R&B, jazz, and funk. Also catch the rescheduled Kayzo show on August 30 and headbang to his hardstyle music that combines punk and rock music like Underoath and Sum 41 with the Houston hip-hop of Chamillionaire and Mike Jones. The Complex is also conveniently close to bars like Seabird and The Sun Trapp. thecomplexslc.com

Metro Music Hall brings top talent to the Depot District. COURTESY PHOTO

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Top three Best Shawarma 2024!

Summer Spotlight

Don’t sleep on Salt Lake City’s west side and Granary District.

BY ARICA ROBERTS comments@cityweekly.net

Kilby Block Party

The highly-anticipated independent music festival returns for its sixth year at the Utah State Fairpark (155 North 1000 West). And for the first time, a fourth day is included in the schedule, so your weekend will be filled with jam-packed fun. While it started as a small block party in 2019, the festival now draws 25,000 attendees each day. S&S Presents is bringing headliners New Order (May 15), Beach House (May 16), Weezer (May 17), and Justice (May 18). Separate tickets are available for each day (Thursday, May 15, to Sunday, May 18) for $115 or General Admission 4-day passes cost $279. This is an all-ages event, so bring the whole family! kilbyblockparty.com

Fisher Brewery Art Market

Looking for a fun art market to peruse this summer? Look no further than Fisher Brewery (320 W. 800 South), which hosts one every second Wednesday of each month until September, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Rain or shine, the art market will feature a plethora of local artists. For example, May 14 featured the work of Carina Barajas Art and locally grown flowers from Little Gay Garden. Grab food from the local food trucks and sip on some beer while you support local artists! Templin Family Brewing (936 S. 300 West) and Kiitos Brewery (608 W. 700 South) are also nearby, so make it a night out and do some brewery hopping on a warm summer night. fisherartmarket.com

6th and 6th Studios

The Granary District is full of up-and-coming art studios to check out this summer. A gallery art stroll will take place every first Friday of each month for the 6th and 6th Studios (569 W. 600 South) and showcase local artists. With a range of mediums, dances and textiles, you can expect live music from local musicians along with murals and paintings. Nearby Redflower Studios (339 W. 700 South) and EVO SLC (660 S. 400 West) also have various art events and galleries to check out. IG: @6thand6thstudiosslc

Granary Live

LNE Presents is hosting a giant monthly party, “Kick Back in the City,” at Granary Live (742 S. 500 West), with the kickoff on June 15. Then come back to check it out each month on July 13, August 17 and September 14. This familyfriendly event will have old-school music, lowriders, food, art, live bands and DJs. Swap meet-style shopping, photo ops and beer gardens will also set the vibe for the venue, which offers a view of both the city skyline and mountains. There’s also a full schedule of performers, such as Trevor Hall on June 13, Railroad Earth, Yonder Mountain String Band and Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country on July 23, Cypress Hill & Atmosphere on August 27, and The Movement and Tribal Seeds to end the season on September 6. granarylive.com

Bike Prom at Woodbine

We all should ride our bikes more! This is a family-friendly event for all ages, so don’t be shy even if you don’t have a date. Show up solo or with a group in your fanciest prom attire and enjoy a leisurely bike ride across the city on August 23. Just like last year, the bike ride will start at Liberty Park (corner of 500 East and 900 South) and will end at Woodbine Food Hall (545 W. 700 South) where you can dance the night away! The riding route will make a brief stop at the Bicycle Collective’s new hub site (325 W. 900 South) and is about 3.5 miles. bicyclecollective.org

A fan surfs the crowd at Granary Live, one of SLC’s newest venues.

Fear Factory

Who doesn’t love Halloween in the summer? Mutiny Music Collective will host an electronic music concert at Fear Factory (666 W. 800 South) on June 7. The Renegades will play their third annual event at Fear Factory with one of the legends of bass music, AC Slater, headlining the show. Support from Kyle Watson, Deeper Purpose, Raecola and local artists Maplo and Mike Stern. Mutiny will also debut their new fully custom outdoor 360-degree stage. Wear some spooky outfits and come dance the night away. This show is 21+. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. and will go latelate until 2:00 a.m. IG: @mutinymusiccollective

Plumhouse

Your favorite late-night music warehouse is already celebrating their oneyear anniversary! On June 6th, Star Monster will headline at this one-ofa-kind venue that includes two stages and a massive outdoor courtyard perfect for hot summer nights. Also stay posted for events every weekend at Plumhouse (733 S. 400 West). You must be 21+ and sign up to be a member to attend. IG: @plumhouseslc

SUMMER in the HIVE

Break free of the grind and breathe in some fresh air and good vibes. When it’s summer in the Beehive State, there’s art, music and community around every corner. Dive into the middle of the action or pack a blanket, snacks and some sunscreen, and find a patch of grass where you can take it all in and lose track of time.

Get Out of Town

Plan now to catch these must-see attractions along the Wasatch Front (and Back).

BY NOEL SIMS comments@cityweekly.net

Scandinavian Heritage Festival

Now celebrating its 50th anniversary, Ephraim’s Scandinavian Festival invites you to “embrace your inner Viking” by exploring traditional food, crafts and entertainment. Those willing to wake up early on Saturday can make it in time for a breakfast of aebelskivers (spherical Scandinavian pancakes that come fruit-filled or plain) before watching the festival parade. Later in the day, festival-goers can listen to an ABBA tribute band, watch demonstrations from local artisans and participate in a few viking-approved contests—including pickleball, beard-growing and wife-carrying. May 23-24, 150 E College Avenue, Ephraim, scandinavianfestival.org

America’s Freedom Festival

Looking to stretch your July 4 celebrations into a three-day party? Check out Freedom Days at America’s Freedom Festival in Provo. Each day of the festival kicks off at 6 a.m. with a hot air balloon show. Later in the day, you can find carnival rides and classic carnival fare from snow cones to turkey legs. On July 4, catch the Grand Parade starting at 9 a.m. and then head to LaVell Edwards Stadium in the evening for fireworks, a flyover and Rascal Flatts. July 3-5, Center Street, Provo, freedomfestival.org/ event/freedom-days/

The Great Saltair

This iconic venue has entertained generations of Utahns from its unique perch on the shores of the Great Salt Lake. And for the ravers out there, take note of the events by local production company V2 Presents. Back to back weekends bring Subtronics on June 13 and 14, followed by this year’s Get Funky on June 20 and 21, with headliners Sidepiece and Soffi Tukker. Cool off from the heat at Foam Wonderland on July 11 with heavy metal dubstep royalty, Sullivan King. On August 8 and 9, Das Energi returns—Utah’s biggest electronic dance music (EDM) event. 12408 W. Saltair Drive, Magna, thesaltair.com

SaltCON Gaming Convention

Get together with fellow gamers—board gamers, that is—for three days of non-stop gaming at the SaltCON Gaming Convention. The convention has a massive library of board games (2,538 to be exact, according to its online catalog) for attendees to choose from. Play with friends or strangers; sign-up for a scheduled game in advance or grab an open table; bring games to swap and shop at the flea market. And if you’re a convention newb, don’t be intimidated. Sign up for a first-timer tour to learn about all there is to explore. June 6-8, Davis Conference Center, 1651 N 700 W, Layton, saltcon.com

Latino Arts Festival

If you’ve ever wished you could enjoy a Tacos Don Rafa burrito somewhere more scenic than the shores of Sears Lake, head to the

other side of the mountains, where you’ll find them at Park City’s Latino Arts Festival. The three-day event will feature musicians and dancers from across the Americas. In between performances, check out the other artists and vendors who will be displaying their work. If you’re looking to explore more cuisines, Tacos Don Rafa will be joined by Peruvian, Brazilian, Paraguayan, Columbian and Argentinian eateries. June 13-15, Canyons Village, 4000 Canyons Resort Dr, Park City, pcscarts.org/ latino-arts-festival

Springville World Folkfest

Since 1986, dancers and musicians from 81 countries have gathered in Springville to share their traditions and cultures. This year, the festival kicks off on July 29 at Orem’s University Place Mall with a parade and dance party. The rest of the festival, at Springville’s Arts Park, transports attendees to places all over the globe with performances, scavenger hunts, performer meet-and-greets and food trucks dishing up international cuisines. July 29 - August 2, Spring Acres Arts Park, 700 S 1300 E, Springville, worldfolkfest.org

Park City Kimball Arts Festival

For three days, Park City’s Main Street will overflow with booths displaying and selling jury-selected art. Artists will travel from around the country to show off their photography, painting, pottery, woodwork, sculpture and more. Once you’ve seen the art, the festival invites you to exercise your own creative muscle at the outdoor studio. Stick around for

Ephraim’s Scandinavian Festival brings oldworld charm to Utah.

live music at two stages and food trucks dishing up their own kind of art. August 1-3, Main Street, Park City, kimballartsfestival.org

Ogden Pride

If you’re looking to celebrate Pride all summer long, the Ogden Pride Festival will give you another opportunity during the first weekend of August. Grab your dancing shoes and head to The Monarch on Friday night to kick off the festival with Queer Prom for All. Saturday’s event schedule was not available at press time, but Sunday’s will feature food, vendors and resources for LGBTQ Utahns. Organizers expect this growing festival to draw more than 6,000 attendees to celebrate this year’s theme: Pride Cannot Be Silenced. August 1-3, Ogden Amphitheater, 343 E 25th St, Ogden, ogdenpride.org/ogden-pride-festival

Summit County Fair

If you can’t wait for the Utah State Fair in September, head up to Coalville for some classic fair fun. Expect carnival games and fair food, but buckle up for some real country entertainment. Watch brave cowboys tame beasts mechanical and animal during the demolition derby and rodeo. Watch smaller (but just as brave) cowboys and cowgirls compete in mutton busting, chicken chasing, and popsicle eating. If you want to sign your kids up for a more laid back event, try the contest for cutest kid-pet combo—there won’t be losers. August 2-9, Summit County Fairgrounds, 202 E Park Rd, Coalville, summitcountyfair.org

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SUMMER in

the

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Bountiful Davis Art Center Summerfest

Dancers perform at the Bountiful Davis Arts Center Summerfest

- FRIDAY 10AM TO 6PM

Make the short drive up to Bountiful City Park for a two-day celebration of art from around the world and discover traditions from Peru, Ireland, Tonga, Hong Kong, Spain, Tahiti and more. BDAC’s Summerfest offers music and dance performances, food trucks serving global cuisine, and crafty activities to help kids learn about the cultures represented at the festival. Keep an eye out for sign-ups for cultural workshops from Native American beading to Ukrainian egg painting. August 8-9, Bountiful City Park, 400 N 200 W, Bountiful, bdac.org/summerfest

Timpanogos Storytelling Festival

Thirty-five years ago, the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival began as a backyard fundraiser for a new children’s library in Orem. Today, thousands come to see storytellers weave tales—sometimes accompanied by music or a friendly puppet. There will be stories for all ages, including bedtime stories on Friday evening. Bring blankets or chairs and your own food for a budget-friendly day out or reserve seating and enjoy snacks from the festival’s vendors. September 4-6, Ashton Gardens at Thanksgiving Point, 3900 Garden Dr, Lehi, timpfest.org

Markets in the Beehive

If flea markets, craft fairs and farmers markets are your jam, Utah’s summer calendar will not disappoint. Whether you’re shopping for vintage clothes or fresh veggies, and whether you’re looking for a recurring weekend activity or a way to unwind on a weeknight, there is a market nearby for you.

Here’s a roundup of just some of the summer markets along the Wasatch Front and Back:

Craft Lake City Makers Mart , Daily until May 26, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., craftlakecity.com/makers-mart

Farmers Market Ogden , Saturdays, May 24 to September 13, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., farmersmarketogden.com/summer/

Wheeler Historic Farm , Sundays, May 18 to October 12, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., saltlakecounty.gov/ wheeler-farm/

Park Silly Sunday Market , Certain Sundays between June 1 and September 21, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., parksillysundaymarket.com/

Millcreek Common Summer Bazaar Flea Market , Sundays, May 18 to September 24, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., millcreekcommon.org/publicmarket

Draper Farmers Market and Food Truck Night , Tuesdays, July 1 to October 28, 5 to 9 p.m., draperutah.gov/events-programs/community-events/farmers-market-and-food-truck-night

Bountiful Farmers Market , Thursdays, June 19 to October 16, 4 to 8 p.m., bountifulutah.gov/ Farmers-Market

COURTESY PHOTO

Mountain Sounds

Take

in the vibes at these summer concert venues outside Salt Lake City

BY AIMEE L. COOK comments@cityweekly.net

It’s time to soak up the sunshine and enjoy the rhythms of summer! Here’s your guide to music events happening just outside Salt Lake. Whether you’re craving acoustic performances under the stars or lively festivals packed with energy, this calendar has something for everyone.

Deer Valley Music Festival

Where: Snow Park Outdoor Amphitheater, Park City

When: July thru August

Kick off your summer with an enchanting evening of classical music or popular artists like Common, Lindsey Stirling and The Beach Boys in one of Utah’s most beautiful mountain-side outdoor settings. Be sure to bring a blanket, low-back chair and picnic, and settle in for an enjoyable experience. deervalleymusicfestival.org

Ogden Twilight Series

Where: Ogden Amphitheater

When: June thru September

Featuring an incredible lineup of indie and alternative artists—including The Head and the Heart, The Flaming Lips and Modest Mouse— this concert series is a can’t-miss for music lovers. Grab tickets early—they sell out fast! ogdentwilight.com

Sandy Amphitheater

Where: 1300 E. 9400 South, Sandy

When: May thru October

Surrounded by stunning mountain views, this venue brings the best of country, jazz and Americana acts. This year’s sechedule includes Lee Brice, Lord Huron and Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue. sandyamp.com

Utah First Credit Union Amphitheater

Where: 5150 Upper Ridge Road, West Valley

When: May thru October

Formally known as USANA, this venue attracts some major names in the biz, so celebrate summer with the biggest touring acts to stop in the Wasatch Front, like Halsey, Keith Urban, Jason Aldean and Hozier, just to name a few. livenation.com

Ogden Music Festival

Where: Fort Buenaventura, 2450 A Ave, Ogden  When: May 30 thru June 1

If you’re a fan of bluegrass, folk and acoustic music, this festival is a must-attend event. Set in the scenic Fort Buenaventura, the Ogden Music Festival brings together talented musicians and a welcoming community for three days of unforgettable performances and fun. Set to perform this year is Cimafunk, Sister Sadie and East Nash Grass. ofoam.org

Canyons Village Concert on the Slopes

Where: Park City Mountain, Canyons Village

When: July thru August

Perched in the mountains above Park City, this concert series featuring a mix of national bands and singers, including Mike Posner and an ‘80s Night Out featuring A Flock of Seagulls, Naked Eyes and Men Without Hats. Enjoy live

music with spectacular sunset views! parkcityinstitute.org/bsbn

Sundance Bluebird Café Concert Series

Where: Sundance Resort, Provo Canyon

When: June thru August

Inspired by Nashville’s famous Bluebird Café, this intimate series showcases a full roster of incredible singer-songwriters, who will be sharing their stories and songs. Featured artists this year include Erik Dylan, Adam James and Kelly Archer.

sundanceresort.com/bluebird-cafe-concert-series/

Heber Valley Free Concerts at the Depot

Where: Heber Valley Railroad Depot, Heber City

When: June thru July 25

Rock out with the Legends of Rock at the Heber railroad depot. This free concert series brings the hits of the ‘70s and ‘80s to the stage. Plan to arrive early to secure a good seat, and check the depot schedule for summer trips on the pictureseque Heber Valley Railroad. hebertrain.com

Midway Music on the Square

Where: Midway Town Square

When: June thru August

Happening Tuesday nights from 6 p.m. to 8

p.m. in the charming town of Midway, bring a blanket or lawn chair and the entire family. Food trucks are scheduled to be on site for noshing. The event is free to the public. midwaycityut.gov

Daybreak Summer Concert Series

Where: America First Square, 11111 Ballpark Dr, South Jordan

When: May thru September

Enjoy local cover bands playing some of the old-time favorites—like Fleetwood Mac, Coldplay, and the Bee Gees—at the recentlyconstructed Rio Tinto Kennecott Stage at America First Square. Located next to the new home of the Salt Lake Bees in South Jordan, and accessible via the Trax Red Line to Downtown Daybreak Station, bring your chairs and blankets for a fun-filled evening! mydaybreak.com/summer_concert_series /

Harvest Moon Celebration

Where: Historic 25th Street, Ogden

When: September 21, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

As summer winds down, celebrate the changing season with a downtown block party in Ogden featuring live bands, a kids zone, food trucks, artisan vendors and family-friendly fun. This is the 22nd year for this popular fall event, which is free to the public. ogdendowntown.com/harvestmoonogden/

Summer Spotlight

Bundle up for a big-screen movie under the stars.

BY: BRANDI CHRISTOFFERSEN comments@cityweekly.net

Whether it’s date night, family night, friends’ night or you just need some “me” time, an outdoor movie screening is the perfect way to spend the evening. Bring along your favorite blanket, picnic basket and cooler and find a comfortable space on the lawn. Then, just lay back and enjoy the show.

This summer, outdoor movies are being shown throughout the Salt Lake area. One of the most popular is Movies in the Moonlight, which has a new location at South Jordan’s Highland Park (6050 W. Lake Ave). Shows are every Friday night from June 20 through August 15—except July 4—and there are premovie activities and food trucks at 7 p.m.

“Showings are free and we sell concessions for $1.25 each, including candy, drinks, and small popcorn.” Says Natalie Domino, South Jordan’s Special Events Coordinator. “We try to make it easy for families by having affordable options at the event.”

This season the line-up includes The Princess Bride, The Wild Robot and Wicked. For a full list of showings visit sjc.utah.gov/201/ Movies-in-the-Moonlight.

Another favorite screening event is hosted by the Utah Film Center and takes place at Liberty Park from July through August. According to Jenn Blum, the center’s marketing director, The Summer Outdoor Film Series brings community, connection and summer vibes to Friday nights in Salt Lake City.

“This year, Sweet Hazel will have treats and gourmet concessions available to purchase,” Blum reported.

The series kicks off on July 11, with the Oscar-winning adventure Flow. This animated masterpiece tells the story of a courageous cat that teams up with a capybara, lemur, bird and dog as they search for dry land after a great flood. Additional screenings this year include: The Apollo, a documentary about the legendary Harlem theater; Riddle of Fire,

a mischievous fairy tale-like adventure; and Move Ya Body: The Birth of House, which documents the origins of South Chicago’s creation of house music.

Films start at dusk and are free to the public. To learn more about The Summer Film Series at Liberty Park go to utahfilmcenter. org/outdoor/

For our readers in Utah County, the SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre in Orem (600 S. 400 East) provides an exceptional viewing experience with a big screen and professional sound system. Family-friendly movies start as the sun sets on June 11 with Disney’s Moana 2 Shows continue on June 18 with Shrek , on July 9 with Disney’s Inside Out 2, on July 16 with Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and on August 13 with Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone. Additionally, a special sing-along showing of The Greatest Showman will be held on Wednesday, August 6, where you can share your singing talents.

General admission is $5 for adults, $3 for children ages 3 to 11 and $3 for seniors over 65. Visit scera.org/event-category/outdoormovies/, for more details.

Finally, if you enjoy live music as much as film screenings, the city of Magna shares your passion. Each Friday, from June 13 to the 27, is Movie and Music in the Park . It all starts at 8 p.m. at Pleasant Green Park with a featured band, followed by a different movie each week. On June 13, the rock-and-roll band Runaway Fire will entertain the crowd with their original, melodic sound. June 20 features a Magna favorite, Buster—founded by locals Karl Gilchrist and Wes Furgason, the band blends Hardrock, Grunge and Punk.

The month finishes out with Ghost of Spring, two singer-songwriters and a drummer playing bluegrass inspired tunes.

This event is free to the public, and more shows may be added. Full details can be found at magnaarts.org/events. CW

Catch Movies in the Moonlight every Friday in South Jordan.

A Car-Free Day in the ‘Burbs

Let Frontrunner be your friend on day trips to Ogden, Provo and everything in between.

BY BENJAMIN WOOD bwood@cityweekly.net

Due to a complex layering of multigenerational policy failures, most of Utah is not realistically accessible by transit. Sure, anything is “walkable” if you try hard enough—and believe me, I have—but even those of us who live car-lite have our limits, let alone well-meaning folks who are dipping their toes into the water of multi-modal travel.

This is a major—but less-understood— component of why “everyone” drives. It’s not because Americans uniquely love cars, it is because most Americans have little choice but to drive due to the car-first investment strategies of their city, county, state and federal governments. But many areas of Utah are much more transit-accessible than people realize, and particularly those areas that predate the proliferation of the automobile.

Ogden’s downtown attractions are clustered a short walk from the city’s Frontrunner station—because the city originally grew up around the Union Pacific Depot that bookends Ogden’s Historic 25th Street. And there are city plans to eventually restore direct passenger services at Union Station—similar to Salt Lake City’s citizen-led Rio Grande Plan—bolstering the efficiency of transit for things like the Ogden Twilight Series , for which tickets already double as Frontrunner fare.

Headed to Weber State University or McCay Dee Hospital? Utah’s newest bus rapid transit service, OGX, was recently completed and departs every few minutes from the Ogden Frontrunner station, with train-style boarding platforms on Washington Boulevard and express transit-only lanes to cut through vehicle congestion on Harrison Boulevard.

Down south in Utah County, Provo’s Frontrunner station isn’t quite as conveniently situated, but a recently-completed bridge means pedestrians and cyclists are no longer trapped on the wrong side of stopped freight trains (similar to the new pedestrian bridge on 300 North in Salt Lake City), and the surrounding area is rapidly undergoing redevelopment to capitalize on transit-oriented density and foot traffic. And if you think Ogden’s OGX is impressive, just wait until you get a look at UVX, which runs a lightning-fast BRT route between Provo and Orem, with connections through Brigham Young University. For a different kind of train-based adventure, grab a bike (perhaps an electric GreenBike?) and use Frontrunner or Trax to drop onto the Jordan River Parkway in Lehi, Draper, West Jordan or West Valley. Then, let gravity help you get back into the city, passing several community parks, restaurants and businesses along the way downriver. CW

SUMMER in the WILD

From the bone-dry west desert and Colorado Plateau to the clear waters of Bear Lake and the Uinta mountain range, Utah offers a buffet of natural landscapes to sample, explore and travel between. Mark these offerings on the map when you hit the road, reserve your seat at the state’s premiere al fresco tables, or simply choose a direction and chase the horizon.

Head for the Hills

Break free of the hustle and bustle with these Utah summer classics.

BY BRANDI CHRISTOFFERSEN comments@cityweekly.net

Utahns love summertime and mark the season with festivals and galas across the state. Check out these local favorites and plan a day or weekend trip:

Summerfest Arts Faire

Over Father’s Day Weekend, 160 artists gather together to showcase their work and talents at the Cache County Fairgrounds. This includes the popular Plein Art Paint Out and Photography competition, where art lovers can engage in a silent auction featuring the creations. Mom and dad can explore fine art and curated gifts while the little ones will be entertained at the Creation Station, which features imaginative and interactive craft projects. Everyone will enjoy the live entertainment and large variety of food vendors. Best of all, admission is free to all patrons.

June 12-14, Cache County Fairgrounds, 490 S. 500 West, Logan logansummerfest.org/

Bear Lake Raspberry Days

Starting around the third week of July, the world famous Bear Lake raspberries are ripe for the picking. And for three fun-filled days at the beginning of August, Raspberry Days honors this annual harvest and the sweet, delicate fruit it reaps.

Not only will you find the most amazing raspberry shakes in the state, but other

incredible berry creations like jams and salsa.

The family-friendly events include a pie-eating competition, pickleball matchups, a cornhole championship, and a kids’ fishing tournament. An added bonus is you can take a dip in the clear, turquoise waters of Bear Lake as you enjoy the festivities.

August 7-9, Garden City gardencityutah.gov/raspberrydays

Soldier

Hollow Classic

Sheepdog Championship

In 1873, the first sheepdog trial was run in a field near Bala, Wales. Since that time, the competition has spread to every major sheep producing country in the world. Today, one of the most renowned trials is located at Soldier Hollow in Midway. The hillside of the 2002 Olympic Venue provides the perfect view of the sheep and dogs as they travel through the course. And when guests are not actively watching the sheepdog match, there are a variety of merchandise and food vendors, plus a host of children’s activities. There are also duck herding and dog agility demos, where you can watch these amazing dogs in action.

May 23-26, Soldier Hollow Nordic Center, 2002 Soldier Hollow Lane, Midway soldierhollowclassic.com

Park City Song Summit

This unique music festival blends songwriting, storytelling and performing together to create an immersive experience. Set in the beautiful Park City mountains, the Summit aims to connect the audience with the musician, and to bring normalcy to common mental health and dependency struggles.

In addition to the live performances, the Summit also features intimate labs and mental health forums. Guests can take part in recovery hangs, yoga sessions and wellness activities—the Park City Song Summit runs during the day, throughout the evening and into the night. Tickets include individual show, single day or multi-day options.

August 14-16, Main Street, Park City parkcitysongsummit.com/

Swiss Days

Taking place in the charming and picturesque town of Midway, this two-day-long event celebrates the Swiss pioneers who founded Heber Valley in the 1860s and 1870s. With yodeling and alphorns filling the air, the popular festival draws more than 180 local and national vendors, who display their arts, crafts and food at the outdoor fair.

Swiss Days regularly draws crowds over 60,000 people and is an annual tradition for many locals. The festivities include a 10k race,

live entertainment and a hometown parade. August 29-30, 75 N. 100 West, Midway midwayswissdays.org/

Draper Days

Every July, the city of Draper sponsors an impressive community celebration featuring a parade, 5k race, sports tournaments, car show, concerts and movie nights. Popular activities include the Horse Pull, Rodeo and pancake breakfast.

Draper Days is also known for its many family fun activities which includes the children’s parade. Kids decorate their bikes, skateboards, scooters, wagons, wheelchairs and roller skates and show off their creative sides. Every event is centered around connecting and enjoying time with others.

July 11-19, Draper Park, 12500 S 1300 East, Draper draperutah.gov/events-programs/community-events/draper-days/

Tooele Arts Festival

Celebrating its 40th year, the Tooele Arts Festival began in 1985 and still reflects a small town flair. With its rugged terrain and wide open spaces, Tooele offers a unique backdrop for artists and their work.

The festival highlights one-of-a-kind paintings, ceramics, photographs and sculptures.

Swiss Days Bear Lake Raspberry Days

Soldier Hollow Classic Sheepdog Competition

Tooele Arts Festival

DÉLICE FRENCH BAKERY AND CAFÉ

WILD

continued from page 36

There are also amazing food vendors and live performances. Additionally, the children’s art yard encourages young artists to discover and express their talents with hands-on activities and projects. Located at the Tooele City Park, the festival is surrounded by amazing, large trees that provide plenty of shade throughout the day.

June 20-22, Tooele City Park, 200 W. Vine Street, Tooele tooeleartsfestival.org/

Dinah “Soar” Days Hot Air Balloon Festival

One of the most amazing and epic sights is a sky full of colorful, hot air balloons. Set up your lawn chairs and blankets and watch dozens of hot air balloons and their pilots as they launch each morning from 6:30 to 8:30 a.m.

The young and young-at-heart will appreciate the dinosaur-themed decorations, activities and costumes. Spend the rest of your day enjoying live music, craft fairs, hand-painted store windows and astonishing sidewalk chalk art.

August 22-24, 721 W 100 South, Vernal dinahdays.com/

45th Annual Paiute Restoration Gathering Pow-Wow

Each year the Paiute Indian Tribe celebrates the anniversary of its restored federal recognition, which occurred on April 10, 1980. This annual Pow-Wow also recognizes the Paiute’s culture and heritage and their connection to the local land.

The festivities include a softball competition, the Spirit Run and Handgame tournament—a Native American guessing game, in which marked “bones” are concealed in the hands of one team while another team guesses their location. The Restoration Gathering Parade will start on Saturday at 10 a.m. The Gathering Pow-Wow is free and open to everyone.

June 13-15, 440 N Paiute Dr, Cedar City, visitcedarcity.com/event/45th-annual-paiute-restoration-gathering-pow-wow/83/

Utah Shakespeare Festival

The Utah Shakespeare Festival begins its summer season on June 16. Founded in 1961 to attract visitors to Cedar City, the plays of William Shakespeare are a natural choice for southern Utah and its admiration for drama and art.

In May of 2000, the Festival received the coveted Tony Award for America’s Outstanding Regional Theatre. The event now plays to more than 100,000 annual patrons and produces up to seven plays each season. For 2025, the calendar includes the classics of Macbeth , As You Like It and Antony and Cleopatra. Plus, more contemporary favorites like Steel Magnolias and Dear Jack, Dear Louise

If you’re a theatre lover, plan a three- to four-day trip and fully immerse yourself in this exceptional experience.

June 16 - October 4, Southern Utah University, 195 W Center Street, Cedar City bard.org

Parks and Recreation

Gear up for adventure in the Mighty Five, great state parks or Utah’s endless acres of wilderness

BY ZACH ABEND comments@cityweekly.net

As Utahns we are lucky enough to have five national parks in our state as well as a slew of monuments, lakes, and state parks to visit.

Arches National Park

Hunter-gatherers reportedly started coming to what is now Arches about 10,000 years ago. Later, ancestral Puebloans and the Fremont called this area home. Today, the park is about five miles north of Moab and with more than 2,000 stone arches (including the famous Delicate Arch), Arches certainly lives up to its name. As one of Utah’s most popular parks, reservations are a must.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Sitting atop a plateau above the Grand Staircase and characterized by its striking Hoodoos set within amphitheaters of stone, Bryce Canyon is arguably one of Utah’s most distinctive parks. It is typically not as popular as Zion or Arches, so the crowds will be ever-so-slightly more manageable. More than 150 species of birds call the park home, as do elk and pronghorn. The park doesn’t require reservations to enter but campgrounds and lodging do require a reservation.

Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands is 20 miles south of Moab and comprises 337,598 acres. The park is divided into four districts: the Island in the Sky, which is the most accessible part of the park; the Needles, which requires hiking or four-wheel drive vehicles; the Maze, which is even further backcountry than the Needles and requires significant planning to access; and the Rivers, which include the Green and Colorado rivers.

The park packs a serious wallop when it comes to aesthetic beauty and you can’t go wrong no matter what section you pick.

Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef is only three hours away from Salt Lake but is home to geological wonders like the Waterpocket Fold (a wrinkle on the earth). The park comprises almost a quarter million acres and has canyons, buttes and arches just waiting to be discovered. No reservations are required to enter the park but they are required for canyoneering, camping, rock climbing, or backpacking. Compared to the other four national parks in Utah, Capitol Reef is the least visited of the bunch.

Zion National Park

Averaging almost five million visitors a year, Zion is very crowded but well worth a visit (spring and fall provide some easing of the crowds). With its towering sandstone cliffs and slot canyons, Zion is awe-inspiring and otherworldly. Reservations are required for many activities including hiking the legendary Angel’s Landing.

Bears Ears National Monument

Bears Ears (the name comes from a pair of buttes that look like a bear’s ears) is one our newest monuments (declared a national monument in December 2016 by President Obama) and covers 1.35 million acres in San Juan County. It contains red rock formations, forests and over 100,000 archeological sites sacred to the Navajo and Ute tribes. Visitors can engage in a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, backpacking, rock climbing and river rafting.

Cedar Breaks National Monument

Located near Cedar City, Cedar Breaks National Monument sits atop the Grand Staircase and covers over 6100 acres. The monument attains a 10,000-foot elevation and overlooks a stone amphitheater that is almost half a mile deep. Visitors can hike lush forests and deep canyons. Given the altitude, keep an eye out for dehydration, altitude sickness and sun exposure—pack lots of water and sunscreen.

Dinosaur National Monument

Are your kids obsessed with dinosaurs? Then this is the place for you. Dinosaur National Monument is on a stretch of desert located at the border between Colorado and Utah near

the Green and Yampa Rivers. The monument covers 210,000 acres and over 800 paleontological sites, numerous well-preserved petroglyphs and pictographs, and is sacred to the Fremont peoples. The Quarry Exhibit Hall allows visitors to view over 1500 dinosaur bones including remains of Allosaurus, Apatosaurus, Camarasaurus, Diplodocus and Stegosaurus.

Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area

Administered by Ashley National Forest, Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area stretches from the high deserts in Wyoming to the Uinta Mountains in Utah and is home to the 91-milelong Flaming Gorge Reservoir. The reservoir has myriad coves, islands and inlets to explore. The Green River and Blue Ribbon fisheries offer excellent angling opportunities. For those who don’t fish, there is hiking, biking, camping and hunting available as well.

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

The Glen Canyon National Recreation Area covers 1.25 million acres and stretches from Lees Ferry in Arizona to the Orange Cliffs of southern Utah. It boasts the beautiful Horseshoe Bend, Rainbow Bridge, super blooms at Lone Rock and, of course, Lake Powell.

Grand Staircase-Escalante

National Monument

The Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument covers 1.87 million acres and is jaw-droppingly beautiful. It’s got spires, buttes, mesas, slickrock, sandstone cliffs, slot canyons and open desert. The Fremont, Hopi, Zuni, Navajo, Paiute and Ute nations all called this place home for thousands of years and there is ample evidence of their homes, art and granaries. The area also has one of the highest concentrations of dinosaur fossils in the world. Check out Escalante Petrified Forest State Park, the Slot Canyons of Lower Calf Creek, Devil’s Garden, Highway 12 for a gorgeous scenic drive and the always-inspiring Best Friends Animal Sanctuary (bestfriends. org/sanctuary).

Hovenweep National Monument

Hovenweep National Monument has six Puebloan archeological sites dating back hundreds of years. Hiking is the only way to see these magnificent structures that would be right at home in a Tolkien story. The spring is a great time to see the wildflowers bloom at Hovenweep, but be aware that weather at Hovenweep in the spring and fall is unpredict-

on page 42

Arches National Park, one of Utah’s Mighty Five.

SUMMER in the WILD

Continued from page 40

able, so come prepared. Hovenweep is also an International Dark Sky Park, which makes it ideal for stargazing.

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, which spans more than 91,000 acres, is one of the most filmed and photographed places in the country. Its multiple sandstone towers (some reaching 1,000 feet high) surrounded by mesas, buttes, shrubs and sand are truly gorgeous. You can also take a guided tour from Navajo tour operators to learn more about these incredible spots. There is a 17-mile loop drive for a view of some really spectacular natural formations.

Natural Bridges National Monument

Natural Bridges National Monument is located about 50 miles from the Four Corners region and was Utah’s first national monument. It has three natural bridges named “Kachina,” “Owachomo” and “Sipapu” in honor of the Puebloans who once lived here. While you’re there, make sure to see Horse Collar Ruin, which is an ancient Puebloan archeological site.

Rainbow Bridge National Monument

Rainbow Bridge National Monument is only 160 square miles, but its namesake is one of the world’s largest natural bridges. To access the bridge, you can either rent a boat (seven hours round trip) or go by land. It’s a 14 mile hike around Navajo Mountain and you will need a permit from the Navajo Nation before doing so. Note: there is no mid-lake marina for fuel or supplies; camping is not allowed within the monument and, there are no trash cans, so pack out what you bring in.

Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest

The Uintah-Wasatch-Cache National Forest covers 2.2 million acres in the states of Utah and Wyoming. It’s one of the most visited forests in the United States, with about nine million visitors a year. Recreation opportunities in the forest include: hundreds of miles of roads for biking; 1,700 miles of trails for hiking; ample equestrian trails; fishing (with a state license); hunting (with rifle or bow); wildlife viewing (the forest has elk, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, rattlesnakes and moose, to name a few); wildflower viewing; and water activities.

Antelope Island State Park

Antelope Island State Park is a short trip from Salt Lake City and it’s gorgeous. There are beaches, hills, valleys and lots of wildlife (bison, mule deer, bighorn sheep, antelope and millions of birds). Note: the visitor center is temporarily closed for renovations. There is no water on the island, so bring your own.

East Canyon State Park

East Canyon State Park is located in the mountains of northeastern Utah and is well known among bikers, boaters, fishers and campers as a beautiful area adjacent to Salt Lake City. The park has a variety of camping facilities, from tent sites to RV hookups.

Jordanelle State Park

Jordanelle State Park sits above Heber Valley and along the Jordanelle Reservoir. The Jordanelle Reservoir has three recreation areas, Hailstone, Rock Cliff and Ross Creek. No matter how long you are visiting, Jordanelle offers some excellent hiking, camping and boating. Note: Construction is currently taking place outside of park boundaries. Construction noise will likely be audible inside the park. Refunds will not be issued.

This is the Place Heritage Park

This is the Place Heritage Park is a celebration of the 1847 arrival of Latter-day Saint pioneer immigrants in the Great Salt Lake Valley. The park includes more than 450 acres of land, Heritage Village, Pioneer Center, a memorial to pioneer children who lost their lives coming to Utah and a replica Native American village.

Utah Lake State Park

Opened in 1967 to the public, Utah Lake State Park is Utah’s largest freshwater lake and covers about 148 square miles. There is fishing access, swimming, boating and paddleboarding, as well as an RV campground with 31 sites (includes all hookups). Note: the rental slip season begins April 1 and runs through October 31.

Wasatch Mountain State Park

Located in the northern part of the state near the City of Midway, Wasatch Mountain State Park is more than 21,500 acres large and sits at an elevation of 5,900 feet. It is popular with people who want to camp, picnic, hike, ride horses, ski, or snow tube. It is also near the Wasatch Mountain and Soldier Hollow golf courses. CW

Antelope Island State Park

Summer Spotlight

Savor the outdoors with an open-air dining experience.

BY AIMEE L. COOK comments@cityweekly.net

There’s nothing quite like dining al fresco during the summer months.

The combination of fresh air, stunning landscapes and locally-inspired cuisine creates an experience that tantalizes all the senses.

Whether you’re a Utah local or just passing through, add these four incredible outdoor dining spots to your must-try list this summer.

WildKitchen, The Lodge at Blue Sky—Auberge Resorts Collection

Launching Memorial Day Weekend and running through October, filmmaker Guy Ritchie’s WildKitchen returns with an open-air, live-cooking experience, bringing you closer to nature as you enjoy dishes prepared by rotating guest chefs and wine-focused weekends in collaboration with renowned wineries.

The WildKitchen collaboration will welcome notable chefs, such as James Beard Awardwinning Dan Kluger (New York City’s Loring Place) on August 15-16, James Beard Semifinalist Kim Canteenwalla (Las Vegas’s Honey Salt) on August 22-23, and Utah local Seth Adams, executive chef and owner of Riverhorse on Main, on September 26-27.

This year’s lineup also features a series of wine weekends, when guests can explore perfect pairings alongside open-fire, ingredientfocused cuisine. Featured wineries include Sonoma County’s Reeve Wines (June 27-28), known for its dynamic, small-lot creations that reflect California’s terroir, and Napa Valley’s acclaimed Realm Cellars (July 18-19), celebrated for its bold, collectible wines. These expertly curated pairings promise to bring each winery’s story and philosophy to life.

With an intimate, 24-seat, communal dining table—and just one seating per night—WildKitchen offers an experience, where each bite tells a story and every moment creates a sense of community. General reservations are available at $225 per adult and $112 per child (under 12). Tickets for the Guest Chef Series

will be available via the Tock app at $250 per adult and $125 per child (under 12). Optional wine pairings can be added for $95, with nonalcoholic pairings available for $75.

Hops on the Hill at Stein Eriksen Lodge

This highly anticipated series will take place every Tuesday evening at Deer Valley from July 15 through August 19, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Exclusively for guests aged 21 and older, the event offers an incredible opportunity to savor locally crafted brews and hard ciders while taking in the breathtaking views from Stein Eriksen’s scenic Flagstaff Deck.

Each evening, at least two craft breweries or cider producers will be featured, accompanied by exceptional culinary creations from Chef Zane Holmquist, including smoked meats and other summertime delights. Reservations are strongly recommended to ensure your spot at this unforgettable summer experience.

Dining and Music at Brighton Resort

Brighton Resort has elevated outdoor dining to a whole new level with its chef-driven dining experiences. Here, the magic of cooking outdoors meets the art of fine dining with Chef Jeff Sanich at the helm.

The hands-on, interactive “Cooking with Chef Jeff” series will return this summer, offering a culinary experience that pairs education with a bit of adventure as guests cook their way through a monthly themed menu. Stay tuned for upcoming dates and themes— this is an opportunity to sharpen your cooking skills and enjoy incredible food in the process.

Returning for its third summer, the Mount Majestic Music Series promises weekends filled with vibrant entertainment and savory bites. Showcasing a lineup of local and national music acts, this series is a celebration of talent and flavor!

Brighton Pitmaster Dan McAllister and the esteemed Brighton Smoking Team will be serving up world-class BBQ that rivals the best

anywhere—a claim they confidently stand behind. The series happens every Saturday and Sunday, starting on Father’s Day and running weekly through October. Entry is free for the public, but please note that outside food and beverages are not permitted.

Also returning this summer is Campfire Cookouts—highlighting premium local and regional proteins, sourced from providers like Snake River Farms, Riverence Trout Farms, Niman Ranch and Wasatch Meats. These proteins will be cooked live over an open fire and served family-style in courses, creating an interactive and communal dining experience that is sure to be a delicious time.

Farm-to-Table at Gracie’s Farm

For true farm-to-table enthusiasts, Gracie’s Farm is the perfect summer destination. Located a short trip from Park City, this stunning farm invites guests to dine among the fields that grow the produce featured on their menu.

Each dish tells a story of sustainability and local pride, featuring ingredients like heirloom tomatoes and fresh herbs that showcase seasonality and the collaboration between farmers and chefs.

Upcoming dates will feature baby spring veggies on June 19, garlic on July 10, tomatoes on August 21, and a special Harvest Dinner on September 18 and 19.

Deer Valley Beer Festival

The Deer Valley Beer Festival is an annual celebration of Utah’s local craft beer industry, set against the breathtaking backdrop of vibrant fall foliage. Held at Deer Valley Resort’s midmountain location, this family-friendly event invites you to savor an extensive selection of exceptional beers crafted by over a dozen local breweries.

Scheduled for September 13 and 14—and typically running from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.—guests can reach the venue via a scenic chairlift ride on the Silver Lake Express, which offers stunning mountain views along the way.

Each pint that guests sip at the event is a taste of Utah’s thriving craft brewing scene, with previous years highlighting breweries like UTOG Brewing, Talisman Brewing, Moab Brewery and TF Brewing.

But the festival is more than just beer. Families can enjoy a variety of fun activities and food for purchase (including great BBQ, as part of the Imperial Package) while live music fills the air, creating an uplifting and festive atmosphere for all.

Whether you’re a dedicated beer enthusiast or simply looking for a memorable fall outing in the Wasatch Front, the Deer Valley Beer Festival is a vibrant community event that combines great drinks, good company and the beauty of the mountains. CW

DINE

Some Like It Hot

Rouser’s spring dining event turns up the heat.

BY ALEX SPRINGER comments@cityweekly.net @captainspringer

It feels good to bid adieu to one more choking gray winter, and welcome another ebullient spring. Sure, a lot of that has to do with seasonal depression, but this season of renewal always brings some great foodie events along with it. We already kicked things off with a great chef collab at Urban Hill a few weeks ago, and now the team at Rouser has started up a spectacular barside event known as the Josper Counter Experience. It’s an impressive look at the Josper rotisseries, grills and ovens that represent the restaurant’s beating heart.

As the restaurant represents the dining arm of the popular new Asher Adams hotel, Rouser has made some serious culinary waves over the past few months. Under the leadership of Chef de Cuisine Emilio Camara, Rouser’s menu has used the Josper equipment to marvelous effect as he finds new and creative ways to implement charcoal cooking. The Josper Counter Experience is ideal for anyone who is interested in taking a deep dive into Camara’s culinary mind—or feeling the immense heat of the Josper first hand. When you belly up to this particular bar, it’s the Josper charcoal grill that immediately catches your eye. Filled with hexagons of clean burning charcoal and revved up for the four-course meal to come, it’s truly a beautiful piece of ma-

chinery. Each menu item on the prix fixe menu has some tie to the Josper charcoal, as do the accompanying cocktails. It’s a testament to both Chef Camara’s creativity and the versatility of the Josper.

The evening’s menu started off with a charcoal-torched hamachi, served with a Kiku-Maisamune Taru Sake if you’re doing the additional beverage pairing. Chef Camara and his team use the hexagonal shape of the charcoal to add just a touch of sear to the buttery hamachi right before your eyes. The completed dish comes in a brightly acidic charred cucumber aguachile, and is supplemented with some pickled mushroom and sliced avocado that also have a charred kiss from the Josper. Both the dish and the sake did wonders for waking up the palate; that sharp acid of the aguachile and the dry sake worked very nicely together.

Next up was the karaage fried chicken with Japanese pickles, and holy moly do I need to rethink everything I thought I knew about fried chicken. Chef Camara let us know that he employed a bit of charcoal dust in the buttermilk used to marinate these succulent pieces of chicken, and the fry that he gets on them is absolutely unreal. They look like they’re going to be a bit on the sharper side when it comes to mouthfeel, but the breading crumbles at just the right time to reveal the tender chicken within. Throw this on a buttered bun and consider the chicken sandwich war officially won. The dish is served with a light, breezy Japanese highball complete with charred lemon peel; this may have been my favorite cocktail of the evening.

At this point in the meal, the taste buds are primed and ready, though I didn’t know how the menu was going to one-up that fried chicken. Once I set eyes on the heaping bowl of Josper ramen that arrived next, however, I totally understood. It’s the type of ramen whose savory aro-

bowl of Rouser’s Josper ramen

mas precede its presentation, much of which comes from the burnt onion broth that comprises this ramen’s foundation. From the very first slurp, it’s almost an overwhelming prospect to fully explore the depths of those flavors. Richness layered upon savory layered upon char, it’s the type of flavor that you just allow to hit you while your higher brain function tries to keep up.

It’s also adorned with a tremendous porcelet pork belly, charred leeks, shiitake mushrooms and a soft-boiled egg, and none of these ingredients are wasted. The pork belly adds a luxurious flavor and texture, the leeks add another layer to the charred veggie notes, the mushrooms are almost shockingly sweet and the bit of egg yolk is the savory cherry on top. It’s a tall order to craft a cocktail that could hang with all of these bold flavors, but the Josper Smash does just that. The gin base, lemon, ginger beer and angostura slice right through with sightly spicy ribbon of flavor.

For the dessert course, the menu included a matcha pot de créme topped with some grilled strawberries, charred cream and black sesame. The matcha trend is lost on me, so I thought this dish was going to be a bit of a dud, but the grassy flavors of the matcha work really well with the cream and strawberries. The cocktail was also a great complement in the rose and bergamot agricole daiquiri; its super sweet notes went very well with the slight bitterness of the matcha and charred cream.

Rouser came in hot when it opened, and this four-course counter event has definitely kept the temperature toasty. The opportunity to see how some of Rouser’s signature items are crafted using that great Josper equipment was truly memorable—especially when you get to eat everything you see. CW

A

2 Row Brewing

73 West 7200 South, Midvale

2RowBrewing.com

On Tap: Piney Peaks “West Coast IPA”

Avenues Proper 376 8th Ave, SLC avenuesproper.com

On Tap: Steamy Wonder Rye Steam Ale

Bewilder Brewing

445 S. 400 West, SLC

BewilderBrewing.com

On Tap: Pink Boots - Pink Pony Pilz

Bohemian Brewery 94 E. Fort Union Blvd, Midvale BohemianBrewery.com

NEW Releases: Kölsch, Dusseldorfer “Alt” Bier

Bonneville Brewery 1641 N. Main, Tooele

BonnevilleBrewery.com

On Tap: Peaches and Cream Ale

Chappell Brewing 2285 S Main Street

On Tap: Playground #13 - Hazy Pale with Lemondrop and Sultana

Corner Brew Pub Sugar House 2110 S. Highland Drive, SLC saltlakebrewingco.com/wasatch

On Tap:  Salt Lake Brewing Co. Acapulco Gold Mexican Lager

Craft by Proper 1053 E. 2100 So., SLC properbrewingco.com

On Tap: Steamy Wonder Rye Steam Ale

Desert Edge Brewery

273 Trolley Square, SLC DesertEdgeBrewery.com

On Tap:  High Pressure Haze, Hazy Pale Ale

Epic Brewing Co. 825 S. State, SLC EpicBrewing.com

On Tap: 2024 Big Bad Baptist Imperial Stouts

Etta Place Cidery

700 W Main St, Torrey www.ettaplacecider.com

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

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: E.T. Prost Home - German Pilsner

Kiitos Brewing

608 W. 700 South, SLC KiitosBrewing.com

Now with a full bar license & draft beer cocktails!

On Tap: Fonio - 100% gluten free beer; Schwarzbier

Level Crossing Brewing Co.

2496 S. West Temple, South Salt Lake

LevelCrossingBrewing.com

On Tap: El Santo Mexican Lager

Level Crossing Brewing Co.,

550 South 300 West, Suite

LevelCrossingBrewing.com

On Tap: Fruit Bat Sour Ale

Moab Brewing

686 S. Main, Moab TheMoabBrewery.com

On Tap:  Arnie (Co-Lab with 2 Row brewing): cream ale base with Lychee black tea and fresh pasteurized lemon juice.

Mountain West Cider

425 N. 400 West, SLC MountainWestCider.com

On Tap: Lavricot Bloom

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: 11 rotating taps as well as high point cans and guest beers

Park City Brewing 1764 Uinta Way C1 ParkCityBrewing.com

On Tap: ALES for ALS - 5.0% hazy pale

Policy Kings Brewery

223 N. 100 West, Cedar City PolicyKingsBrewery.com

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

On Tap: 302 Czech Pilsner

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

On Tap: Steamy Wonder Rye Steam Ale

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

On Tap: Blizzard Wizard Hazy Pale Ale

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: Cowabunga IPA (Collaboration beer with SaltFire)

Roosters Brewing Multiple Locations

RoostersBrewingCo.com

On Tap: EL Doce Mexican Lager

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

On Tap: Punch a Nazi Pale Aleon draft and cans to go

Salt Flats Brewing 2020 Industrial Circle, SLC SaltFlatsBeer.com

On Tap: FOG LIGHT - JUICY IPA

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

On Tap: Scion Cider Anjou Perry - 6.1%

Second Summit Cider 4010 So. Main, Millcreek https://secondsummitcider. com

On Tap: Sangria Cider 6% ABV

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

On Tap: Fresh Hop IPA (with homegrown local hops)

Shades On State 366 S. State Street SLC Shadesonstate.com

On Tap: Six Wheat Under Hefeweizen; Black Cloud Lager

Silver Reef 4391 S. Enterprise Drive, St. George SGBev.com

Squatters Corner Pub –Valley Fair 3555 Constitution Blvd, West Valley City squatterscornerpub.com

On Tap: Salt Lake Brewing Co. Acapulco Gold Mexican Lager

Squatters Pub Brewery / Salt Lake Brewing Co. 147 W. Broadway, SLC saltlakebrewingco.com/ squatters

On Tap: Salt Lake Brewing Co. Castaway Coconut Nitro Porter

Squatters and Wasatch Brewery 1763 So 300 West SLC UT 84115 Utahbeers.com

On Tap: 20 beers with 12 rotating small batch releases: Black Tea English Porter, Hazelnut Brown Ale, and more! Small Batch Series Release:

Back Abbey Double Belgian Ale

Strap Tank Brewery, Lehi 3661 Outlet Pkwy, Lehi, UT StrapTankBrewery.com

On Tap: “Blood For Ra” American Sour with Tart Cherry and Vanilla; “Pineapple Haze” Hazy IPA with Pineapple

Strap Tank Brewery, Springville 596 S 1750 W, Springville, UT StrapTankBrewery.com

On Tap: “Orange

BEER NERD

The Monster in Utah’s Beer

Differentiating between Wasatch-Squatters and Salt Lake Brewing Companies

BY MIKE RIEDEL comments@cityweekly.net @utahbeer

In April of this year, Monster Energy Beverages announced that they would be shutting down their operations in Utah, citing that they were opting to “not renew the property lease” on one of Utah’s largest and longest-operating breweries, the Wasatch-Squatter Brewery at 1763 S. 300 West in Salt Lake City. This leaves a lot of people scratching their heads, as the Wasatch and Squatters Brands adorn many restaurants and bars around northern Utah. Here are the basic facts about what you will be seeing from the Wasatch and Squatter brands going forward.

First, a little history: Wasatch Beers (Schirf Brewing) was founded in Park City in 1986 by Greg Schirf, and was Utah’s first craft brewery since Lucky Lager (Formerly A. Fisher Brewing) closed up shop in 1967. Squatters Brewing (Salt Lake Brewing Co.) was created in 1989 by Jeff Polychronis and Peter Cole, and was Salt Lake City’s first modern brewpub.

Fast-forward to 2000, when Wasatch and Squatters merged operations to create the Utah Brewers Cooperative (UBC). While under the UBC, the companies retained their separate brand names while pooling resources for production and packaging. Both breweries retained their original, individual locations, and operated them independently from the UBC.

Nearly a decade later, looking for an infusion of cash, the UBC sought investment from Massachusetts-based Fireman Capital. Eventually, the two breweries were fully acquired by Fireman in 2012. After the acquisition of the UBC, Fireman acquired six other national craft breweries—including Oskar Blues and Cigar City—and created the beer consortium CANarchy. In January 2022, CANarchy was sold to Monster Energy Drinks to become Monster Brewing LLC.

Now, flash back to mid-2021. Prospect Capital Restaurants (PCR), a locally owned restaurant company—jointly owned by Squatters co-founders Jeff Polychronis and Peter Cole—made inquiries into purchasing the individual Squatters/ Wasatch breweries from CANarchy before the whole Monster deal was in motion. CANarchy hadn’t really expressed

much interest in the sale to PRC, until it was disclosed in December 2021 that the Monster brand had no interest in owning restaurants and bars.

The wheels were put in motion. Two days after Monster announced their purchase of CANarchy, PCR closed the deal, on Feb. 17, 2022, to acquire the six Squatters/Wasatch restaurants: Wasatch Park City, Squatters Roadhouse Grill, two at Salt Lake International Airport, Squatters SLC, Wasatch in Sugar House and the Commissary/Kitchen/Cafe at the International Center in SLC. The newly-acquired breweries would now become known as Salt Lake Brewing Company, which has always been the legal name of Squatters Brewing. The (Squatters) brewpub on 147 W. 300 South in SLC is now called Salt Brewing Company, and the Wasatch Brew Pub located on Main Street in Park City is now known as Top of Main Brewing.

You will notice a lot of cross-branding at the newly-localized Salt Lake Brewing location. It’s hard to replace decades of well-known and interwoven branding— especially at the Squatters/SL Brewing location downtown, where it’s a massive part of the building’s aesthetic. So you will continue to see Wasatch and Squatters branding on the buildings that still bear their names. However, these are brands that are currently licenced though Monster Beverages, and after May 2025, will no longer be produced in Utah. All production of the Squatters and Wasatch brands will be moving to other regional Monster-owned breweries.

To add to the confusion, Salt Lake Brewing recently opened a new restaurant in West Valley City, called Squatters Corner Pub. This seems to go against the push to get the public familiar with the new Salt Lake Brewing branding, in favor of the Squatters branding that they no longer own. And in an ironic twist, Salt Lake Brewing Company’s head brewer, Jason Stock, who has been the face for Squatters’ best-selling Hop Rising Series of IPAs, continues to adorn the products of beers that he no longer makes, and can no longer legally brew.

To summarize: You will continue to see Wasatch and Squatters bands in pubs and store shelves. They are NOT made by Salt Lake Brewing Company or Top of Main Brewing—even though those brands will continue to adorn their restaurants as well as their pubs.

May 23, 2025 is the last day that Wasatch-Squatters’ pub and brewery will open at 1763 S. 300 West. However, a goodbye party will take place on May 16. Stop in to see our pals and share a last pint before this pivotal part of Utah’s beer history leaves us, possibly for good.

As always, cheers! CW

BACK BURNER

BY ALEX SPRINGER | @captainspringer

Hill’s Kitchen Opens In Sugar House

After plenty of buzz and a whole lot of leg work, Hill Top Hospitality has opened the Sugar House location of Hill’s Kitchen (hills-kitchen.com). Fans of the Park City location can expect the same casual but sophisticated menu that has come to define Hill’s Kitchen since its inception. Its new spot on 2188 S. Highland Drive is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and the restaurant is also accepting takeout orders. It’s great to see some Hill Top spots making their way down to the Salt Lake area. We love our Park City spots, but any time we get some good local cooking a bit closer to our backyard is an excellent time to celebrate.

Crafts and Drafts at Kiitos

You don’t really need an excuse to hang out at Kiitos (kiitosbrewing.com)—pinball machines and beer are evergreen—but anyone who needs some extra motivation will want to check out the Crafts and Drafts Market this weekend. Kiitos will be hosting a collection of local makers and vendors along with some pizza from Dang Brother Pizza. The spread will feature both indoor and outdoor sections and of course draft beer from Kiitos will be a-flowin’. In addition to doing some dining and drinking, attendees can whip up some of their own hand-crafted goods. The event will take place at Kiitos Brewery on May 17 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee Is Coming to Town

I didn’t think much of the news that California-based Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee (sidecardoughnuts.com) would be coming to Sugar House, until I saw Donut Critic (@donutcritic) post about it on Instagram. According to our local doughnut expert, Sidecar is one of Los Angeles’ finest purveyors of fried dough boys, and its presence in Utah is a pretty huge deal. After my own online plunge into the wonders of Sidecar, this news is making me a little bit giddy as well. Sidecar’s first foray into the Beehive State will be on the corner of 2100 south and 700 East in the building that used to belong to By the Bucket—Sugar House’s first (and last) spaghetti-by-the-bucket joint.

Quote of the Week: “The optimist sees the doughnut, the pessimist sees the hole.”

—Oscar Wilde

TUESDAYS

WEDNESDAYS

BEST BAR IN UTAH!

GREAT FOOD

MUSIC PICK S

Diamond D @ Uprok 5/17

Diamond D will always have my earshot. As one of the founding members of the legendary Diggin’ In The Crates crew and boasting a career that spans more than 30 years, Diamond has produced some of hip-hop’s most iconic tracks: Showbiz & AG’s “Soul Clap (short version),” Lord Finesse & DJ Mike Smooth’s “Funky Technician” and his own “Best Kept Secret.” Sampling is still part of a cultural expression within the music—always has been, always will be. “It always mattered what you sampled. Where everybody was leaning toward certain artists to sample, we wanted to look for artists that maybe were not on the radar,” Diamond D told Reverb. “Diggin’ In The Crates—that’s what it stood for. The next level of production, to do what the name says, to go digging, and just try to find rare samples or just some groups nobody really was messing with.” Brilliant! The samples had to be obscure, as it gave hip-hop a sound of its own, distinct from everything else. And if I have to spell it out for you: Diamond D in Salt Lake City at an intimate venue rocking it house-party style? C’mon, this event is not to be missed. Reks & Queen Philosophical, Pawz One, Bad Apples/LAB, MC Eneeone, Jam Young, Free Mind Ent, Eddie Lion and DJ Mixter Mike open. Catch these acts on the “Stunts, Blunts & Hip Hop Tour” at Uprok (1594 State St, SLC) on Saturday, May 17. Doors at 5 p.m. Tickets for the all-ages show are $15 and can be purchased at the door. (Mark Dago)

Restaurant Manager (Orem, UT),Recruit staff, oversee training programs, and ensure that all employees are following company policies & procedures. Monitor staff performance and provide coaching or disciplinary action when necessary. Address & resolve customer complaints in a professional manner, ensuring a positive dining experience. Actively seek customer feedback & implement changes or improvements to enhance service. Develop and manage budgets, control operational costs, & work to maximize profitability. Work with marketing teams or take charge of advertising, promotions, and special events to attract new customers & retain existing ones. 40hrs/wk, Offered wage: $59,218/yr, Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management / Hospitality Management or related required. Resume to Pho Plus UT LLC Attn: Sungwoon Heo, 908 S State ST, Orem, UT 84097

MUSIC PICK S

The War and Treaty @ The State Room 5/17

While deployed in Iraq with the U.S. Army, Michael Trotter Jr. turned to songwriting as a coping mechanism. His songs explored personal themes of love, healing and resilience. Once back in the States, he met singer and actor Tanya Blount; the two fell in love, and a musical partnership arose along with their personal relationship. In 2018, the duo debuted as The War and Treaty; their debut full-length, 2018’s Healing Tide climbed to #26 on Billboard ’s Indie chart, and #11 on the Heatseekers chart. The War and Treaty followed up that release with Hearts Town (2020), 2022’s Blank Page EP, and Lover’s Game in 2023.

A collaborative holiday-themed single with Josh Groban, “Do You Hear What I Hear,” was released in 2024; the track placed #22 on the Adult Contemporary singles chart. Other collaborations have found the pair working with Brandi Carlile and Chris Stapleton. The duo’s latest album, Plus One, was released in February 2025. The Grammy-nominated duo’s emotionally honest musical approach is carried through with their energetic live shows, and the duo’s sound—while based in Americana and roots textures—truly transcends genre boundaries. The War and Treaty comes to The State Room on Saturday, May 17 at 8 p.m. Madeline Edwards opens. Tickets for this 21+ show are $33 and available at axs.com. (Bill Kopp)

MUSIC PICK S

Cheap Trick @ Red Butte Garden 5/19

After some 50 years of non-stop touring and recording, Cheap Trick can rightfully be called an iconic American institution. Nevertheless, it’s an indication of their irrepressible attitude that they’ve never taken themselves too seriously. They’re a throwback to a time when radio-ready rock and roll ruled the airwaves, unencumbered by branding or stereotypes, yet maintain a distinct personality all their own—from guitarist Rick Nielsen’s fondness for baseball caps and sweaters with checkerboard designs, to singer Robin Zander’s precise posture as a sexy frontman boasting perfected rock star moves. When this reporter had the opportunity to ask Nielsen about the seemingly instantaneous fame launched by their best-selling album Cheap Trick at Budokan, he ruefully replied, “It was really overnight success: Our first album came out in 1973, and we made the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 40 years later.” That said, the band has earned more than a measure of respect from fans and critics alike, courtesy of their devotion to pure, unfiltered rock and roll revelry. “We’ve never improved,” Nielsen also insisted. Nevertheless, the late Beatles producer George Martin didn’t seem to care; he called Cheap Trick the best band he had worked with since the Fab Four. “He must have liked us,” Nielsen mused. “I guess we should have been nicer to him.” Super showmen all, they can be forgiven. Cheap Trick perform at Red Butte Garden on Monday, May 19 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $72 for members, $77 for general public, at etix.com. (Lee Zimmerman)

The Toxhards, Muskies @ Kilby Court 5/19

L.A.-based rock band The Toxhards describe themselves as “half alt-rock, half prog-rock, half theater-rock”—that’s rock math for you. This trio of self-professed theater kids bring their affinity for fun entertainment to their music, making for an amusing show-going experience. They are “an ADHD-core rock band that began their beginnings in a scrappy SoCal college drama club. They now bring that same theater-kid energy to their genrebending songs and rousing live performances with 8-foot-tall pig suits, passing out coffee, t-shirt tosses, and instrument swapping,” according to their bio. If that sounds like it would be your thing,

you won’t want to miss The Toxhards. You’ll also be able to see Ogden alt/comedy band Muskies. Their personal brand of “pike psych” combines elements of psychedelic rock, jazz and absurdism, all coming together to create a unique and lively recipe for a good time. Their self-titled debut album dropped at the beginning of this year, offering listeners a chance to experience Muskies at their best.

“Jumping from genre to genre, fusing our individual inspirations into a shared one, we feel this LP is a fitting reflection of our identity and evolution as a band (thus far),” they say of the album. “Something for everyone. Made by us, for you. We hope you enjoy.” The Toxhards and Muskies have very similar vibes and will complement each other well on Monday, May 19 at 7 p.m. Tickets for the all-ages show are $15 at 24tix.com. (Emilee Atkinson)

Matisyahu @ The Depot 5/21

Most will remember the 2009 classic reggae anthem “One Day” by Matisyahu (Matthew Paul Miller). It expresses a hope for an end to violence, and a prayer for a new era of peace and understanding—still a relevant topic for today. Miller has the ability to blend spiritual themes with reggae, rock, beatboxing, a blend of jazz scat singing and Judaism’s hazzan style of songful prayer. Think of Phish and the Grateful Dead combined with some Bob Marley. For example, the lyrics to Miller’s 2005 single “King Without a Crown”: “What’s this feeling? / My love will rip a hole in the ceiling / Givin’ myself to you now from the essence of my being / And I sing to my God, songs of love and healing.” For fans of the early reggae stars like Barrington Levy and Eek-a-Mouse, his sound stays true to the spiritual roots of reggae yet blends rapping with rock instruments and hip-hop rhythms to create a dynamic and energetic sound. For two decades, Miller has kept evolving his sound by mixing genres and playing with various musical traditions like his latest album Hold The Fire with the single “Fireproof” that stays true to his Old Testament religion. Catch Matisyahu this Wednesday, May 21 at The Depot. Doors open at 7 p.m. General admission costs $49.25 while the VIP meet and greet + exclusive merch experience costs $131. Go to concerts.livenation.com for tickets and for additional event

(Arica Roberts)

free will ASTROLOGY

BY ROB BREZSNY

ARIES

(March 21-April 19)

What may appear to be slow or static is actually moving. The developing changes are imperceptible from day to day, but incrementally substantial. So please maintain your faith in the diligent, determined approach. Give yourself pep talks that renew your deeply felt motivation. Ignore the negative judgments and criticism of people who have no inkling of how hard you have been working. In the long run, you will prove that gradual progress can be the most enduring.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

The most successful people aren’t those who merely follow their passion, but those who follow their curiosity. Honoring the guidance of our passions motivates us, but it can also narrow our focus. Heeding the call of our curiosity emboldens our adaptability, exploration and maximum openness to new possibilities. In that spirit, Taurus, I invite you to celebrate your yearning to know and discover. Instead of aching for total clarity about your life’s mission, investigate the subtle threads of what piques your curiosity. Experiment with being more of an intrigued adventurer.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20)

Gemini author Huston Smith was a religious scholar who wrote 13 books. But he was also dedicated to experiencing religions from the inside rather than simply studying them academically as an outsider. Smith danced with Whirling Dervishes, practiced Zen meditation with a master and ingested peyote with Native Americans, embodying his view that real understanding requires participation, not just observation. In the spirit of his disciplined devotion, I invite you to seek out opportunities to learn through experience as much as theory. Leave your safety zone, if necessary, to engage with unfamiliar experiences that expand your soul. Be inspired by how Smith immersed himself in wisdom that couldn’t come from books alone.

CANCER (June 21-July 22)

More than 2,000 years ago, the people living in what’s now known as the Peruvian desert began etching huge designs of animals and plants into the earth. The makers of these designs moved a lot of dirt! But here’s the mystery: Some of the gigantic images of birds, spiders and other creatures are still visible today, but can only be deciphered from high above. And there were, of course, no airplanes in ancient times to aid in depicting the figures. Let’s use this as a metaphor for one of your upcoming tasks, Cancerian. I invite you to initiate or intensify work on a labor of love that will motivate you to survey your life from the vantage point of a bird or plane or mountaintop.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)

You now have extra power to detect previously veiled patterns and hidden agendas. That’s why I urge you to be alert for zesty revelations that may seem to arrive out of nowhere. They could even arise from situations you have assumed were thoroughly explored and understood. These are blessings, in my opinion. You should expect and welcome the full emergence of truths that have been ripening below the surface of your awareness. Even if they are initially surprising or daunting, you will ultimately be glad they have finally appeared.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Renowned Virgo author Nassim Nicholas Taleb has called for discontinuation of the Nobel Prize in Economics. He says it rewards economists who express bad ideas that cause great damage. He also delivers critiques of other economists widely regarded as luminaries. Taleb has a lot of credibility. His book The Black Swan was named one of the most influential books since WWII. I propose we make him your role model for now, Virgo. May he incite you to question authority to the max. May he rouse you to bypass so-called experts, alleged mavens and supposed wizards. Be your own masterful authority.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

I predict that your usual mental agility will be even more robust than usual in the coming weeks. Although this could possibly lead you to overthink everything, I don’t believe that’s what will happen. Instead, I suspect your extra cognitive flexibility will be highly practical and useful. It will enable you to approach problems from multiple angles simultaneously—and come up with hybrid solutions that are quite ingenious. A possibility that initially seems improbable may become feasible when you reconfigure its elements. PS: Your natural curiosity will serve you best when directed toward making connections between seemingly unrelated people and fields.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

You’re ready to go to the next evolutionary stage of a close alliance. Although you may not feel entirely prepared for the challenge, I believe you will be guided by your deeper wisdom to do what’s necessary. One way I can help is to provide exhilarating words that boost your daring spirit. With that in mind, I offer you a passage from poet William Blake. Say them to your special friend if that feels right, or find other words appropriate to your style. Blake wrote, “You are the fierce angel that carves my soul into brightness, the eternal fire that burns away my dross. You are the golden thread spun by the hand of heaven, weaving me into the fabric of infinite delight. Your love is a furnace of stars, a vision that consumes my mortal sight, leaving me radiant and undone. In your embrace, I find the gates of paradise thrown wide.”

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

In ancient Egypt, mirrors were composed of polished copper. To remain properly reflective, the copper mirrors required continual, ongoing maintenance. Let’s take that as a metaphor for one of your key tasks in the coming weeks. Sagittarius. It’s high time to do creative upkeep on your relationships with influences that provide you with feedback on how you’re doing. Are your intended effects pretty close to your actual effects? Does your self-image match the way that you are perceived by others? Are you getting the right kind of input to help you stay on course?

CAPRICORN

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Chances to initiate creative transformations will come from unexpected sources in the coming days. I guarantee it. But will you be sufficiently receptive to take maximum advantage? The purpose of this horoscope is to nudge you to shed your expectations so you will be tenderly, curiously open to surprising help and inspiration. What sweet interruptions and graceful detours will flow your way if you are willing to depart from your usual script? I predict that your leadership qualities will generate the greatest good for all concerned if you are willing to relinquish full control and be flexibly eager to entertain intuitive breakthroughs.

AQUARIUS

(Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

For many of the Indigenous peoples of California, acorns were part of every meal. Nuts from oak trees were used to create bread, soups, dumplings, pancakes, gravy and porridge. But making the acorns edible required strenuous work. In their natural state, they taste bitter and require multiple soakings to leach out the astringent ingredient. Is there a metaphorical equivalent for you, Aquarius? An element that can be important, but needs a lot of work, refinement and preparation? If so, now is a good time to develop new approaches to making it fully available.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)

When Pisces-born Jane Hirshfield was a young poet, she mostly stopped writing poetry for eight years. During that time, she was a full-time student of Zen Buddhism and lived for three years at a monastery. When she resumed her craft, it was infused with what she had learned. Her meditative practice had honed her observational skills, her appreciation of the rich details of daily life and her understanding that silence could be a form of communication. In the spirit of the wealth she gathered from stillness, calm and discipline, I invite you to enjoy your own spiritual sabbatical, dear Pisces. The coming weeks will be an excellent time to relax into the most intriguing mysteries.

Go to realastrology.com for Rob Brezsny’s expanded weekly audio horoscopes and daily text-message horoscopes. Audio horoscopes also available by phone at 877-873-4888 or 900-950-7700.

$$PAYING TOP DOLLAR$$ For sports card collections & pokemon. Premium paid for vintage. Please leave detailed message with number. Cory 541-838-0364.

Restaurant Manager (Orem, UT),Recruit staff, oversee training programs, and ensure that all employees are following company policies & procedures. Monitor staff performance and provide coaching or disciplinary action when necessary. Address & resolve customer complaints in a professional manner, ensuring a positive dining experience. Actively seek customer feedback & implement changes or improvements to enhance service. Develop and manage budgets, control operational costs, & work to maximize profitability. Work with marketing teams or take charge of advertising, promotions, and special events to attract new customers & retain existing ones. 40hrs/wk, Offered wage: $59,218/yr, Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management / Hospitality Management or related required. Resume to Pho Plus UT LLC Attn: Sungwoon Heo, 908 S State ST, Orem, UT 84097

urban LIVING

WITH BABS DELAY

Broker, Urban Utah Homes & Estates, urbanutah.com

Decaying Data

In January of 1945, Grand Rapids, Michigan, became the first city in the world to add fluoride to its public water supply. Then, the city—along with the U.S. Public Health Service, the Michigan Department of Health and the University of Michigan School of Dentistry—began a 10-year study to determine the effectiveness of fluoride in the prevention of tooth decay.

Grand Rapids was chosen because of its large population of school-age children and its closeness to Lake Michigan, which is mostly free of natural fluoride. By 1955, the study had shown a 65% reduction in tooth decay.

Fluoride was added to local water supplies in the 1940s and tooth decay, especially in children, declined. Researchers found that for every dollar spent on fluoridation, $20 (about $363 today) was saved in preventing dental procedures like cavity fillings.

On the flip side, scientists have also looked at what happens when you remove the chemical. In 2007, Juneau, Alaska, voted to stop adding fluoride to taps. Soon after, it was found that children under age 6 averaged an additional dental visit per year related to cavity procedures. In 2011, Calgary, Canada, banned fluoridation and within five years, cavities among elementary school children increased almost twofold. They ended up putting fluoride back into the water supply in 2021.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

ACROSS

1. House broadcaster

6. Letter after pi

9. Origami bird

14. Area well beyond the coast

16. Pointer’s beam

17. Eyeglass prescription effect times 4?

19. Curved paths

20. He wrote “The Raven”

21. Piece of sound equipment

22. Partake of

23. Barry Bonds and Willie Stargell, for short

24. Baby leopard

25. Soup with sprouts and slices of beef

28. 2002 NBA Rookie of the Year ___ Gasol

29. Late actor Kilmer

30. Percolate slowly

31. Saying that has about 8 different meanings, some of them dirty?

36. English university town

37. Salonga of Broadway

38. Cut down

39. Con game run 16 different ways?

42. Maker of Regenerist skin care products

43. You may pay less to get more of them

44. Biden, familiarly

45. The “N” of NDA

46. “George of the Jungle” creature

47. “Top Gun” flier

48. Proper

51. Knight’s title

52. Chest muscle, for short

53. Pageant garment

54. Hybrid letter with 32 peaks that just looks like a long zigzag?

59. Photographer Leibovitz

60. Gadget used after hard-boiling, perhaps

61. Piece of lumber

Taking fluoride out of our drinking water has a particular effect on lowerincome families, whose children experience nearly three times the rate of untreated cavities than higher income families. A 2023 study by the American Dental Society found that only one in three dentists accept Medicaid, and other studies by that group have shown that children with poor teeth are more likely to withdraw from social participation, hide their smiles and have higher rates of school absenteeism.

U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. has platformed concerns that fluoride causes bone cancer in children.

But in 2022, the American Cancer Society conducted a study and concluded that there was no strong evidence to support those fears. Yes, a person can ingest too much fluoride—but doses in the water supply are minimal. Other countries that have banned fluoride offer free dental care for kids, whereas we don’t make it easy or affordable for low-income families to get dental care.

Now that Utah has banned fluoride, Utahns can still protect their teeth by brushing with fluoridated toothpaste. And the Utah Department of Health provides free dental services through Bridging Communities and Clinics Dental Day Clinics. Additionally, Covering Kids Utah provides dental care at no cost to children who qualify. The Donated Dental Services (DDS) program also provides free comprehensive treatment to vulnerable individuals who cannot afford care or obtain public aid. Both the U. of U. School of Dentistry and Roseman University College of Dental Medicine offer free or discounted dental services through various programs for kids and adults. n

10. Speak with a gravelly voice

11. “Bad ___ Wanna Be” (Dennis Rodman book)

12. Prefix for classicist

13. Ending for north, west, or northwest

15. Dry ingredient recipe measurement

18. Bank’s storage room

23. Expire, like a subscription

24. Panama divider

25. “The Last of Us” star Pascal

26. “___ Johnny!”

27. Columnists’ pieces

28. “Seinfeld” character played by Patrick Warburton

29. Gore and Mondale, for two

30. Marching band drum

62. Airport presence

63. British formal jackets

DOWN

1. ___ vin (chicken dish)

2. San Antonio team

3. Nobel Prize category

4. Partners of “ifs” or “buts”

5. It goes with “neither”

6. Auto takebacks

7. Revolutionary War spy Nathan

8. Number under the ! on a keyboard

9. Go higher

31. Actress Kaitlin of ABC’s “High Potential”

32. “Forget You” singer Green

33. From Amarillo, say

34. Evade capture by

35. Theme park at Disney World

40. ___ pants (calf-length trousers)

41. Takes a DVD out

46. Put on television

47. Block-removing game

or nod

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.

48. “Rock Me Amadeus” musician

49. “Where have ___ this before?”

50. Thanksgiving day: Abbr.

51. Mix, as cocoa

52. Barnyard animals

53. BBQ rod

54. Little bit of gel

55. Four-color card game

56. “Snakes ___ Plane”

57. Receive

58. Suffix for glob

NEWS of the WEIRD

BY

Lay Off Me, I’m Starving

Anyone familiar with A.A. Milne’s Winnie-the-Pooh stories knows bears love honey and will go to great lengths for the sweet stuff. So it’s not surprising that Jeff Bonner of Bazetta, Ohio, recently caught a bear on the motionactivated cameras he had set up to protect his apiary. What was surprising, Bonner told WFMJ-TV, was what little remained in the aftermath of the bear’s late-night snack attack. “He ate the frame, the wax that was there, and the bees,” Bonner said. “He literally ate a whole hive of bees.” Bonner estimated the hive held some 10,00050,000 bees. He expects the bear to return to the newly found food source, and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources recommended that he increase the apiary’s security with more cameras and an electric fence.

Taking It For the Team

In an effort to build up an immunity to the venom of lethal snakes, herpetologist Tim Friede, 57, of Wisconsin, allowed himself to be bitten over 200 times and selfadministered more than 650 venom injections over 18 years while steadfastly documenting the effects, The New York Times reported on May 2. Now, as described in a study published in the journal Cell last week, scientists have used the unique antibodies in Friede’s blood to create a drug that fully protected mice from the venom of 13 deadly snake species. Researchers hope Friede’s work (and blood) will lead to the creation of a universal anti-venom. “I’m really proud that I can do something in life for humanity,” Friede told the Times

Joyride

A stray bull in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India, became an internet sensation when CCTV caught the bold bovine taking a spontaneous ride on a motorized scooter. In the video, which was posted on X and reported on by NDTV, the bull casually strolled down a street before taking an interest in a parked scooter. As a prescient mother scooped up her child and ducked out of harm’s way, the bull hopped onto the scooter with its front legs, somehow perfectly balancing the scooter and setting it in motion. The ride covered about 50 feet before the scooter fell over and the bull nonchalantly walked away. One user on X summed it up: “No one would believe if it wasn’t captured by CCTV.”

Trouble Brewing

ChatGPT can perform many impressive tasks—sometimes with amusing results—but it may need to stay out of tasseography. Greek City Times reported on April 26 that a Greek woman recently filed for divorce from her husband after the OpenAI chatbot asserted that the man was having an affair and that his mistress was intent on destroying their home, a conclusion the bot came to upon “reading” the coffee grounds in the couple’s mugs in a photo the woman uploaded to the app. “I laughed it off as nonsense,” the husband said, “but she took it

seriously. She asked me to leave, told our kids we were getting divorced, and then I got a call from a lawyer. That’s when I realized this wasn’t just a phase.” The husband’s lawyer maintains that ChatGPT’s claims have no legal standing.

You Again?

Rescues are not uncommon on Mount Fuji, but one climber may have used up all the good will of the Shizouka prefectural police, who were called to save the man near the mountain’s peak twice in a span of four days. The imprudent adventurer, a 27-year-old Chinese student living in Japan, began suffering from altitude sickness and was airlifted to safety after calling authorities on April 22; the Associated Press reported that he returned to the mountain on April 26 “to look for his cellphone and other belongings left behind,” according to police. When another climber found him suffering altitude sickness and unable to move, authorities were called in to rescue him once again. There is no penalty for climbing Mount Fuji during the offseason, and no charge associated with being rescued—even twice in the same week.

She Has the High Ground

A judge in London, England, recently awarded Lorna Rooke, former training and practice supervisor for the National Health Service’s Blood and Transplant division, a whopping $38,729 for being compared to Darth Vader, the Guardian reported on May 7. In 2021, Rooke and her co-workers were asked to participate in a team-building exercise featuring a “Star Wars”-themed questionnaire that would reveal which character from the sci-fi fantasy franchise their personality most resembled. Rooke didn’t participate but found out later that co-workers had filled it out for her, and the result came up Sith lord. Though the quiz described Vader as a “very focused individual,” Rooke called the comparison “highly unflattering” and said it made her “super unpopular” around the office, leading her to resign a month later.

Sweet Tooth

Holly LaFavers of Lexington, Kentucky, tried to cancel an Amazon order placed by her second grader son, Liam, over the weekend, but it was too late; when the pair arrived home on May 5, WKYT reported, Liam yelled, “My suckers are here!” and LaFavers was greeted by 22 large cases of Dum-Dums lollipops lining her front porch.

Liam, who placed the order while entertaining himself with his mother’s phone, actually had ordered 30 cases—each containing 2,340 lollipops, for a total cost of more than $4,000—but eight of the cases wouldn’t scan and were returned to sender. “He told me that he wanted to have a carnival,” LaFavers said, “and he was ordering the Dum-Dums as prizes for his carnival.” Amazon fully refunded the order, and LaFavers vowed to change the access settings on her phone.

EMPLOYMENT

IHC Health Services, Inc. (dba Intermountain Health) seeks a Medical Laboratory ScientistRegistered in Murray, UT. Must have flexibility to work a variety of shifts that may include weekends and holidays. Apply at https:// imh.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/ IntermountainCareers or email resume to mary.hansen@imail.org. Ref. job #R137550. Salary: $70,720 to $75,720

Digital Marketing Specialist (Draper, UT), Develop & execute online marketing campaigns through channels like social media, email, websites, and display ads to drive brand awareness, customer engagement, and sales. Create & manage pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, search engine optimization (SEO), and search engine marketing (SEM) efforts. Design & produce engaging content such as graphics, videos, animations, and interactive media for digital platforms, focusing on promoting products or services. Manage the company’s presence on social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn) by creating & posting relevant content, monitoring engagement, and responding to customer interactions. Develop strategies to grow followers & engagement through promotions, contests, or influencer partnerships. 40hrs/wk, Offered wage: $32,302/yr, Bachelor’s Degree in Digital Marketing / Games or related required. Resume to CUPBOP CO Attn: Yeiri KIM, 12184 S Business Park Dr, STE C, Draper, UT 84020

Regulatory Consultant/ Engineer to ensure compliance w/ ISO 9001/SiAC Level A via implementation, audits & QMS mgmt. Duties incl. employee training, regulatory submissions & comms, ensuring adherence to regs & guiding corp compliance w/ evolving stds. Mon–Fri, 40 hrs/wk. Bachelor’s or foreign equiv in electrical engineering, industrial engineering/rel. field of study OR 24 mos exp. Also, Req exp w/ ISO 9001 & QMS. Mail resume to Delta Professional Cleaning, Inc. (dba Delta Pro Clean), 13863 S 2700 W Ste 202, Bluffdale, UT 84065.