City Weekly September 11, 2025

Utah arts organizations look to the future by inviting and educating young audiences.

by CITY WEEKLY STAFF

arts issue

S AP

BOX

Porsche Guys

Crews are finishing the building for a John Elway Porsche store almost on top of the I-215 highway at about 40th South. Questions for an enterprising reporter:

1. Which local dealership bought the Porsche franchise and Elway’s name?

2. Who owns or owned the property? (Formerly a storage spot for salt used on winter highways.)

3. Which government entity issued a permit to allow a commercial building so close to the freeway?

4. Did the process involve questionable funds?

Water! Water!

The “Ancient Mariner” does paradoxically proclaim, “Water, water, everywhere”, a poet’s quote of known fame.

“Nor any drop to drink”, is this our destiny?

For our clean water infrastructure is in travesty.

Local, state, county and nation water quality, In dire straits causing catastrophic misery.

An omen the public health crisis the lead pipes of Flint, And daily water-main breaks headlining our newsprint.

All communities need financial remedies,

To safeguard our water supply and prevent disease.

This most precious natural resource we must protect, From overdevelopment and industry neglect.

To drink Gold or Silver a human absurdity, Water is human life’s most valuable commodity.

GEORGE KIBILDIS

Sparta, New Jersey

“Meet The Milk Block,”

Sept. 4 Cover Story

Please god let it be a good, affordable option. Ninth and Ninth has turned into a rich, hipster hub over the past 15 years, not a genuine place of community. I call it mini Park City.

MADELINE RHODES Via Facebook

I don’t think about Salt Lake City and Harvey Milk having much in common, but I am impressed. There have to be some great folks in SLC and I am always glad when my preconceived notions get challenged.

JONNIE JEAN OWENS Via Facebook

This has zero to do with Harvey Milk. Get real.

JAKE MILLER Via Facebook

Finally, Salt Lake City is getting its own Castro District.

BRAD FLOYD Via Facebook

We had a food co-op in the late 70s and early 80s, mostly lower avenues. Good to do co-ops, but this is not the first.

LINDA GRIFFEN Via Facebook

Simple Modern Therapy has been my mental health support for nearly a decade. Love them and this whole [Milk Block] project.

TOM MERRILL Via Facebook

Care to sound off on a feature in our pages or about a local concern? Write letters to comments@cityweekly.net or post on our social media. We want to hear from you!

THE WATER COOLER

Do you go to your high school reunions? If so, what are they like?

Paula Saltas

I sometimes do and they are actually kind of fun. Olympus High, who knew?

Benjamin Wood

As a matter of fact, I attended by 20year high school reunion last month!

Scott Renshaw

I haven’t been to one since my 20th, with the 40th coming up next month and no plan on attending. It was appealing one time to catch up with folks in person, but social media has kind of erased some of the main reasons people used to go to reunions.

Facebook will tell us what everybody is doing, who has lost their hair or had “work” done, and who has gone completely batshit crazy, politically. Plus, as someone who didn’t peak in high school, that’s not a time I need to relive.

Doug Kruithof

Just the 20th. Calvinist school, so still no dancing—haven’t been back since!

Katharine Biele

I went to 10th and 20th but, truthfully, so many have now either moved out of state or, sadly, died that we don’t reunion anymore. It was fun while it lasted. And I came from a small class—36 graduated with me—so I’m sure it was different than many others.

OPINION

BY BENJAMIN WOOD

Under Where?

Last week, crews poured the concrete pad for what will become a futsal court in a pocket park tucked underneath the West Temple I-15 ramp. The space—somewhat awkwardly known as Mead Up in reference to the street that runs alongside it—is a novel attempt to reclaim for productive use what was otherwise a neglected and problematic patch of no-man’s-land in the shadow of the “People’s Freeway” (If you know, you know).

Readers may have seen some news reports about it in the traditional local outlets, as a press release announcing the start of “Phase One” construction went out and triggered the usual round of regurgitative coverage. But the work truly began a year ago, when volunteers, backed by the city and Central Ninth Community Council, cleared out the weeds and detritus that previously filled Mead Up, resurfaced it with playground mulch and painted the ramp towers an attractive SLC blue.

I pass through the area often, as 200 West is the best car-free alternative to State Street between Central Ninth and Ballpark. Mead Up lies just about halfway between the Trax stations on 900 South and 1300 South and those blocks of 200 West have so little vehicle traffic (sharing lane space with the trains … yikes) that it’s silly we allow drivers to use it at all.

That location also means it’s unlikely commuters and even car-dependent locals know of its existence at all. And it helps explain why the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) was content to let its property rot for so long, dragging down the surrounding area in a death spiral of motornormativity’s vicious externalities.

Some might quibble, but both Ballpark and what we now

call Central Ninth were better off before the West Temple ramp was built. And that ramp, like its counterparts on 500 South and 600 South, thoughtlessly consumes far more city land than it needs to—and that’s if you accept the premise that it needs to exist at all.

I don’t, and I’m not alone. The city’s long-term transportation plans include the prospect of tearing down or otherwise minimizing the West Temple freeway connection and bolstering the historic neighborhood street grid that was severed to make driving into downtown from the suburbs as convenient (read: fast) as possible.

The city has already taken steps in this direction, adding curbs to restrict turns onto 900 South, constructing the 9 Line Trail to encourage foot and cycle traffic across West Temple, adopting mixed-use zoning and, now, supporting the effort to make the Mead Up area into something more than UDOT’s gutter. A few blocks west, another underpass for I-15’s mainline was similarly transformed and now features a jump park and pump track for bikes, next to a community garden and safe crossing to the West End commercial node (Forty Three Bakery and Glow sauna).

I spend more time underneath I-15 than on top of it and I’m here to tell you, there are so many spaces like this— pointlessly dilapidated, attracting crime and vandalism, but ripe with untapped potential—scattered throughout not just Salt Lake City, but the entire state. While we desperately need UDOT to punch more holes through its great walls, that effort can sometimes distract from how little attention and effort is being directed at the low-hanging fruit we already have.

A city is where lots of people live. That, in turn, attracts a lot of other people looking to do business. Far too many of the state’s influential decisionmakers—in politics, in media, in academia and among the left-coded intelligentsia who consider themselves honorary Salt Lakers—forget that. Cognizant or not, they conceive of the city and its constituent neighborhoods as their path to tread upon, and they mistake the inefficiencies of urban driving as a paramount crisis in need of society’s attention.

Look at the University of Utah—forcing students, whether they drive to campus or not, to shift their class schedules in order to better accommodate the storage of personal vehicles. Look at prominent members of the downtown business community—slow-walking the Green Loop and forcing the city to halt the 300 West bikeway one block short of 300 South. Look at Utah’s flagship train station—little more than a concrete slab, isolated on an island of nothingness.

Look at how the state’s gerrymandered congressional map cracks the city like an egg. But also look at how the traditional media needs a press release to notice a new city park. Look at all the digital ink spilled over “ebike safety concerns” while drivers on the state’s surface highways kill hundreds each year.

Look at how The Salt Lake Tribune only seems to care about the transportation budget when money is spent on transit and pedestrian infrastructure.

These folks might spend considerable time in the city, but they don’t see it. They don’t understand it. They misdiagnose its problems and agitate for the wrong solutions.

UDOT is preparing to spend multiple billions of dollars to widen I-15 and the Legacy Parkway. Not only is it guaranteed to make traffic worse (google “induced demand”), it would also cost the equivalent of a rounding error to pour some concrete for futsal courts while they’re at it, or to pile up dirt for bike jumps, or to drop some curbs to prevent high-speed turns onto neighborhood streets. They could clear out the weeds and fences and “no trespassing” signs that—hate to break it to you—don’t work. They could build some sidewalks, or buffered bike lanes, or even give up some asphalt for express buses and passenger rail.

But they won’t. So it will fall on groups of community volunteers, bonded by a vision of better spaces, begging their cities for scraps of funding and maybe, in those few lucky cases, succeeding at putting some blue lipstick on this pig, one underpass at a time. CW Private Eye is off this week. Send comments to bwood@cityweekly.net

HITS & MISSES

BY KATHARINE BIELE | @kathybiele

MISS: Out of Sight

She is very sorry—so sorry and, frankly, she shouldn’t be the only one. Salt Lake City Councilwoman Victoria Petro made an emotional mea culpa to a roomful of her angry constituents, who had just heard about a massive homeless campus to be built way out west and near them. This is what happens when, first, there was no realistic plan to replace the Road Home and, second, when officials use the closed meetings law as cover. Sure, it makes sense to negotiate real estate issues behind closed doors—but don’t forget that decisions need to be made in public. In this case it was too little, too late. The renderings of the proposed campus at 2520 N. 2200 West look like a prison, probably because the public is frightened of the unhoused population. Worse yet, this was sprung on city residents despite no comprehensive blueprint for services or transportation. Google Maps says it’s an hour’s walk to the nearest UTA bus stop on Redwood Road. While homelessness is a frustrating nut to crack, maybe just shutting them all in a “campus” is an easy fix that lacks forethought. Since the Trump administration nixed the Housing First model, internment seems like the next option.

HIT: Pass the Plate

It took two years but the Great Salt Lake might now be having its time in the sun—or its time on the back of a vehicle. With 66 specialty Utah license plates out there, it makes you wonder why No. 67 got struck by politics. Let’s just say the plate was caught in a bureaucratic committee, which reviews all license plate designs. It took about eight weeks for the blackout license plate, but that was before the Legislature decided to fix things. More than 600 people ordered and paid for the GSL plates, which should funnel funds to saving the lake. It may take more than money to do that. US Magnesium is still pumping a lot of water from the lake, and so is agriculture. But efforts like those from the Shoshone Nation to restore land may actually help save the GSL. And if you buy a GSL license plate, maybe some of that money will go to saving the lake.

MISS: Controlling Birth

It looks like the efforts to virtually lock Utah women into chastity belts isn’t working all that well. While statistics on abortions are limited, it looks like terminated pregnancies in Utah have risen drastically—by 1,718—since 2020, The Salt Lake Tribune reports. Yes, abortion in the state has been legal up to 18 weeks since 2022, but a lawsuit challenging a total ban is still in the courts. Reporting on abortions is, in itself, a tricky business, as it stigmatizes and harasses patients and doctors. Now, Texas is moving a step closer to chastity belts as it passes legislation to allow private citizens to sue over abortion medication coming into or going out of the state. It’s kind of like a pro-life lottery where you could get a big payout for snitching. CW

BY GAVIN SHEEHAN

Grizzly End

To the vocal sports fans crying about the soon-to-be-departing Utah Grizzlies hockey team, I have just one thing to say: Shut up, you barely gave a damn to begin with. There’s no denying the diehards and faithful fans of every sports team in Utah. But the vocal majority of people who are venting about losing our minor league ECHL team know nothing of what they complain about.

(My condolences if you’re still a Utah Jazz fan after we lost Mitchell and Gobert in the same year. But hey, we were only—checks notes—dead last overall in the 24-25 NBA season. There’s only one direction we can go, kids!)

As someone who attended multiple Grizzlies games over the past few years, I can vouch for seeing the Maverik Center barely one-third full on most nights, and half-full on a good weekend. I can buy a ticket in the back and get down to near-floor behind the teams without anyone asking. Because no one cares, they’re just happy someone showed up, which is saying something considering the concessions are shoddy, the beer is passable, the overpriced merch never fits unless you buy a size up and the staff would rather be working a concert. And I say this as someone who enjoys going to Grizzlies games! The cold reality is that the Grizzlies are leaving because we had this team for years and failed to support them the way everyone now supports the Utah Mammoth, and it’s because of three magical letters: NHL. A Grizzlies ticket is about $45 a person; Mammoth tickets start at $174 for the nosebleeds, which means fans were willing to pay a 286% increase because it’s an NHL team downtown. That doesn’t even cover season ticket holders, who have made the team profitable for the next two years even if they don’t show up. You don’t think Grizzlies ownership noticed that?!

Now, that’s not Ryan and Ashley Smith’s fault, nor the Mammoth as a team. They took advantage of an opportunity to finally put another major league sports team in SLC, which people have been demanding for years. But a lot of those people never gave the Grizzlies a second look, or know that the team won a championship in 1996, or even that the team currently called the Grizzlies isn’t the original franchise that won that 1996 title!

The hockey that many wanted or cared to see was NHL hockey, and it shows, which makes the outrage feel less about team pride and more like bemoaning over dumping a devoted ex for the new hot mess that just walked in. So the Grizzlies will most likely move to New Jersey after this season, probably changing their name to the Trenton Diablo as a feeder team to the Devils. If Utah fans wanted to, they’d pour money into this season and convincingly show it’s worth staying in.

If not, maybe the Smiths will convince the AHL’s Tucson Roadrunners (Mammoth affiliate) to move here, or the San Diego Gulls, to fit our state bird. I hear in 2026, we’re gonna have an empty arena in West Valley with dates to fill. CW

Dave Attell @ Wiseguys Gateway

Best known as the gruff and decidedly cynical host of Comedy Central’s Insomniac with Dave Attell, the show’s namesake found initial success courtesy of an appearance on VH1’s Stand-Up Spotlight. Five years later, his big break came when an appearance on The Late Show With David Letterman brought him to the attention of Saturday Night Live producer Lorne Michaels, who subsequently recruited him as an SNL writer and occasional cast member during the 1993-94 season. That was followed by two HBO comedy specials alongside Louis C.K. and Dave Chappelle, the Showtime series Dave’s Old Porn, Comedy Central’s Last Laugh, a featured placement on the 1995 “Young Comedians Special,” and later, standup specials including Dave Attell: Captain Miserable and Dave Attell: Road Work, plus his role as occasional commentator on The Daily Show

Other featured appearances include the Hulu series Life & Beth, the three-part Netflix series Bumping Mics with Jeff Ross, the Comedy Central stand-up series Dave Attell’s Comedy Underground and, most recently, the Netflix special Dave Attell: Hot Cross Buns. With numerous film and television credits to boot, it’s little wonder he’s been named one of the “25 Funniest People in America” by Entertainment Weekly. A comedian and bit of a curmudgeon, he’s clearly a busy man besides.

Dave Attell performs a 21+ show @ Wiseguys Gateway Showroom (190 S. 400 West) on Thursday, Sept. 11 and Friday, Sept. 12 at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 14 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $46 (plus fees) at wiseguyscomedy.com. (Lee Zimmerman)

Pioneer Theatre Company: 2 Pianos 4 Hands

The pursuit of artistic excellence can be unsettling and intense—but it can also be funny. At least, that’s what Canadian-born writers/musicians/performers Ted Dykstra and Richard Greenblatt seem to believe, based on the show they jointly created after meeting in 1993 and realizing that they both had similar experiences growing up playing piano with dreams of being concert pianists. The resulting production—2 Pianos 4 Hands—became a career for Dykstra and Greenblatt for several years following its debut in Canada in 1996, moving to off-Broadway and tours of North America and around the world.

The loose narrative finds pianists Ted and Richard (played Richard Todd Adams and Matthew McGloin) sharing stories of growing up with musical aspirations, and dealing along the way with driven parents, learning from unconventional teachers and participating in competitions. The production provides a showcase for the two actors, as they play the multiple roles of the various key figures in their lives, and playing a range of musical styles from classical to pop hits. The result is a frisky and funny exploration of what it takes to make it in the arts, and the sense of humor you have to keep about everything that accompanies that pursuit.

Pioneer Theatre Company kicks off its 2025-2026 season with the Utah premiere production of 2 Pianos 4 Hands at the Meldrum Theater (375 S. 1400 East) Sept. 12 – 27, with performances Monday – Thursday @ 7 p.m., Friday @ 7:30 p.m. and Saturday @ 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $44 - $57; visit pioneertheatre.org to purchase tickets and for additional event information. (Scott Renshaw)

BalletNEXT:

The Devil Wears Pointe Shoes

Since relocating from New York six years ago, Michele Wiles and her company

BalletNEXT have built a home in Park City, including a regular collaboration with the Park City Library that produces 12 shows a year. But the recent incorporation of Ogden-based dancers into a preprofessional program has sparked Wiles’ interest in expanding BalletNEXT’s reach to other parts of the state—including Salt Lake City. “It’s an artsy town, kind of like New York,” Wiles says of SLC, “so it’s like coming back to my roots in a way.”

To that end, BalletNEXT presents The Devil Wears Pointe Shoes, in which the three pieces provide an introductory overview to what the company is all about to those who many not know them. Scotch Bonnet features music by Colter Wall and the Blue Foundation, and a collaboration with Flex dancer Jay Donn; Loves You Like Me, originally staged in 2024, is performed to live original music by Josh Kelly. And the final piece, from which the evening draws its name, is a Western-themed work that premiered in 2023, and includes music from Lindsey Stirling, as well as familiar tunes like the theme from The Good, the Bad and the Ugly and Charlie Daniels Band’s “The Devil Went Down to Georgia.” Of the pieces that include dancers better known from other dance disciplines, Wiles says, “I definitely blur the lines. I always have.”

BalletNEXT’s production of The Devil Wears Pointe Shoes comes to the Rose Wagner Center (138 W. 300 South) on Monday, Sept. 15 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $6.50 - $16.50; visit saltlakecountyarts.org for tickets as well as additional event information. (SR)

If you care about the arts, or even make your living from them, the present is kind of a scary time—funding cuts, threats of censorship and creeping economic uncertainties.

That’s one reason why it’s always worthwhile to look to the future.

Utah has long been the youngest state in the nation by median age—32.4 years, compared to a national median age of around 39—primarily due to the larger-than-average size of Utah families.

That means a lot of children, and a lot of potential, future art lovers, in a state that has long ranked

near the top for per-capita attendance at live performing arts events.

For this year’s Fall Arts Issue, City Weekly looks at just some of the organizations that have made it part of their mission to encourage arts experiences for children and youth, from scheduling familyfriendly programming, to taking their artists on the road to Utah schools. It’s a reason to keep optimistic about the future of the arts in Utah, with all the joy and learning opportunities they can bring.

We’ll also provide our annual calendars and roundups of where you can go to check out great

BCAdance, theater, classical music, comedy, literature, visual arts and more, so that you can help those crucial organizations continue to thrive. We need them as much as they need us.

Whether you’re a parent, someone who experienced art yourself as a kid, or just a concerned citizen who wants the arts to flourish, we encourage you to use this issue to help plan for a year filled with the power of creativity.

Scott Renshaw Arts & Entertainment Editor

Utah arts organizations look to the future by inviting and educating young audiences.

by CITY WEEKLY STAFF

arts issue the

Think of the children

BY SCOTT RENSHAW SCOTTR@CITYWEEKLY.NET

Let’s face it: No age is too young to help turn a child into a lover of the arts. From board books and “Baby Mozart” to Sesame Street, creative work can be formative to creating a thoughtful, emotionally healthy person from an early age. And in a state with the lowest median age in the country, a wise arts organization can make the choice to be part of that process.

Thanks to the state of Utah’s Professional Outreach Programs in the Schools (POPS)—a nearly 50-year-old program that currently supports 15 organizations bringing arts performances and education to Utah schools—local kids have many opportunities to experience dance, theater, classical music, fine arts and more as part of their school day; during the 2022-2023 school year, the program served more than 473,000 K-12 students. Many of these organizations, and others besides, also provide child- and family-friendly productions as a way to invite younger audiences into the world of live performance.

This year, we spoke to a few such organizations to get a sense for what they do when they “think of the children,” and why their work and mission includes developing the next generation of arts-lovers.

Plan-B Theatre Company: The year-long road trip

As an organization that was launched largely as a showcase for original plays for adults and contemporary work like The Laramie Project, Plan-B Theatre Company might not seem like the likeliest organization to create work for children.

But as Plan-B artistic director Jerry Rapier notes, the same thing happened to the company as its creative team got older that happens to many people when they get older: Their priorities changed with the arrival of children.

It was circa 2012, when Rapier notes that he and his husband were preparing to adopt a child, and the company’s managing director, Cheryl Ann Cluff, also had young children. “We realized that we could do our mission of developing unique and socially-conscious theater, and apply it to children,” Rapier says.

Coincidentally, that year also marked the beginning of collaborative efforts between the resident arts organizations at the Rose Wagner Center and Plan-B’s creation of a co-production with the Gina Bachauer International Piano Foundation, based around Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf

“We worked with [Bachauer] to set up a tour for the spring of 2013 in elementary schools, and we were overwhelmed

with how big this tour was,” Rapier recalled of the experience. “We took a grand piano to each place that we went, because that’s part of Bachauer’s mission.”

That initial tour focused on schools in Davis County and Salt Lake County, working with pre-existing material. But that proved to be a model that Plan-B would not subsequently follow. In every year since, Plan-B has commissioned original plays from writers it has worked with over the years, including Matthew Ivan Bennett, Jenny Kokai, Jenifer Nii, Melissa Leilani Larson and Elaine Jarvik, covering topics ranging from bullying and dealing with grief to environmental issues (like this year’s Eb & Flo, written by Jarvik, for which there will also be public performances in October).

“Most of the people who have written for the tour have never written for children before,” Rapier notes. “And I specifically wanted that, because I didn’t want people to write down to them. So many plays for or about children are condescending; they assume that children can’t process the way adults can.”

Still, there’s a process organizations must follow to get materials approved by the state—one that became more complicated in 2024 when the state Legislature passed HB261, which restricted “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion” programs. “Last year’s show [EllaMental] specifically focused on the experiences of a young Black girl in 6th grade,” Rapier says. “I think things have relaxed a little bit, but at the beginning of last school year, the DEI law … there was some pushback and hesitation and concern. I think it was the hardest one to book.”

“There are some very clear limitations,” he added. “Things are on a little different wavelength than they have been in years past. But we also have to remember, especially in elementary schools, we’re really lucky to be there to interact with those children. It’s not the same as high school or college; the rules are there to make sure everyone has a good, safe day.”

They’ve also expanded to serving schools in the most farflung corners of the state. “At first, we were just trying to serve as many kids as we could, but then it hit us we should be trying to serve as many kids as we could in specific areas, which were geographically remote, underserved schools,” Rapier remarked. “[When we performed in 2018 at] Oscarson Elementary in Marysvale, it was like rock stars had come to town. The principal that year told us how meaningful it was that we would make the effort to come to them.”

Achieving that financial feasibility means stripping productions down to the bare bones, so that the two touring “companies” can pack everything the show needs—from costumes to set pieces to the actors themselves—into a single vehicle and its trunk. And while they’ve learned some things about managing the logistics of performing at schools many hours away from home, that doesn’t mean they won’t encounter the occasional snag—like getting stuck in the snow on a dirt road near Dugway two years ago. Still, the performers and creative team recognize the power of what they’re able to bring to these students—not just through the performances, but through additional programs like a playwriting curriculum that they’ve brought to several area schools. They understand it through the responses of children to the plays, of feeling seen and represented in these works, and connecting with the artists as they perform in an up-close-and-personal setting.

“What’s really exciting to see sometimes is the difference between the interactions of the kids when they enter, and how they feel like [the actors are] their friends when they leave,” Rapier says. “And that’s all within 40 minutes that this whole relationship takes place.”

And it’s a particularly powerful experience because, for many of the students they serve, it can be their first time ever seeing live theater.

“You’re literally introducing them to a whole art form,” Rapier remarked. “It’s pretty spectacular, and it’s a responsibility we take very seriously. Because we’re representing more than ourselves; we’re representing our art form. I’m not interested in developing audience specifically for us; I’m interested in developing audience period.”

Utah Symphony: Raising them right

On the surface, orchestral music might seem to be one of the least kid-friendly art forms there is: serious, sometimes-centuries-old music played in a venue where respectful silence is expected. Indeed, the Utah Symphony’s own market research indicates that the average age of its

audience members is 49 years old. Yet that’s exactly why providing opportunities for children and youth to engage with the symphony is so important—and, according to Utah Symphony/Utah Opera Vice President of Marketing and Communications Meredith Kimball Laing, why such programming has been part of the symphony’s seasons for nearly the entirety of its 80-plus history.

“It’s gone through many iterations over the years, and gone by different names,” Laing says. “But the commitment to youth programming dates back to the 1940s.”

Currently, in terms of performances at Abravanel Hall, that takes the form of the annual Family Series—performances of music targeting ages 3-10 that usually take place on a Saturday morning, in programs under an hour

in length. For the 2024-2025 season, those scheduled performances are the holiday Here Comes Santa Claus program (Dec. 20); Saint-Saëns’ The Carnival of the Animals (March 14); and The Magical Music of Harry Potter (April 18).

Laing notes that a key component of these programs is making them multi-disciplinary. In addition to the handson activities available in the lobby pre-performance—like the “instrument petting zoo” that allows children up-close interactions with symphonic instruments—the performances themselves involve a variety of components to help keep kids engaged.

“You’ll have the orchestra performing, but also dancers on stage,” Laing says. “For Carnival of the Animals, we have a collaboration with Children’s Dance Theatre. Projected illustrations is another common component. For Here Comes Santa Claus, it’s a story that gets played out on stage.”

Utah Symphony also participates in the POPS program, conducting what Laing calls “the most extensive education program of any arts organization in the U.S. in terms of miles traveled,” as well as bringing fifth-grade students in for concerts at Abravanel Hall. Yet there’s also an effort to address how to hold on to those youngsters as potential audience members when they leave the education system.

“Often what you see is, there are these education programs, but then there’s this gap,” Laing observes. “You graduate, and you’re in your young career, and there may be several years before you have the time or disposable income to return to the symphony opera. So we have to be attentive to that gap.”

One of the key factors in that gap, Laing notes, is the question of affordability of symphony ticket prices—or at least challenging assumptions about affordability. “The research that we’ve done indicates a few top factors in people perhaps hesitating,” she says. “It has largely to do with perceived price being one of the those barriers—and I want to be clear, that’s ‘perceived price’ and not real price. What they expect to be paying for a ticket is a lot higher than what they actually are. So it’s really more a matter of letting people know tickets are more affordable.”

Utah Symphony Instrument Petting Zoo

Continued on page 18

Continued from page 14 Utah Symphony/ Opera’s

Kimball Laing

Still, it remains a key element that they develop kids into the kind of youth and young adults who might actually want to spend a night at the symphony. Laing knows from feedback of the Family Series and education programs that kids are enjoying themselves and ready to learn more, as she shares in one of her favorite comments from a parent. “I brought my 6-year-old to Philharmonia Fantastique,” the parent wrote, “and she spent the full 25 minutes tapping my shoulder. ‘What’s that? What’s that? What’s that?’ … We will be raving about this concert for weeks! We watched Fantasia 2000 when we got home and she proudly announced, ‘THAT was a tuba.’” Laing adds, “Another colleague remembered a little boy coming bouncing out of a concert, gushing to his mom, ‘I didn’t know I liked music so much!’”

And responses like those are the first steps toward what could be a lifelong love of symphony.

“Over the past few years, we have seen a bit of a lowering of the average age [of attendees], which is certainly something we’re working toward—as all performing arts organizations are, to be sure,” Laing notes. “There’s some research we did a few years back, that the main reason people became audience members as adults was experiencing the symphony or the opera as a kid. So that’s really important.”

Repertory Dance Theatre: Spanning generations

When Repertory Dance Theatre made a transition in its spring fundraiser program from a professional-choreographer competition to a So You Think You Can Choreograph model, the creative team probably wasn’t considering how it would reveal the legacy of their educational work.

“We asked people in in our community if they were interested in choregraphing dance for the very first time,” says RDT co-artistic director Nicholas Cendese. “In the first round, I had four people who said, ‘I remember RDT from when I was in junior high and high school. And I love you guys so much, I want to come back and support the company.’ I was blown away.”

That’s the kind of experience you can have, though, when a company that is celebrating its 60th anniversary has had

arts education as part of its mission—according to Linda C. Smith, who has been with RDT since 1966 as dancer, artistic director and now as director emerita—“right from the beginning.” Today, as part of the POPS program, RDT has a mandate to visit every school district in the state within a three-year period, and coordinates with fellow POPS dancefocused organizations Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company and Tanner Dance to ensure that, as co-artistic director Lynne Larson puts it, “we’re not just all going to Tooele.”

Those traveling programs are meant as an introduction to the art of dance, sharing not just opportunities for students to see dancers perform, but discussing the elements of dance, and allowing students the opportunity to create dance together.

“I think what lends longevity to our programs, is that

we’re not just engaging them by lecturing,” Cendese says. “They get to listen, they get to dance, they get to watch; they’re using all of their different senses to learn.”

It’s also extremely important, the RDT team believes, to meet students where they are in terms of their existing experience of dance. “We’re not forcing an aesthetic on people,” Cendese added. “We’re allowing them to bring what they know and experience it through a different lens. I go in, and all the kids want to do is hip-hop. Well, I’m not a hip-hop dancer. I’ve never danced hip-hop in my life. But I can put on some hip-hop music and make you dance modern dance to it, and isn’t your mind blown: ‘This is the funnest thing I’ve ever done.’ And we’ve still taught all about modern dance and choreography.”

That personal, interactive component extends to the company’s middle- and junior high school-based Heritage Project, which invites students to participate in a choreographic workshop to create dance based on their own culture and heritage.

“These young artists get to go through the process with an RDT educator, taking their ideas, brainstorming, then working on how do you turn a word like ‘heritage’ into a movement,” Cendese says. “And how do you take that movement and create a movement phrase. And how do you take that movement phrase and create a dance.”

In addition to the in-school program, RDT also offers opportunities for children and youth to experience dance in a theatrical setting—though that concept has evolved over time, as Smith has observed.

“In the early days, we did formal performances in Kingsbury Hall geared for younger audiences, but we didn’t do what we considered a ‘kiddie show,” Smith recalls. “We used our repertory, with a kind of hook or through-line or theme to keep audiences engaged, but we’ve always tried to speak with young people in a language that’s not demeaning. We even heard that on tour when we went into a little community in Alaska. And a woman came up and said, ‘Thank you for not dancing down to us.’ We find ways to make arts accessible, but not by making them … ridiculous [laughs]. The kids are just people that can absorb and be curious.”

Continued on page 20

Continued from page 16

RDT co-artistic director Nicholas Cendese

The audience interacts with Salt Lake Acting Company’s Pinkalicious.

Currently, that idea takes the form of the “wiggle-friendly” performances that are part of the Ring Around the Rose series, with RDT presenting one such program on Saturday, Sept. 13. “When we moved into this building, and had a larger venue,” Smith says, “we developed a program for families once a month, September through May, so families could bring their children in to introduce in a more formal way a show with lights, in a theater.”

Cendese adds, “I think Ring Around the Rose actually allows RDT to engage a younger audience than we might in the schools. We have 1-, 2- and 3-year olds coming to Ring Around the Rose to experience shows with their families. It became an incredible way to expand the range of what we could provide, age-wise. So now we really can say, we offer a great creative experience to toddlers, to elementary, to junior high, to senior high, to college, to adults. Now I like to say we can serve the entire lifespan of the individual.”

That’s a process that can be seen in those who have graduated from being school children in RDT’s programs and become adults—and parents—with their own children. Regarding the ongoing Heritage Project, Lynne Larson notes that “one of the moms came up to us and said, ‘I’m so glad you’re still doing this. I got to do this when I was young, and now my daughter is doing this.’ And okay, that made me feel old [laughs], but that’s so great.”

Salt Lake Acting Company: Learning how to teach

When Salt Lake Acting Company launched its first children’s production—Go, Dog, Go! in 2009—Cynthia Fleming wasn’t entirely ready for what that would mean in terms of needing to interact with … children. Currently SLAC’s executive artistic director and then communications director, Fleming was tasked with being the person who welcomed in groups of first- and second-graders.

“I was so nervous, I just did not know what to expect,” Fleming recalls. “The first class came in 45 minutes early. I bring them up and seat them, just standing by, and all of the sudden, the teacher introduces me. ‘What? I’m not talking to kids.’ But then it just flowed. I asked them if they’d read the book, what they were expecting, if they’d ever seen a play. … To this day, I love seating the children.”

It was definitely a learning experience launching a kid-friendly program for a company that had been best-known to that point for contemporary adult-oriented (read: okay to say swears) theater and the ribald Saturday’s Voyeur production. But 2009 happened to mark a transitional point for the company, in part responding to the ongoing recession.

“The decision was made that producing a children’s show would help the energy, and bring new life to SLAC,” Fleming says. “Being a theater that produces new contemporary work for mature audiences, and then to all the sudden go to the whole other end of the spectrum to do a children’s show, was frightening. How do we do it? What do we do?”

Continued from page 18 Continued on page 22

In conjunction with director/educator Penelope Caywood (who also works with Plan-B on

developing their plays for children), SLAC developed a model that would continue to the present. The shows would stick to a time frame of under an hour; they would try to incorporate music. And they would opt for their plays to always be work based on a book, “which gives us something very tangible with the schools and the teachers,” Fleming says.

Now produced every year during the holiday season, SLAC’s children’s shows bring in approximately 2,000 students each year for 10 field-trip performances, in addition to a series of regularly-scheduled shows for all ages.

Part of the underlying goal for the show is to help kids learn how to be a theater audience, according to Erika Ahlin Bird, current SLAC development director.

“We give this whole host speech, and let them know to laugh if something is funny,” she said. “Once those lights go down, those kids are locked in. There’s nothing like hearing 200 kids react to the work that we do on stage. The giggles were thunderous.”

Feeling that response and connection from the young viewers is a huge part of what continues to make these productions special. “I try to look at every child’s eyes when they enter,” Fleming says. “I may get one out of 30 who looks at me; they just barrel in. At the end of the play, though, I’m standing to thank them all for coming, and eye contact is 100 percent. They all say thank you, they want to give me a hug. The transformation from an hour before is unbelievable. It’s like a drug to me.”

Like many of the other individuals at other organizations, Fleming talks about the importance of not “talking down” to young audiences, in trusting them to appreciate the work on its own level, despite the possible challenges of keeping them engaged. Fleming repeatedly credits Caywood—who consistently acts as director for SLAC’s holiday children’s shows—for providing the vision and understanding to respect the people they’re performing for.

Fleming knows that the children respond to the work they do—especially when they bring out the now-traditional disco ball to light up the stage.

“It was very clear—even at that time having worked in the theater most of my life, and administratively for 10 years—it really hit me,” she emphasized, “how powerful art is by the kids’ response and how they watched the play.”

And the opportunity to have that artistic experience is more important in a general sense, she believes, than the prospect that these kids will grow up to be the SLAC audience of tomorrow.

“What I really hope, more, is that when the children look at a stage with human beings right in front of them and seeing humans do something they never thought they could do, I hope they see possibilities and that the world opens up to them,” Fleming says. “What theater can do is help them think beyond what’s right in front of them. I’ve had young adults come and say, ‘I did see your kids’ show.’ It just shows us the possibility of us as humans.” CW

PERFORMING ARTS CALENDAR

Many of Utah’s amazing performing arts organizations have announced season calendars beginning in 2025 and running into 2026. Here’s a roundup of some of the key companies, titles and dates for the upcoming season. Information is always subject to change, so confirm with the individual organization when planning to purchase tickets.

The classic 1939 film adaptation of The Wizard of Oz has been in the news recently, and not for good reasons, thanks to the grotesque AI “enhancements” for a presentation at The Sphere in Las Vegas. If you really want to see a big-screen experience of one of the most beloved movies of all time, you don’t have to travel five hours or endure the creepy changes. The Utah Symphony this season offers a play-to-screen performance of the original score by Herbert Stothart and the amazing songs by Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg. Follow the yellow brick road to Abravanel Hall and share in the experience of vintage Hollywood magic, and the music that has contributed to that reputation.

CLASSICAL/LIVE MUSIC

Gina Bachauer International Piano Foundation (bachauer.com)

Sept. 26: Wynona Wang

Nov. 14: Arthur Greene

March 13: Mackenzie Melemed

April 13: Geniusas Duo

Utah Classical Guitar (utahclassicalguitar.org)

Sept. 13: Kithara Duo

Nov. 14: Kossler Duo

BY SCOTT RENSHAW SCOTTR@CITYWEEKLY.NET

April 18: Leonela Alejandro May 15: William Kanengiser

Utah Symphony (utahsymphony.org)

Sept. 12-13: Grieg’s Piano Concerto

Sept. 19-20: Mendelssohn’s Violin

Concerto & Beethoven’s Symphony No. 4

Sept. 23: Celebración Sinfónica

Sept. 26-27: The Music of Phil Collins and Genesis

Oct. 21: Halloween Spooktacular

Oct. 24-25: Rachmaninoff’s Symphony No. 1

Oct. 30-Nov. 1: Mahler’s “Titan” Symphony

Nov. 7-8: Tchaikovsky’s “Pathetique” Symphony

Nov. 12: Salute to Youth

Nov. 14-15: Films in Concert: The Wizard of Oz

Nov. 18-19: Music from Final Fantasy

Nov. 21-22: Music of Motown

Nov. 29-30: Messiah Sing-In

Dec. 2: Celtic Woman

Dec. 5-6: Strauss’ A Hero’s Life

Dec. 12-13: Dvorák’s Symphony No. 7 &

Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3

Dec. 19-20: Holiday Pops

Dec. 20: Here Comes Santa Claus

Dec. 30-31 & Jan. 2-3: Films in Concert:

Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back

Jan. 9-10: Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 1

Jan. 30-31: Mahler’s Symphony No. 4

Feb. 6-7: Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini

Feb. 13-14: Films in Concert: Up

Feb. 20-21: Madeline Adkins performs John Adams’ Violin Concerto

Feb. 27-28: Debussy’s La Mer

March 14: Family Series: The Carnival of the Animals

March 20-21: Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2

March 27-28: Respighi’s The Pines of Rome

April 10-11: Carmina Burana

April 17-18: La Vida Loca: Latin Pop Hits

April 18: Family Series: The Magical Music of Harry Potter

April 24-25: Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 3

May 1-2: Copland, Ives & A Guitar Concerto

May 12: Ben Folds

May 22-23: Bruckner’s Symphony No. 4

COMEDY

Delta Center (deltacenter.com)

Oct. 26: Adam Sandler

Nov. 29: Katt Williams

Dec. 5-6: Nate Bargatze

Eccles Theater (live-at-the-eccles.com)

Oct. 24: Jonathan Van Ness

Oct. 25: Sal Vulcano

Nov. 5: David Sedaris

Nov. 20-21: Fortune Feimster

Dec. 11-12: God is a Scottish Drag Queen

Jan. 16-17: Taylor Tomlinson

Kingsbury Hall (utahpresents.org)

Oct. 18: Jimmy Carr

Oct. 24: Justin Willman

Oct. 25: Sarah Millican

Nov. 7: Nate Jackson

Nov. 22: Nurse Blake

Dec. 6: Trevor Wallace

Jan. 15: Brad Williams

Maverik Center (maverikcenter.com)

Oct. 2: Bert Kreischer

Nov. 1: Tony Hinchcliffe

Wiseguys Gateway (wiseguyscomedy.com)

Sept. 11-14: Dave Attell

Sept. 12-13: Steven Rogers

Sept. 17: Amber Autry

Sept. 19-20: Nick Di Paolo

Sept. 19-20: Colum Tyrell

Sept. 19-20: William Montgomery

Sept. 19-20: Maddie Wiener

Sept. 24: Jen Fulwiler

Sept. 26-27: Dylan Carlino

Sept. 26-27: Yvette Segan

Sept. 27: Pinky Patel

Oct. 2-4: Duncan Trussell

Oct. 3-4: Jason Cheney

Oct. 3-4: Samuel J. Comroe

Oct. 8: Zach Rushing

Oct. 8: Zach Zimmerman

Oct. 9-11: Noel Miller

Films in Concert: The Wizard of Oz

Migrations

Repertory Dance Theatre: Migrations

The 60th anniversary season for Repertory Dance Theatre will be one of transition for the company, as longtime Artistic Director Linda C. Smith turns over the reins to new co-directors Nicholas Cendese and Lynne Larson. But it’s also a season that pays tribute to its roots and its connections, including a long-standing relationship with the works of choreograph Zvi Gotheiner.

The season premiere production, Migrations , marks a return of the 2021 work by Gotheiner and composer Scott Killian that addresses the impact of human activity on the natural world, as well as humanity’s own migration resulting from conflict and scarcity. Join in the seasonlong diamond jubilee milestone beginning with this performance.

Oct. 9: Shane Mauss

Oct. 10-11: Joe Zimmerman

Oct. 10-11: Susan Rice

Oct. 16-18: Casey Rocket

Oct. 17-18: Kelsey Cook

Oct. 17-18: Orion Levine

Oct. 23-25: Phil Hanley

Oct. 26: Neema Naz

Oct. 30: Rafi Bastos

Oct. 31-Nov. 1: Chris Kattan

Oct. 31-Nov. 1: Sean Fogelson

Nov. 6-8: Michael Blaustein

Nov. 6: Anthony Robustiano

Nov. 7-8: K Trevor Wilson

Nov. 8: Pete Jr.

Oct. 23-25: Phil Hanley

Nov. 14-16: Sam Morril

Nov. 20-22: Big Jay Oakerson

Nov. 28-29: Ryan Hamilton

Nov. 28-29: Bryan Callen

Dec. 11-13: Tim Dillon

Jan. 2-3: Greg Warren

Jan. 16-17: Mark Gagnon

Jan. 23-24: Rosebud Baker

DANCE

BalletNEXT (balletnext.org)

Sept. 15: Devil Wears Pointe Shoes

Oct. 22: Giselle

Dec. 10: The Nutcracker

Ballet West (balletwest.org)

Oct. 24 – Nov. 1: Romeo & Juliet

Nov. 7 – 15: A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Dec. 5-27: The Nutcracker

Feb. 13-21: Peter Pan

April 10-18: West Side Story: Broadway and Beyond

May 13-16: Choreographic Festival

Kingsbury Hall (utahpresents.org)

Oct. 15: Ballet Hispánico

Jan. 19: Ailey II

Feb. 12: Belle Danse

Live at the Eccles (live-at-the-eccles.com)

Nov. 1: Illuminate

Odyssey Dance (odysseydance.com)

Sept. 19 – Oct. 25: Thriller

Dec. 17-23: Christmas Spectacular

April 6-11: Shut Up & Dance

Repertory Dance Theatre (rdtutah.org)

Oct. 2-4: Migrations

Nov. 20-22: Ovation

Jan. 9-10: Emerge

Feb. 2-8: Diamond Gala

April 23-25: Anthology

Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company (ririewoodbury.com)

Sept. 25-27: Reverberation

Jan. 15-17: Traverse

April 17-18: Vantage Point

THEATER

Broadway at the Eccles (saltlakecity.broadway.com)

Sept. 30 – Oct. 5: Some Like It Hot

Nov. 11 – 16: Suffs

Dec. 4 – 14: Cirque du Soleil: ’Twas the Night Before …

Jan. 20 – 25: A Beautiful Noise

Feb. 10 – 15: Clue Live on Stage

March 24 – 29: Hadestown

April 8 – 26: The Phantom of the Opera

June 9 – 14: Back to the Future

July 7 – 12: Hell’s Kitchen

Aug. 25 – 30: Water for Elephants

Capitol Theatre (saltlakecountyarts.org)

Sept. 20: The Screwtape Letters

Nov. 30: A Drag Queen Christmas

Desert Star Playhouse (desertstar.biz)

Through Nov. 8: Wicked-er

Nov. 13 – Jan. 2: Scrooged: A Christmas Carol Part 2

Eccles Center, Park City (parkcityinstitute.org)

Feb. 27: One Night in Memphis

March 21: The Magic of Michael Grandinetti

Hale Centre Theatre (hct.org)

Through Nov. 15: The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940

Sept. 22 – Oct. 25: Sister Act

Nov. 17 – Feb. 14: Disney’s Frozen Nov. 28 – Dec. 27: A Christmas Carol

Jan. 19 – May 9: Peter Pan Goes Wrong

Feb. 9 – June 6: Hallmarked

March 9 – April 25: The Hunchback of Notre Dame

May 18 – July 11: My Fair Lady

May 25 – Aug. 1: Harmony

July 6 – Oct. 31: Our Town

Jan. 30-31: Geoffrey Asmus

Feb. 5-7: Jordan Jensen

Feb. 13-14: Dustin Nickerson

Feb. 13-14: Grace O’Malley

Wiseguys Jordan Landing (wiseguyscomedy.com)

Sept. 12-13: Ryan Erwin

Sept. 19-20: Sureni Weerasekera

Oct. 3-4: Sienna Hubert-Ross

Oct. 10-11: Alex Falcone

Oct. 17-18: Russ Nagel

Oct. 24-25: John Moyer

Nov. 7-8: Laura Peek

Nov. 14-15: Chris Estrada

Wiseguys Ogden (wiseguyscomedy.com)

Sept. 12-13: Heath Harmison

Oct. 3-4: Chris Munch

Oct. 10-11: Marcus & Guy

Nov. 14-15: Robert Mac

It would be a bit of an exaggeration to suggest that the journey of Hadestown to finally reach Salt Lake City were as arduous as the one Orpheus and Eurydice undertake to escape from the underworld—but perhaps only a slight one. After all, the musical adaptation of that well-known myth was in development for more than a decade by composer Anaïs Mitchell before it finally hit Broadway in 2019, only for the show to shut down for more than a year due to the COVID pandemic. Nevertheless, it has since become the longest-running show ever at Broadway’s Walter Kerr

and won eight Tony Awards. Catch the local touring company premiere next spring.

Hadestown

Hadestown

Theatre,

Utah Opera: The Shining Anyone who’s read Stephen King’s 1977 novel The Shining understands how the story can probe alcoholism and the psychological disintegration of a family with simmering menace; anyone who’s seen Stanley Kubrick’s 1980 film adaptation knows the story also lends itself to big performance moments. So it’s not surprising that the material was adapted into a 2016 opera by composer Paul Moravec and librettist Mark Campbell, returning to the book’s original ending. Yet they understand the pop-culture footprint of the film, as Denver Post critic Ray Mark Renaldi noted in his review: “Moravec gets that most people know this story from the [film], so he speaks the language of movie music— the shrill violin, the pulsing tempos of rising emotions, the bent note meant to warn audiences that things aren’t what they seem.” Experience the local premiere with Utah Opera.

Continued from page 26

New World Shakespeare Company (newworldshakespeare.com)

Nov. 7 - 22: Hamlet

Off Broadway Theater (theobt.org)

Oct. 3 – 25: Forever Dead

Nov. 28 – Dec. 20: Frightmare Before Christmas

Pioneer Theatre Company (pioneertheatre.org)

Sept. 12 - 27: 2 Pianos, 4 Hands

Oct. 24 - Nov. 8: Dear Evan Hansen

Dec. 5 - 20: Noises Off

Jan. 30 – Feb. 14: Ten Brave Seconds

March 20 – April 4: King James

April 24 – May 9: Come From Away

Plan-B Theatre Company (planbtheatre.org)

Oct. 2 – 19: Just Add Water

Oct. 4, 11 & 18: Eb & Flo

Feb. 12 – March 1: Dumbed Down

Feb. 14, 21 & 28: Eb & Flo

Pygmalion Theatre Company (pygmalionproductions.org)

Nov. 7 – 22: Tiny Beautiful Things

Feb. 6 – 21: Becky, Nurse of Salem

May 1 – 16: The Day My Vagina Met Richard Gere

Salt Lake Acting Company (saltlakeactingcompany.org)

Oct. 1 – 26: The Roommate

Dec. 5 – 30: Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Rock Experience

Feb. 4 – March 1: Sunny in the Dark

April 8 – May 3: Murder Ballad

June 24 – Aug. 16: SLAC’s Summer Show

Utah Opera (utahopera.org)

Oct. 11-19: The Shining

Jan. 17-25: Fidelio

March 7-15: The Elixir of Love

May 9-17: La Traviata

Utah Shakespeare Festival (bard.org)

Dates TBD: Hamlet

Dates TBD: Troilus and Cressida

Dates TBD: Twelfth Night

Dates TBD: Something Rotten!

Dates TBD: See How They Run

Dates TBD: She Loves Me

Dates TBD: Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein

Dates TBD: The Book Club Play

The Shining

Anthony’s Fine Art & Antiques

GALLERY GUIDE 2025

BY SCOTT RENSHAW

15th Street Gallery 1519 S. 1500 East, SLC 15thstreetgallery.com/m/

“A” Gallery/ Allen + Alan Fine Art 1321 S. 2100 East, SLC agalleryonline.com

Alpine Art 430 E. South Temple, SLC alpineartinc.com

Andre Hoggan Studios 850 S. 400 West Unit 111 andrehogganstudios.com

Anthony’s Fine Art and Antiques 401 E. 200 South, SLC anthonysfineart.com

Art Access 230 South 500 West #110, SLC accessart.org

Brushworks Gallery 160 E. 800 South, SLC brushworksgallery.com

David Dee Fine Arts 1709 E. 1300 South #201, SLC daviddeefinearts.com

David Ericson Fine Art 410 East 3rd Ave., SLC davidericson-fineart.com

FICE Gallery & Boutique

160 E. 200 South, SLC ficegallery.com

Finch Lane Gallery 54 Finch Lane, SLC saltlakearts.org

F. Weixler Gallery 132 E Street, SLC fweixlerco.com

Harrington Art Studio 6810 S. 300 West #5, SLC harringtonart.com

La Galeria de Mestizo 631 W. North Temple #700, SLC mestizocoffeehouse.com

Lanny Barnard Gallery 602 E. 500 South (Trolley Square) #1, SLC lannybarnardgalleryslc.com

Material Gallery 2970 S. West Temple materialartgallery.com

Modern Wes t

412 S. 700 West Suite 150, SLC modernwestfineart.com

Phillips Gallery 444 E. 200 South, SLC phillips-gallery.com

Rollie Studio 925 E. Harvey Milk Blvd. #4 rolliecloth.com

Salt Lake Pottery Studio 965 E. 900 South #100, SLC saltlakepotterystudio.com

Southam Gallery 7160 S. Highland Dr, SLC southamgallery.com

Urban Arts Gallery 116 S. Rio Grande Street, SLC utaharts.org

Continued from page 30

GALLERY GUIDE 2025

MUSEUMS

Chase Home Museum of Utah Folk Arts 900 E. 700 South (Liberty Park) artsandmuseums.utah.gov

Clark Planetarium 110 S. 400 West, SLC saltlakecounty.gov/clark-planetarium

Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum 444 W. 100 South, SLC discoverygateway.org

Fort Douglas Military Museum 32 Potter Street, SLC fortdouglas.org

Hill Aerospace Museum 7961 Cottonwood St., Building #1955, Hill AFB aerospaceutah.org

Museum of Ancient Life at Thanksgiving Point 2929 N. Thanksgiving Way, Lehi thanksgivingpoint.org

Natural History Museum of Utah 301 Wakara Way, SLC nhmu.utah.edu

This Is the Place Heritage Park 2601 Sunnyside Ave South, SLC thisistheplace.org

Utah Museum of Contemporary Art 20 S. West Temple, SLC utahmoca.org

Utah Museum of Fine Art 410 Campus Center Dr., SLC umfa.utah.edu

PARK CITY ART GALLERIES

Bret Webster Images 312 Main Street, Park City bretwebsterimages.com

David Beavis Fine Art 314 Main Street, Park City davidkbeavis.com

Gallery MAR

436 Main Street, Park City gallerymar.com

JG Art Gallery & Events 2078 Prospector Ave., Park City jgartgallery.com

Julie Nester Gallery

1280 Iron Horse Drive, Park City julienestergallery.com

Meyer Gallery

305 Main Street, Park City meyergallery.com

Montgomery-Lee Fine Art 608 Main Street, Park City montgomeryleefineart.com

Mountain Trails Gallery 301 Main Street, Park City mountaintrailsgalleries.com

Summit Gallery

825 Main Street, Park City summit-gallery.com

Susan Swartz Studios 260 Main Street, Park City susanswartz.com

Trove Gallery 804 Main Street, Park City troveparkcity.com

Julie Nester Gallery

COURTESY PHOTO

2025 FALL ARTS ISSUE LITERARY LISTINGS

BY SCOTT RENSHAW

Whether you’re a reader, a writer or a little bit of both, Utah has so many places to celebrate the power of words. Here’s a taste of where to go to get your lit on.

INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORES

The Book Box

58 E. 12300 South, Draper, shopbookbox.com

Cozy independent bookseller with a cute children’s corner.

Central Book Exchange

2017 S. 1100 East, central-bookexchange.com

General interest store in Sugar House, featuring more than 75,000 volumes on their shelves.

Dolly’s Bookstore

510 Main St., Park City, dollysbookstore.com

A fixture on historic Main Street for more than 50 years with a little something for everyone.

Golden Braid Books

151 S. 500 East, goldenbraidbooks.com

Focus on religion, philosophy, mindful living and alternative thinking.

Ken Sanders Rare Books

209 E. 500 South, kensandersbooks.com

Veteran bookseller with a collection of thousands of vintage books, including those with a focus on Utah and the American West.

The King’s English Bookshop

1511 S. 1500 East, kingsenglish.com

General interest store highlighting local authors, with frequent author and other literary events.

The Legendarium

349 E. 900 South, legendariumbooks.com

Science-fiction, fantasy and horror bookstore, with dedicated space for regular in-person game-playing activities.

Lovebound Library

145 E. 900 South, IG: @loveboundlibrary

Romance fiction covering a wide range of genres, including literary, historical, fantasy and young-adult.

Marissa’s Books

3302 S. 900 East, marissasbooks.com

The largest brick-and-mortar bookstore in the Salt Lake Valley in square-footage terms, with plenty of space to get lost with a book.

The Printed Garden

9445 S. Union Square, Suite A, Sandy South Valley full-service bookstore featuring new, gently-used and rare volumes.

Under the Umbrella

511 W. 200 South Suite 120

undertheumbrellabookstore.com

Fiction and non-fiction with queer themes and by queer authors. Safe LGBTQ+ gathering space.

Utah Book & Magazine

327 S. Main St.

Quaint and quirky spot with thousands of vintage books and magazines.

Bookseller Ken Sanders

Continued from page 34

Weller Book Works

607 Trolley Square, wellerbookworks.com

More than 95 years of the Weller family bringing new, used and rare books to Utah.

COMIC BOOK SHOPS

Black Cat Comics

2261 Highland Dr., blackcat-comics.com

Dr. Volt’s Comic Connection

136 S. Rio Grande St., (Gateway Mall) drvolts.com

The Nerd Store

3601 S. 2700 West, Suite G106 (Valley Fair Mall), nerdstoreutah.com 575 E. University Parkway, Orem (University Mall)

Heebeegeebeez

2262 Washington Blvd., Ogden heebeegeebeez.com

The Dragon’s Keep 189 E. State St., Lehi, dragonskeep.com

WRITER RESOURCES/EVENTS

Community Writing Center

210 E. 400 South, #8, slcc.edu/cwc

A project of Salt Lake Community College, featuring many regular workshops and coaching for aspiring and veteran writers.

League of Utah Writers leagueofutahwriters.com

Specialty chapters for various writing genres in all areas of the state, providing support, writing groups and more.

Salt Lake City Library slcpl.org

Eight branches in the Salt Lake City area, including many author events, art exhibits and event spaces, with in-person and digital availability.

Salt Lake County Library slcolibrary.org

Eighteen branches to serve you throughout the Salt Lake Valley, featuring event spaces and a massive in-person and virtual catalog.

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

Salt City Vodka FB & IG: @saltcityvodka

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 Month: Salt City Peach Vodka

Spirit of the Month

Impressively smooth Utah sipping vodka with a hint of peach! Small batched from 100% sweet corn & naturally gluten free!

Directions:

Follow @saltcityvodka on IG for tasty new recipes & products!

Celebrating

Beginnings and Endings

Epic journeys are at the core of three new theatrical features.

BY SCOTT RENSHAW scottr@cityweekly.net @scottrenshaw

The Long Walk BBB1/2

After overseeing four Hunger Games features, director Francis Lawrence has finally found a story about a post-apocalyptic competition of attrition that has some real allegorical heft and contemporary resonance to it—despite being based on 50-year-old source material. Adapted from the early Stephen King novel that was one of his pseudonymous “Richard Bachman” books, it’s set in an America economically devastated by war, where an annual competition for a huge prize sends one representative from each of the 50 states—including our primary protagonist, Ray Garraty (Cooper Hoffman)—on a grueling endurance test with no finish line and few rules: keep walking at a defined pace, stay on the road, and only the winner survives. It’s not easy to find cinema in a bunch of people walking and talking, sporadically interrupted by executions, but Lawrence finds haunting imagery in desolate countrysides and the increasingly haggard faces of the competitors. That visual sensibility pairs perfectly with JT Mollner’s script, which juxtaposes the macho-coded/jingoistic language of the walk’s military overseer (Mark Hamill) with the friendships that evolve between the young men. What emerges is a terrifically-acted narrative about desperate people being pitted against one another for scant resources—all in the name of a repressive government’s sense of patriotism—yet deciding instead to care about one another. The ending proves to be a difficult one to pull off completely, but there’s still a surprising emotional force in recognizing how compassion can be an act of rebellion. Available Sept. 12 in theaters. (R)

The Baltimorons BBB

The loosey-goosey, semi-improvisational style the Duplass brothers helped pioneer 20 years ago finds an ideal milieu—and a pair of engaging central performers—in director Jay Duplass’ story of a one-time improv-comedy

performer at a life crossroads. That protagonist is Cliff (Michael Strassner, who co-wrote with Duplass largely based on his own experience), who appears to be finding stability after a suicide attempt: reaching six months of sobriety, giving up improv stages and preparing to get married to his fiancée, Brittany (Olivia Luccardi). Then, on Christmas Eve, Cliff cracks a tooth—and begins an unexpected odyssey with Didi (Liz Larsen), the only dentist who answers his holiday emergency call. There’s definitely more plot stuff going on here than in many other “mumblecore” entries, and there are some enjoyable comedic situations, like Cliff’s anxiety about needles, and trying to retrieve Cliff’s car from an impound lot. But the real satisfactions come from the dynamic between Cliff and the somewhat older Didi, and the wounded charm both Strassner and Larsen bring to their tentative maybe-romance. It’s all wrapped up in an affectionate tour of Strassner’s native Baltimore and some of its oddball characters, plus a centerpiece improv showcase that finds low-key rom-com sweetness in all the various ways someone should be willing to say “yes, and …” to life. Available Sept. 12 in theaters. (R)

Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale BB1/2

“Things change, m’lord,” says Mr. Bates (Brendan Coyle), valet to Lord Grantham (Hugh Bonneville), “and we must change with them”—and that appears to be true of everything but the way feature films continue to be a bad fit for continuing this story. Change is indeed the theme of this latest tale following the characters from the 20102015 British series, set in 1930: Lord Grantham struggling with passing on control of the family estate to his daughter Mary (Michelle Dockery); Mary trying to get polite society to accept her divorce; members of the Downton Abbey staff facing the uncertainty of retirement; the Yorkshire equivalent of the county fair bringing in working-class folk to help with the planning. Yet that litany of subplots itself indicates the challenge the film has of keeping up with more than a dozen recurring characters, plus a few new additions, none of whom can make up for the absence of the late Maggie Smith. The embarrassing Singin’ in the Rain ripoff that was 2019’s Downton Abbey: A New Era behind him, series creator Julian Fellowes now indulges only in self-plagiarism, borrowing narratives about scandalous divorce and family fortunes taken by con artists from his own The Gilded Age, and he does understand how to deliver some pulpy pleasures. There’s just a lot going on in these movies, all of which now needs be tied up in neat bows, for a reminder that some TV shows are better served remaining as TV shows. Available Sept. 12 in theaters. (PG) CW

Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale

DINE

Lentils and Lunches

Reflecting on a few of my favorite plant-based lunch spots.

BY ALEX SPRINGER comments@cityweekly.net @captainspringer

With the Salt Lake VegFest (slcveg. com) on the horizon (Sept. 13 from noon to 8 p.m. at Library Square), I got thinking about my own recent experiences with local plant-based fare. Utah is one of those rare markets where a plantbased restaurant can thrive, and pioneers like Vertical Diner, Monkeywrench, Bud’s, Seasons and Saffron Valley have raised the bar when it comes to vegetarian and vegan dining. I remember feeling a bit hesitant to try the plant-based versions of diner comfort food during my first visit to Vertical Diner, but after one bite, I realized how special plant-based food really can be.

I have nothing but love for a plantbased or vegetarian diet, and I like to stay frosty when it comes to good meatless options around town. There are still plenty of places on my list to check out, but I’ve thought long and hard about my favorites thus far. As a little vegan amusebouche before VegFest kicks off this weekend, here are a few of my favorite local plant-based lunches. Most of them will be at VegFest this year, so make sure to check them out.

The Reuben Sandwich at Vertical Deli (3245 S. State St., 385-500-2794, verticaldeli.com): I can credit the Dude Cakes at Vertical Diner for opening the door to

the possibilities of plant-based food, so I was excited to see what the owners would do with Vertical Deli. This sister restaurant to Vertical Diner opened earlier this year, and it has made good on its mission to provide tasty plant-based deli to the Wasatch Front. There are plenty of great options on the menu, but the sandwich I keep coming back to is the Rueben.

It’s a sandwich that I would always submit as the right way to turn something known for its meatiness into a plant-based option. Vertical Deli’s version replicates the key elements of a Reuben: You’ve got the fermented acid from the sauerkraut, the sharpness of the rye bread and the smokiness of the vegan pastrami. All the flavors are there and they’re wellbalanced, which is an impressive feat for a plant-based deli.

The Varby’s Beef N’ Cheddar at Vegan Daddy Meats (569 N. 300 West, K102, 385-315-2177, vegandaddymeats.com): Vegan Daddy Meats is the kind of plantbased restaurant that understands the appeal of fast-food restaurants. Anyone on a meatless diet but craving Kentucky Fried Chicken anyway will have a friend at Vegan Daddy. The restaurant specializes in sandwiches and sides, but it’s the unapologetic references to Arby’s that really won me over. Dubbed the Varby’s Beef N’ Cheddar, this sandwich faithfully recreates the goopy Beef and Cheddar from Arby’s in both appearance and flavor. From the soft onion bun to the thinly sliced protein and gooey cheese sauce, it’s one of the most faithful vegan adaptations that I’ve ever tried. The restaurant’s vegan roast “beaf” is the secret weapon, I think. It also fuels Vegan Daddy’s take on a French dip which may be a close second to the Beef N’ Cheddar.

The Breakfast Bacon Bagel Sandwich at Sweet Hazel & Co. (1000 S. Main St.,

801-889-1466, sweethazelandco.com):

While my first few experiences at Sweet Hazel & Co. were all about trying the restaurant’s desserts—this is one of the finest places to indulge a sweet tooth—I soon moved on to the savory side of the menu. Sweet Hazel has a great selection of sandwiches and burgers to choose from, but I was most impressed with the restaurant’s bagel breakfast sandwich. Oftentimes bagels don’t lend themselves to a breakfast sandwich; I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had sandwich fillings goosh out all over the place because of a dense bagel situation.

The bagels at Sweet Hazel really work for this particular arrangement, however. I also like the restaurant’s bacon substitute, as it has a good texture and doesn’t go crazy with the smoke flavoring. All in all, this is a great plant-based alternative to a classic breakfast sandwich.

The Masala Dosa at SV Cafe (1617 W. 9000 South, 801-996-3628, svcafeutah. com): Even before Saffron Valley assumed management of SV Cafe (formerly Sri Balaji), the restaurant’s masala dosas were an excellent example of how flavorful and filling plant-based food can be. The restaurant’s signature dosas are made with a fermented rice-and-lentil flour that is then poured out on a griddle before getting flipped like a crepe. Once the dosa is ready, it’s generously stuffed with a comforting potato masala, and served with a few different chutneys.

When one of these comes to the table, it’s a gawk-worthy display of size and color. While the menu of SV Cafe does include dishes with cheese, they’re easy to avoid for those after something vegan. Such is the case with all of Saffron Valley’s restaurants, which have been reliable destinations for vibrant vegetarian cuisine for years. CW

2 Row Brewing

73 West 7200 South, Midvale 2RowBrewing.com

On Tap: “Czech One-Two” Czech Pilsner

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

Salt Lake City, UT 84115 chappell.beer

On Tap: Pie Hole - Strawberry Rhubarb Tart Ale

Corner Brew Pub Sugar House

2110 S. Highland Drive, SLC saltlakebrewingco.com/wasatch

On Tap:  Top of Main Coalition Hellfire Chili Pepper Ale

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:  Centennial Steamer, California Common Lager

Epic Brewing Co.

825 S. State, SLC EpicBrewing.com

On Tap: Imperial Pumpkin Porter

Etta Place Cidery

700 W Main St, Torrey www.ettaplacecider.com

On Tap: Imperial Cider, Fig-Tamarind Session Mead

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

NEW: Cyotee Elvis Kolsh

Heber Valley Brewing

501 N. Main Street, Heber City, UT hebervalleybrewing.com

On Tap: 8 rotating beers

New Release: Beer Thief - Imperial IPA 9.6% ABV

Helper Beer

159 N Main Street, Helper, UT  helperbeer.com

Hopkins Brewing Co. 1048 E. 2100 South, SLC HopkinsBrewingCompany.com

On Tap: Wolf Moon - Amber Ale

Kiitos Brewing

608 W. 700 South, SLC KiitosBrewing.com

On Tap: Fonio!!!

Level Crossing Brewing Co.

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

On Tap: Helles Munich Style Lager

Level Crossing Brewing Co., POST

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

On Tap: Look Up! Amber Ale on Nitro

Moab Brewing 686 S. Main, Moab TheMoabBrewery.com

On Tap:  “Big Drop” West Coast Pilsner

Mountain West Cider

425 N. 400 West, SLC MountainWestCider.com

On Tap: Sage Advice (Peach and Sage Hard Cider)

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: Canadian Pub Water - Lager

Policy Kings Brewery

79 W. 900 South, Salt Lake City PolicyKingsBrewery.com

On Tap: Kings Proper Kolsch

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

BEER NERD

Recipes for Success

When brewers share their secrets, we all win.

BY MIKE RIEDEL comments@cityweekly.net @utahbeer

Ilove this new trend where breweries proudly proclaim their hop and malt bills to their customers, giving them all the info they need to make the best choices regarding their next pint.

It’s also helpful because it educates the beer nerd on what one is tasting, and why it tastes like it does. These two India Pale Ales are wonderful examples of “sharing is caring.”

Epic - Small Batch Series (Ripstick): Prepare your palate, because this double IPA has a crazy melange of hops. The provided hop bill for this brew features El Dorado, Mosaic and Citra in the whirlpool. Krush, Mosaic: Dry hop with Krush oil added to the Brite Tank.

From the moment it hits the glass, you’re greeted with an unfiltered apricotlooking body, beautifully punctuated by shimmering golden highlights—an inviting sight that hints at something special. As you bring the glass closer, the aroma is an immediate head-turner. A dank, complex bouquet explodes forth, featuring prominent notes of citrus peel, an intriguing medley of berries and an unmistakable whisper of cannabis. It’s a captivating prelude to the first sip. And what a sip it is! The berries, which hinted at their presence in the aroma, absolutely pop on the initial taste, delivering a vibrant and juicy burst that dominates the forefront. This isn’t just a fleeting flavor; it quickly evolves into a full-bodied experience that borders on chewy, providing a luxurious and substantial mouthfeel that really satisfies. As the journey continues, subtle hints of cantaloupe begin to emerge, adding another layer of complexity to the fruit profile. This sweetness is well balanced by the distinctive, cannabis-like flavors derived from the Krush hop oils, which linger

delightfully on the finish. This interplay of fruit and dankness creates a genuinely dynamic and memorable flavor profile.

Verdict: Damn it, that’s fun to drink!

This 8.7 percent DIPA is an absolute joy from start to finish—bold, complex and incredibly well-crafted. If you’re seeking a double IPA that pushes boundaries and delivers an unforgettable sensory experience, look no further.

TF - Brew Beaux: This hazy IPA also has a stone fruit look, and announces its intention with a formidable hop bill, showcasing whole leaf Strata, Strata CGX and Strata T90, complemented by Mosaic, Nelson and a Citra “hop dip.” Such a diverse lineup sets high expectations.

Upon first impression, the aroma and initial taste are dominated by a vibrant burst of citrus peel. This isn’t just a bright, zesty citrus; it carries an edge of dankness, adding a layer of “oomph” that elevates it beyond a simple fruit note. This dank citrus acts as a gateway, drawing you further into the beer’s hop profile.

From this citrusy foundation, the flavors weave in and out, transitioning between succulent melon and an array of enticing tropical notes. Each sip offers a slightly different nuance, keeping the palate engaged and eager for more. This interplay ensures that the beer remains consistently interesting, never settling into a monotonous rhythm.

What truly surprised me, however, was the finish. Given the heavy regiment of Strata hops in the bill, I anticipated a more strawberry character, but was instead met with a noticeable and delightful presence of Nelson Sauvin berry notes. These bright, almost wine-like berry flavors emerge beautifully, providing a sweet counterpoint that lingers on the palate, offering an unexpected conclusion to each sip. The 6.7 percent body is nearly perfect for the overall drinking experience.

Verdict: This unexpected twist truly elevates the beer, making it a memorable and highly enjoyable hazy IPA that constantly surprises and delights.

Yup, you guessed it: These are limited, seasonal beers. If you like them, show your support and let the respective brewers know. Who knows—you may help move these into a more permanent status. As always, cheers! CW

Brick & Mortar Now Open!

Wed-Fri 7-3 & Sat-Sun 8-3

BACK BURNER

BY ALEX SPRINGER | @captainspringer

Support Blatch’s Backyard BBQ

Chris and Joy Blatchford, who run Blatch’s Backyard BBQ out of their Avenues home, were recently struck by a tragic fire that destroyed most of the establishment’s equipment. Chris Blatchford was hospitalized with second-degree burns, but the restaurant’s social media (@blatchsbbq) has remained optimistic throughout the accident. While we’re glad that Chris and Joy are recovering, it’s hard to see such a great operation get hit with such adversity and we’ll be monitoring their progress. Keep an eye on the restaurant’s socials to see if they need a hand, but it’s a good bet that this won’t keep the Blatchfords down for long.

Intro to Cider and Food Pairing at Scion Cider Bar

Those who are new to the world of cider—and, more importantly, what food to pair it with—will want to check out Scion Cider Bar (scionciderbar.com) on Sept. 17. Rio Connelly, Scion Cider Bar’s head cidermaker and certified pommelier, will be presiding over the event. Under Connelly’s tutelage, attendees will learn the basics of cider and see how cider’s chemical composition can create flavorful alchemy with certain food pairings. With craft ciders growing in popularity, a night like this can arm you with the knowledge necessary to really impress your crush. Tickets are available via Scion Cider Bar’s website, and the event starts at 7 p.m.

Knoops Chocolate Eyes Ninth and Ninth Location

A famous U.K.-based drinking chocolate shop has made designs on opening one of its first locations in the U.S.—and it just so happens to be in the Ninth and Ninth neighborhood. It’s called Knoops, and it’s made quite a name for itself all over Europe, including coverage in The Guardian and The Telegraph Knoops specializes in gourmet drinking chocolate made from dark chocolate flakes from Venezuela and Colombia. It’s a safe bet that Knoops will be a huge hit locally; Utah has a ton of non-coffee drinkers who desperately want to be coffee-drinkers, and this will be perfect for that audience.

Quote of the Week: “As long as there is chocolate, there will be happiness.” – Wayne Gerard Trotman

Music Mailbag September 2025

Fresh releases from 26Fix, Graveljaw Keaton and Pepper Rose.

BY EMILEE ATKINSON eatkinson@cityweekly.net @emileelovesvinyl

26Fix, “Tester Snake”:

Just as listeners (namely me) were wondering where 26Fix had disappeared to, she appeared on Instagram sharing that new music was imminent. We then received the gift of a new single, “Tester Snake,” on Aug. 26, the first single from 26Fix (singer/songwriter Erica Goodwin) since 2023. This new single precedes an EP of the same name, dropping Oct. 26. 26Fix’s sound has always been on the side of the weird and wacky—in the best way possible, of course. You can always find punchy bass, interesting electronic effects and out-of-this world lyrics detailing pickles trying to kill people, and other such absurdities (again, absurd in the best way).

“Tester Snake” takes on a heavier-sounding approach, seemingly “testing” the waters with a new and ramped-up feel. The distortion is dialed up to 11, and Goodwin’s vocals are both loud and in your face. There are still electronic effects aplenty, but with this new single, it seems like 26Fix is gearing up to offer the local scene a new and alluring sound. You can find “Tester Snake” anywhere now, and keep an eye out for the EP on Oct. 26.

Graveljaw Keaton, “let me know what you think”: Graveljaw Keaton’s brand of Western-influenced and lo-fi-inspired sound is just

smooth as hell. Lo-fi is categorized by its mellow and relaxing atmosphere, and often has a lot of electronic elements. Keaton beautifully blends these elements with his appealing instrument skills. His music is chill, but also musically complex with the soloing he does on the guitar.

“Let me know what you think” is a delightful entry in Keaton’s library, offering an escape into a lovely lo-fi world that feels like jumping into a pool—the sound of this song surrounding you like water. It even has a floaty effect, making you feel light and airy, as if floating on the surface of the water on a warm summer day. With just the right amount of reverb and electronic elements in the background, this track will have you vibing instantly. “Let me know what you think” is the third single we’ve gotten from the singer/songwriter this year, and hopefully he keeps them coming. It’s hard not to hear his music and not instantly add it to your playlists. Check out “let me know what you think,” streaming everywhere now, and maybe let Keaton know what you think.

Pepper Rose, Meetings for the Shy: This one released back in May, but hey, no time like the present to talk about some great local rock tunes. If you know anything about the local scene, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of Pepper Rose, or perhaps even heard her music. She has had a great solo career, but also got a lot of attention as the frontwoman for the rock outfit Spirit Machines, who made the news for their mashup of the songs “Kashmir” by Led Zeppelin and “Sober” by Tool. They also have a track featured in the 2020 video game Cyberpunk 2077. The group already had a sound and vibe based on a cyberpunk sensibility, so it was a perfect fit. These days, Spirit Machines is quiet, but Rose has continued her burgeoning solo outfit with the same zeal and energy

MUSIC

as she did with the rock group. Her latest EP, Meetings for the Shy is a thoughtful and heartfelt group of songs that speaks to her younger self, and will probably hit home with many listeners.

“This record is for a very enthusiastic wild and weird child who lives inside me,” Rose noted on Instagram back in May. “It all started in second grade when my bully ‘Jessica D’ told all the girls not to play with me, and so they didn’t—ostracized and hurt, I became an unwashed tom-boy who was determined to un-Jessica herself entirely and to find a place to finally play. I haven’t really figured out all the social skills yet and some hurts never heal all the way, but in music I’ve found a place to meet like-minded weirdos and a stage to show it all off.”

If you ask any adult, no matter their age, it’s likely they can also name their child-

hood bully and recall details of how said bully made them feel at the time.

“This album is full of vignettes of lost loves and scenes from my frustrated imagination,” Rose added. “The super hero song is a standout track that I hope will hit home.”

“Super Hero” does in fact hit like an emotional punch to the gut. Not a bad thing of course, but the feeling Rose described above is clear and is captured well in her sound and style.

You can always find Rose playing shows around town, which is great because any of these songs would be a treat to hear live. Her performances are lively and dynamic, and this EP is clearly deeply meaningful, so that makes for a fantastic listening experience, live or recorded. Stream Meetings for the Shy everywhere now. CW

BEST BAR IN UTAH!

MUSIC PICK S

Space Laces @ The Complex 9/12

For fans of Excision or Downlink, Space Laces (Ian Slider) features a similar type of heavy bass with a bit of theatrics. Hailing from Louisville, Ky., the electronic producer boasts an impressive discography, spanning two albums and 11 singles. The remix of Excision’s “X Rated featuring Messinian” was featured on Excision’s remix album X Rated Remixes, and pushed Slider into the spotlight. You may have known him in the past as cornandbeans, Shelter, MASTERHAND or more recently as hivemind (Slider performed at Das Energi this year under this alias), dabbling in all sorts of genres from techno and trance as well as drum and bass. However, he’s best known for his heavier dubstep. Slider’s work has a deeply creative edge to it; for example, something you might not expect to work but definitely does is his sample of “Carl Sagan’s Last Interview With Charlie Rose” in one of his earliest tracks, “Deep Space.” He leans into the otherworldly tone. This tour specifically is in anticipation of Slider’s newest album Vaultage 004, which is the fourth installment of his acclaimed mix series of the same name, due to be released in November of this year. This is an 18+ show on Friday, Sept. 12; doors open at 9 p.m. Local acts Vertekz and Kenetic Kannibalz open the show, so make sure to show up early enough to support them. Tickets cost $46.82 at thecomplexslc.com. (Arica Roberts)

THURSDAY FRIDAY

SHARK

MASHPAD

TUESDAYS

MUSIC PICK S

Alpine Loop, Saving Sydney, Lie For Fun, Suitable Miss @ Urban Lounge 9/13

Pop punk is one of the most fun, energetic and lively genres out there. It’ll make you want to mosh, jump up and down and headbang to your heart’s delight. Those of us who listened to it in the early aughts through the 2010s know that it’s not just a phase—you’re a member of the club for life. SLC pop punk duo Alpine Loop are carrying the torch well, dazzling the local scene with their easycore version of the genre. Their latest EP, Worst History, is a delightful romp, with all of those loud/lively sounds you’d expect. Between ripping guitar solos, punchy vocals and relatable lyrics, they deliver in spades. The rest of the bill will bring just as much energy, featuring fellow locals Saving Sydney, another group with a penchant for nostalgic punk-pop sounds. They don’t have any brand-new releases, but their library is full of exceptional singles and EPs; their single “Cigarette & Broken Hearts” in particular is a must-listen. A couple other rad bands from neighboring states will also join in on the fun. Lie For Fun and Suitable Miss come to us from Nevada and Colorado, respectively, and should make this night one to remember. Come jam out on Saturday, Sept. 13 at 6 p.m. Tickets for the 21+ show are $16.92 for GA and $92.18 for a booth reservation. Grab tickets at 24tix.com. (Emilee Atkinson)

MUSIC PICK S

Hot Tuna @ The State Room 9/16

Hot Tuna began as a side project in 1969 when guitarist Jorma Kaukonen and bassist Jack Casady were still members of another legendary group, Jefferson Airplane. Designed as a vehicle for their more blues-oriented compositions, Hot Tuna released their self-titled debut album in 1970, featuring a live set capturing the band as a trio (with harmonica player Will Scarlett). It was well-received by critics and fans alike, reaching number 30 on Billboard ’s album chart. The group has always been a loose and malleable aggregation, but Kaukonen and Casady have stayed steady as the group’s omnipresent core. Hot Tuna has recorded and performed as both a highly-charged, powerful blues-rock band and as a strippeddown acoustic group, sometimes with only the two mainstays. The band’s most recent studio outing is 2011’s Steady As She Goes; since that time, Hot Tuna has focused primarily on live performances. A 2019 archival set documents a 1969 show in Santa Rosa, Calif. Today, Kaukonen (age 84) and Casady (81) remain as fiery as ever. Hot Tuna comes to The State Room Tuesday, Sept. 16 at 8 p.m. Tickets for this 21+ show are $55 and up from axs.com.

(Bill Kopp)

The Lone Bellow @ The Commonwealth Room 9/16

The Lone Bellow was a result of unfortunate circumstance: a songwriting project for Zach Williams following his wife’s temporary paralysis due to a horseback riding accident. While she was in recovery, Williams captured the experience in a journal. Later, his friends encouraged him to learn guitar, and turn his notes into songs. Following his wife’s recovery, the couple moved to New York City where Williams began performing solo around Brooklyn and New York City. Eventually, he connected with an old friend, guitarist Brian Elmquist; the two were then joined by singer Kanene Pipkin, and the trio took shape. They originally called themselves Zach Williams and the Bellow, eventually shortened to The Lone Bellow prior to

releasing any albums. Despite receiving numerous accolades, the band’s always managed to maintain a certain understated ambiance. Nevertheless, their last album, 2022’s Love Songs For Losers, offered a clear and confident step forward, one that despite its somewhat disparaging title, ably confronted the conflicting emotions in a world where relief often seems in short supply. Happily, that hasn’t diminished their powers of expression, and when the band declares their determination and defiance on the album’s anthemic opening track, “Honey,” they make it clear they’re prepared to persevere regardless of whatever obstacles are tossed in the way. The Lone Bellow perform at The Commonwealth Room with guest Valley James on Tuesday, Sept. 16 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $38 - $64 at axs.com. (Lee Zimmerman)

Ice Cube @ Maverik Center 9/17

Ice Cube’s place in the history of modern music is assured. Being involved with four iconic hip-hop albums is four more than most have achieved, and still, the artist born O’Shea Jackson is consistently putting out new material. I just can’t see the guy being superseded over the passage of time. Sure, not all of his current joints will reach the heights of his solo albums AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted, Death Certificate and The Predator. Tastes and trends change. However, the one you love to hate routinely sells out shows, while always speaking truth to power. “If I ain’t making somebody mad, I’m not doing something right, and it’s not like that’s my purpose, but the truth shows all blemishes, you know, the mirror…” Cube told Idea Generation. “Some people don’t like the truth. But if you ugly, you can’t blame it on the mirror.” It’s not all explicit though. If you can find it, there’s a PG version of N.W.A.‘s touchstone Straight Outta Compton where the lyrics are re-recorded rather than bleeped/muted/ reversed. It’s pretty entertaining hearing the words they’ve substituted for the swears. Also, 1990’s Kill at Will is a superb EP. The track “Dead Homiez” is haunting and well-written, and “Jackin’ for Beats” is still ahead of its time. Catch this artist on the Truth to Power—Four Decades of Attitude tour at Maverik Center on Wednesday, Sept. 17. Doors at 7 p.m. Tickets for the all-ages show are $39.70, and can be found at ticketmaster.com. (Mark Dago)

free will ASTROLOGY

BY ROB BREZSNY

ARIES

(March 21-April 19)

I can’t speak the Quechua language, which is Indigenous to the Andes Mountains. But I have lifted one of their words to use for our purposes here: munay It refers to an intensely practical and visionary love that includes far more than sweet feelings and affection. When we practice munay, we offer discerning respect and detailed appreciation to those we adore. We are generously eager to help our allies live their best lives. It takes discipline! And focus! And ingenuity! To be a rigorous and vigorous source of munay we must cultivate it as a daily practice. In the coming weeks, Aries, I hope you will go a bit wild in your expression of this tender force of nature. Imagine yourself as a gentle whirlwind of love that spreads interesting beauty and bestows useful blessings. Be a relentless dispenser of catalytic gifts.

TAURUS

(April 20-May 20)

The medieval Persian polymath Avicenna believed the soul entered the fetus not with the first heartbeat, but with the first dream. I offer this idea for your poetic consideration, dear Taurus. Let’s imagine that the next beautiful thing you create will not arise from your forceful intention. Rather, it will emerge because you give yourself permission to fantasize, to wander freely in wonder, and to meander with curiosity on the frontiers. Your assignment is not to hustle, but to incubate; not to push forward, but to dwell expectantly in the mystery.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20)

The bowerbird constructs elaborate ground-based shrines not as nests but as seduction lures. The enticer might gather blue bottle caps, yellow flowers and shiny stones so as to create a scene that piques the attention of a potential mate. These objets d’art are not merely decorative. They are displays that demonstrate discernment, skill and aesthetic intelligence. I authorize you to be like a bowerbird, Gemini. What collection of symbols, words, gestures, and curiosities will magnetize the people or opportunities you long to engage with? It’s not about flashiness; it’s about alignment. What you draw into your sphere will reflect the vibes you emanate.

CANCER (June 21-July 22)

The pearl doesn’t begin as treasure. In its earliest form, it’s an irritation: a grain of sand that’s really a wound inside the oyster. Over time, the creature coats it with layers of nacre, turning discomfort into luminescence. Let’s use that as a metaphor for you. In my view, your task is not to escape or shed what’s bugging you, but to expedite the coating process. What is that gritty thing? A memory, injustice or unmet yearning? It’s crucial you don’t reject it or let it fester. It’s best to turn it, layer by layer, into a luminous asset, even a treasure. Prediction: The pearl you form will long outlast the wound.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)

Olive trees can thrive in rugged environments and nutrient-poor soils. Their root systems are wide, deep and resilient. They are well-adapted to full sun, high temperatures and low water availability. In comparing you to an olive tree, Leo, I’m not implying you will always have to be as hardy as they are. But in the coming weeks, you will be wise to be equally plucky and persevering. Here’s another fact about the olive tree you can and should emulate: Its fruit is valuable and in demand.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

The Basenji is a dog breed that doesn’t bark. Instead, it produces an eerie yodel called a baroo. This oddity isn’t a flaw or drawback; it’s an interesting uniqueness. In the coming weeks, I invite you to express your versions of the baroo—your idiosyncratic offerings and singular gifts. Playfully resist the pressure to be conventional or “on brand.” Be faithful to what yearns to come out of you, which may be raw, radiant and a little weird. Let your authenticity be what it is: a beacon, not a liability.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

Scientists discovered that some caterpillars, while dissolving inside their cocoons, retain memories of their caterpillar lives even after becoming butterflies. In my view, that’s equivalent to us humans remembering details of our previous incarnations: having an all-new body but being able to draw on what our past body learned. According to my analysis of the astrological omens, you will be able to draw on this amazing capacity in the coming weeks. The person you used to be will have key revelations and inspirations for the future you.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

According to Celtic mythology, Cerridwen is the goddess of inspiration. In her cauldron, she brews elixirs that bestow the powers of wisdom, creativity, and transformation. The humans most likely to earn her blessings are those who are patient and willing to be changed. Of all the signs in the zodiac, you Scorpios are now at the top of the eligibility list for gifts like these. And the next three weeks will be the most favorable time for you to ask for and receive such blessings. Here’s a clue that will help you get all you deserve: Believe in magic .

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

In ancient Chinese philosophy, ziran means naturalness, spontaneity. It might refer to the way a mountain is purely a mountain, and a wave is a wave without trying to be. I think you Sagittarians are due for an extended engagement with this ease and elegant freedom. After weeks of inner labor, your soul wants to breathe in ziran . Your assignment is to let yourself be as natural and unconstrained as you dare—not correct, careful or “optimized.” So I advise you to head in the direction of what’s simple and real and good. Emphasize smoothness over effort. Choose your rhythm, not theirs. You aren’t required to prove your healing. You just have to live it.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

“Serendipity” refers to beautiful accidents, fortunate interruptions, unexpected opportunities and surprisingly wonderful discoveries (The French equivalent is sérendipité; Italian: serendipità; Japanese: serendipiti .) The word didn’t exist until 1754, when author Horace Walpole coined it. Lovely outbreaks of luck and uncanny blessings had been happening from time immemorial, of course, even though there wasn’t this precise word for them. Here’s a key point: They are more likely to occur if you believe they’re possible and make yourself alert for their arrival. That’s good advice for you right now.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

The placenta is the only organ the human body creates from scratch and then discards. Let’s pause for a moment to register how remarkable this is: to grow a temporary life-support system, then jettison it once its purpose is fulfilled. Inspired by this miracle, I speculate you may soon undertake a metaphorical version of it. A situation or experience that has nurtured you is reaching the end of its mission. Though it has served you well, the wise move might be to outgrow it and move on to a new phase of your evolution. At the very least, it’s time to embark on a search for new forms of nourishment.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)

In Balinese gamelan music, there’s a technique called kotekan . Two instrumentalists play distinct musical parts that together create a seamless, intricately melodic and rhythmic texture. Let’s make this your metaphor to live by in the coming weeks, Pisces. In my astrological opinion, you are not meant to work solo. Your greatest success and most fun will come by generating harmony through collaborative improvisation and shared timing. A small warning: Someone else’s input may at first feel like interference, but it’s actually the missing part of the song. Let yourself blend, bounce, echo, and respond. Genius will be born in the spaces between.

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Hey Powderheads!

As the fall colors start to turn, many powderheads start pacing back and forth, looking longingly at the top of our Rocky Mountains for that first dusting of Utah snow.

The Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts near- to below-average snowfall for Utah during the 2025-2026 winter season, with warmer-than-normal temperatures overall. “La Niña” may influence our snowpack as it brings wet and cold to some areas and, often, drier winters in Utah.

This could mean a slow start for skiers, but Brian Head is hoping to open its slopes as early as Nov. 7, with Solitude planning for Nov. 14. Park City Mountain and Alta are hoping for Nov. 21, in time for Thanksgiving crowds.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

ACROSS

1. Econ. indicator

4. “30 Rock” co-star Baldwin

8. Musical key with two flats

14. Dinghy thingy

15. Osso ___ (veal entree)

16. Gap

17. Colorful theft deterrents

19. Some popular Japanese films

20. “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend” cohost ___ Movsesian

21. “The Great Race” or “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World”, perhaps

23. Amazonian berry

25. Certainly, in Chartres

26. Tabula ___

27. Sometimes-scary story?

29. Sigur ___ (Icelandic post-rock band)

31. FedEx rival

32. Jamaican Olympic gold medalist sprinter ___ Powell

33. Ire

We have 15 ski resorts in the Beehive State. But this winter, an oldie-butgoodie will reopen, making it a sweet sixteen. Originally operating from 1967 to 1980, the Snowland Ski and Sledding area in Fairview Canyon is being revived as a small but cozy, familyfriendly ski area in Sanpete County.

What’s unique about this news is the resort is backed by the nonprofit Snowland Foundation with support from the Utah Office of Outdoor Recreation to bring safe, accessible skiing back to Central Utah.

I know Fairview Canyon well, as I graduated from Wasatch Academy in Mt. Pleasant, just a few miles south. I had never skied before in my life and, through a school program, I had wooden skis and tied boots slapped on me and was told to “Grab onto the rope tow and go up the hill!” And once I got to the top of the bunny hill I was instructed to “Spread your legs as far apart as you can!” That was all the instruction I got, and I was a complete failure at it.

A few years later at Westminster College (now University) I learned better skills through a college course at Brighton and had a ton of fun until my childhood handicap came back and I couldn’t ski anymore. Funny, but our Gov. Spencer Cox grew up in Fairview, and he not only skied at Snowland but taught his kids to ski there as well.

Snow College will be partnering with the resort to offer lessons to students this year. No chairlifts are planned either now or in the future.

The rope tow lifts (two of them) will serve the reopened trails during this first season, and the good news is that lift tickets are going to be around $20 for day passes and $100 for a season pass. Snowland is backed by $1 million in state recreation grants and more than $200,000 in donations, with ongoing fundraising for future development into facilities and improvements. This keeps the focus on local benefit and long-term sustainability within the community.

And if you’re familiar with the area, the cabin constructed by Jerry Nelson—who created the little ski area— is being revamped to serve as a small ski hub offering refreshments, concessions and a restroom. And hey, if you don’t ski, there’s plenty of sledding options, too. ■

36. TV offerings where the cast might learn the true meaning of the season -- or go trick-or-treating

41. Nice round figure?

42. Former Chevron competitor

43. Superlative ending

46. Feel sickly

47. Hands, in Honduras

48. Old-timey stadium cheers

50. Quick swim

52. “Seasons of Love” musical

53. Slightly darker, earthier-tasting Swedish breakfast fare

56. The Beatles’ “___ Her Standing There”

59. Fizz-ify

60. Pirate costume feature

62. Gets something for something

63. “Alice’s Restaurant” chronicler Guthrie

64. Sashimi tuna

65. “Quaking” trees

66. CondÈ or Thomas follower

67. Did we figure out what the long theme answers have in common?

DOWN

1. Pantheon crew

2. “Banana Boat Song” shout

3. Before birth

4. ‘70s hoops gp.

5. Susan of “All My Children”

6. Fashion designer Marc

7. Mag with quizzes

8. Showy irises with an even showier plural ending

9. Lots and lots

10. More aloof

11. Ten-key setup, slangily

12. Around lunchtime

13. Imp

18. Tijuana’s time zone

22. Latvia’s locale

24. Easternmost U.S. national park

27. “That feels good”

28. General linked to poultry

30. Tahini base

33. In repeating phases

34. Aptly named underworld goddess

35. Bucharest’s country

37. Dry quality

38. “Just go”

39. “Foucault’s Pendulum” author Umberto

40. Nautical signal

43. Goof list

44. Creator of Lord Peter Wimsey

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.

45. Some can beat it

49. One of 13 of 52

51. Ecstatic hymn

52. Instagram short videos

54. Two fives for ___

55. Actress Sedgwick

57. Hurt

Indiana Jones prop

Poker build-up

Inexplicable

NEWS of the WEIRD

BY

Perhaps it was the stress of speaking in front of others. Perhaps it was just a call to a higher Michael Jackson. On Sept. 2 in Cranford, New Jersey, resident Will Thilly appeared at a town hall meeting to ask questions about a recent property tax hike, WABC-TV reported. But before he uttered a word, he performed a wordless robot dance, without music, and spun on the floor. T hen he asked, “How was everyone’s weekend?” He went on to ask a few specific questions about taxes and school expenses, then gathered his papers from the podium and moonwalked back to his seat. Oh—and Thilly is a candidate for the Cranford township committee. “I hope to bring a friendly, stress-free way of our committee when dealing with the public,” he says on his website.

Fail

Hopes were dashed into the sweet winds on Oct. 2 as the Dolce Vento was launched into the water off the coast of Zonguldak, Turkey, the New York Post reported. The $1 million, 85-foot yacht slipped into the water and almost immediately started listing toward its port side before ultimately sinking. The new owner, captain and two crew members were able to jump overboard and swim to the nearby shore without injury. Shipyard officials said the cause of the sinking was under investigation.

Bad Dog!

Registered sex offender Rodney Platthy, 46, has been working at a pet store in Clearwater, Florida, The Smoking Gun reported. His job is to wear an inflatable puppy costume and stand outside the store to lure in pet lovers. But on Aug. 29, Platthy and the store owner got into it with several “juveniles (riding) by on bicycles.” It wasn’t their first beef with the kids, and as one of them tried to ride away, Platthy “approached the victim from behind and placed him in a chokehold,” police said. The victim told police he couldn’t breathe for a brief period. Platthy was arrested for battery by strangulation and ordered to have no contact with the victim; he posted a $10,000 bond.

What’s

in a Name?

■ This week’s winner of Best Name for a Credit Card Fraud Suspect is Alec Bogus, 33, of Aurora, Colorado. Bogus gets bonus points for his attempted escape from law enforcement on Aug. 26, when he was approached at the Indian Hot Springs resort in Idaho Springs, Colorado. According to CBS News, Bogus, who also had an outstanding felony warrant from Douglas County, was just exiting the mud bath wearing only a Speedo when officers arrived. He ran up a wooded mountainside and tried to hide in a shed, but he was recovered a short time later still covered in mud. His charges included assault on a peace officer and resisting arrest.

■ Indianapolis-based bankruptcy attorney Mark S. Zuckerberg is suing Meta, the company of Mark E. Zuckerberg, because the former’s Facebook page keeps getting shut down, WTHR-TV reported on Sept. 4. “It’s not funny,” the attorney said. Meta has been accusing him of impersonating a celebrity and using a false name, “which I’ve had way longer than he has,” he said. “I’d rather not pick a fight with them, but I don’t know how else to make them stop.” He said his business account has been removed five times and his personal account four. “It’s not right and they need to stop,” he said. And so, they have: Meta confirmed that Zuckerberg’s account is back up after being “disabled in error.”

That Rule Doesn’t Apply to Me

A court in Germany has ruled that an unnamed teacher who has been out of the classroom on sick leave for 16 years must prove that she is ill, Metro News reported on Aug. 23. Since 2009, the female teacher has been drawing her full salary in spite of not

working at all. When the education authority in North Rhine-Westphalia demanded that she take a medical test, she sued. But the court called her case “truly incomprehensible” and ruled that the employer had the right to call for the test. Andreas Bartsch, president of the state’s teachers’ union, called her behavior “completely abysmal.”

Maybe the Hyenas Ate

Your Groomsman

Nicolas Hohls, 27, of Harburg, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, was camping at Cape Vidal Nature Reserve in St. Lucia, South Africa, on Aug. 30 when he got a visit from unexpected overnight visitors. Hohls was there with his dad and others for a bachelor party, People magazine reported. After settling in his tent, he woke up to two hyenas attacking him—one focused on his face, the other on his ankle. “I fought them off by ... attacking the eyes of one and forcing my hand down the throat of the other,” Hohls said. His dad heard him screaming and rushed him to a hospital, where doctors say a full recovery will take about a month. “I’m doing a lot better. The doctors are happy with my progress,” he said.

Awkward

Police in Canton, Connecticut, are searching for the owners of a silver urn containing cremated remains that was left along a running trail near the Canton Department of Public Works, WFSB-TV reported on Sept. 4. Authorities report that they tried to open the urn, but it appears to be sealed shut. Officers hope whoever misplaced the object will come forward to retrieve it.

It’s a Mystery

Over the Labor Day weekend, hikers on Huron Peak in Colorado got a special surprise when they reached the summit of the 14,000-foot-plus mountain, the Associated Press reported. Seated in a camping chair, wearing an ice cream cone costume and sunglasses with a fake mustache, was an unnamed man who had hauled up ice cream sandwiches in a pack with dry ice. One hiker dubbed him “legend dairy” for rewarding climbers with the sweet treat. “Ice cream was just kind of what we wanted,” said Blaine Griffin. Griffin said he saw the man zooming down the mountain once the ice cream was gone, sans costume.

That Bugs Me

Restoration workers at the 1,000-year-old Pannonhalma Archabbey in Hungary are busy trying to remove roughly 100,000 books from the abbey’s ancient library, in an effort to save them from beetles, the Associated Press reported recently. The drugstore beetle—also known as the bread beetle—reportedly feasts on the gelatin and starch-based adhesives that are found in books. “This is an advanced infestation,” said Zsofia Edit Hajdu, the chief restorer working on the project. “We’ve never encountered such a degree of infection before.”

Awesome!

Workers digging a 2-inch-wide and 750-foot-deep hole in a parking lot at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science hit a “hole in one from the moon,” said James Hagadorn, the museaum’s curator of geology. The Associated Press reported on July 10 that the bore was intended to help researchers study geothermal heating potential for the museum, but what the core revealed instead was a dinosaur bone fossil—probably from an ornithopod, which lived in the Cretaceous period. “I would love to dig a 763-foot hole in the parking lot to excavate that dinosaur, the rest of it,” said Hagadorn. “But I don’t think that’s going to fly because we really need parking.”