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F E B R UA RY 2 02 3

LIFESTYLE LETTER

Welcome to February!

February 2023 PUBLISHER

Paula Christie | paula.christie@citylifestyle.com EDITOR

JJ Abernathy | jj.abernathy@citylifestyle.com

Our guiding theme this month is LOVE LOCAL! “Love local” means loving our local businesses and those in our community—but it also means loving what is near, including those under our own roof. When our family moved from Hong Kong to St. George, my husband, Patrick, joined a local chorus affiliated with the Barbershop Harmony Society. His father had been a “Barbershopper” in Southern California for many years, and he passed away within a few years of our returning to America. I believe Patrick sang four-part harmony as a way to connect with his father, and he shared the gift of song with members of the community year after year. Valentine’s Day was especially memorable, when Patrick and fellow quartet members would serenade me with two love songs and a red rose. Now that my husband has also passed, I treasure those memories even more. Regardless of how we choose to celebrate Valentine’s Day, we hope the pages of this month’s magazine will help you celebrate and highlight what is to love in our community. I hope we remember our advertisers, too, for their endeavors to continue making our area a great place to live. While we hover between the chill of January and the excitement of spring, we hope you will be inspired to take a moment with the people in your life—those in your home and those who live nearby—and those in your various community circles. Enjoy February!

EDITOR IAL COOR DINATOR

Holly Infante | holly.infante@citylifestyle.com ACCOUNT MANAGER

Terry Dennis | terry.dennis@citylifestyle.com SOCIAL MEDIA COOR DINATOR

Holly Infante | holly.infante@citylifestyle.com STAFF PHOTOGR APHER

Asher J. Swan | asherswanphoto@gmail.com CONTR IBUTING WR ITER S

David Cordero, Julie Ann Cordero, Jackie Dodart, Marianne Hamilton, Kami Egan Savage CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S

JJ Abernathy, Mykal Bush, Shauna Grow, Carol Call Lee, Andrew Schneider, Shane Stewart, Asher Swan, Melanie Taylor

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

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Proverbs 3:5-6 St George City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the St George area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in St George City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but

L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

F E B R UA RY 2 0 2 3

inside the issue The Local Love Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

14 Creating Arts Adventures

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Local Experiences

Back Stage

Chef ’s Selection

FO O D + B EV E R AG E

Local Limelight

A RTS + C U LTU R E

Events

Our Town

Miranda Wright’s return to St. George transforms Kayenta Center for the Arts

18 For the Love of Chocolate

Create "chocolate" experiences with friends and loved ones

24 Rise, Fall and Rise Again St. George Musical Theater’s Spectacular Encore

34 A Story to Tell

A call to Vietnam veterans to share their stories

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Courtesy of Ritual Chocolate Anna Jones of Ritual Chocolate in Heber City, says, “We love these dense chocolate gooey brownies with the perfect addition of fruity and crunchy from the raspberries and pistachios.” (Recipe on page 20)

A RTS + C U LT U R E

LI FE + C U LT U R E

F E B R UA RY 2 0 2 3

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen. 1

JJ ABERNATHY JJ ABERNATHY

COURTESY OF NANCY ALLRED

COURTESY OF PAM HARRISON

JJ ABERNATHY

1: Southwest Symphony and Lieto! Voices present "A Touch of Frost," a celebration of holiday music 2: Lois and Nick Lang at the Memory Matters fundraising gala at the Hilton Garden 3: Alexandra Beagley and Susie Elliott of Memory Matters at fundraising gala in the Hilton Garden 4: Elaine and Dr. Douglas Alder recently presented at the Legacy Lecture Series at the Tabernacle 5: Doug Schmutz, Tim Scott, Nate Holden and John Scott perform at Color Country Chorus concert 6: KateLyn Syphus, Carol Larson, Dr. Nancy Allred, Emily Workman, Dr. Kai Wai Yu present "Carols of Joy" 7: Pam Harrison and Joanie Ayers of St. George Sunrise Rotary serve on behalf of The Salvation Army

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Casual Fine Dining | Contemporary Seasonal Cuisine

March 9-19, 2023

NOWISWHENWE A R E (THE STARS)

A new one-of-a-kind immersive experience from award-winning theater artist Andrew Schneider (New York)

THE VOYAGER LECTURE SERIES The Voyager Lecture Series is generously sponsored by Voyager Wealth Advisors, Cache Valley Bank and Sotheby’s Int Real Estate

February 7, 2023

OUR GEOLOGICAL WONDERLAND

Presented by Rick Miller

March 21, 2023

W I N E S P E C TATO R AWA R D B E S T R E S TA U R A N T

JURASSIC WORLD:

COULD IT BECOME A REALITY Presented by Jerry Harris

O P E N 7 D AY S A W E E K D I N N E R S T A R T I N G A T 4 P M D A I LY L U N C H M O N-S AT 11:30 - 4 PAT I O D I N I N G AVA I L A B L E

Visit us at www.KayentArts.com Center for the Arts at Kayenta 881 Coyote Gulch Court, Ivins, UT 84738 Call us at: (435) 674-2787

Located in the Tower Building at Ancestor Square St. George Blvd & Main St.

Reservations Appreciated ( 435 ) 6 34-1700 | www.painted-pony.com FEB R UARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / STG E O R G E

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business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Natalie Britt Appointed President and CEO of Zion Forever Project

Nate Martinez Accepts Chamber of Commerce Position

The Zion National Park Forever Project announces the appointment of Natalie Britt as the new president and CEO of the Zion Forever Project, replacing leader, Lyman Hafen, who has served since 1988. Natalie has given more than 20 years in the nonprofit sector, most recently as the president and CEO of FIND Outdoors, one of North Carolina’s premier public lands organizations. She graduated from the University of South Carolina, focusing on government and public administration.

Nate Martinez has been selected as the director of operations and policy engagement for the St. George Area Chamber of Commerce. Previously, Nate led regional economic recovery and resiliency planning for southwest Utah at the Five County Association of Governments. This multifaceted role led him to develop a deep understanding of the area's economy and business environment. Nate is motivated to increase efficiency in all Chamber activities to bring value to the Chamber's members.

Photography Courtesy of Zion Forever Project

Photography Courtesty of St. George Area Chamber of Commerce

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Makespace Sponsors Portrait Oil Painting Workshop with Renowned Dave Shevlino David Shevlino, a master of capturing the human figure in an emotionally captivating way, and who shares his techniques with students across the United States and Europe, will be coming to Makespace at Kayenta to conduct a four-day workshop, March 15-18. David will cover techniques used to create a fresh, direct response to subjects, often referred to as Alla Prima (or Wet into Wet) style of painting. Space is limited. Register at makespacekayenta.com. Photography Courtesy of Makespace

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local experiences The best places and things to do in our area. JULIE ANN CORDERO

With the holidays behind us, now seems as good a time as any to add a little "pick-me-up" to our home decor and wardrobes. These local businesses offer a variety of options to help brighten the inside of our homes and ourselves as the cooler winter days outside continue.

Our Picks to Show Your Local Love COSY HOUSE: Specializing in home accents, furniture and gifts, the store gives off a clean, classic vibe. Smaller items include stationery, coffee table books and children's toys. 904 West, 1600 South, St. George, UT FIELD STUDY: A studio and lifestyle shop located in Green Gate Village. Original art and designs available, as well as gifts from around the world. 76 West Tabernacle Street, Suite #1, St. George, UT UR BAN R ENEWAL: You never know what kind of eclectic treasure you will find at this downtown staple. A mixture of furniture, clothes, jewelry and household finds. 5 East St. George Blvd, St. George, UT DUTCHMAN'S MAR KET: A boutique and bakery full of unique gifts, such as Swedish dishcloths, buttons and Maileg toys. You can't leave without grabbing a cookie or two. 2300 Santa Clara Drive, Santa Clara, UT MODER N FAR M AND AR TISAN CO-OP (MOFACO): If you're looking to shop local, this is your spot. Everything from artwork to clothing to tortilla chips highlight just some of the available goods. 55 N Main Street, St. George, UT

Mykal Bush

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MEET THIS MONTH’S CURATOR

Julie Ann Cordero | @julieanncordero Julie Ann Cordero, a self-described military brat who has lived in Illinois, California, Washington, Pennsylvania and northern Utah, moved to St. George in 2006. She is married to David Cordero, Sr., and has two children: David Jr. and Emmalina. She teaches geography at Desert Hills Middle School and is also the yearbook adviser. She received her undergraduate degrees in journalism and social studies teaching from Utah State University. She graduated from Southern Utah University with a master’s degree in education. In her free time, which barely exists between being a baseball and dance mom, Julie enjoys reading, documenting her family’s adventures and dreaming of traveling the world with her husband.

LOCA L E X P E R IE N C E S

Creating Arts Adventures Miranda Wright’s return to St. George transforms Kayenta Center for the Arts ARTICLE BY MARIANNE HAMILTON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREW SCHNEIDER; ASHER SWAN

Through movement, narrative, and the room's enveloping sound, N O W I S W H E N W E A R E (the stars) invites viewers to explore traces of light

B ACK STAGE | ARTS + CULTURE

After 16 years away from her hometown of St. George, Miranda Wright is back. And, she’s making a “dramatic” impact, locally and nationally. As executive director of the Center for the Arts at Kayenta, Miranda is keeping the Center’s vision—to be a premier venue where diverse artistic endeavors and education can flourish— firmly in her sights. Following her 2002 graduation from Pineview High School and a 2006 Bachelor of Science in theater from Southern Utah University, Miranda earned a Master of Fine Arts degree from California Institute of the Arts. It was there that she first glimpsed a world in which theatrical productions did not necessarily involve actors speaking on a stage. “At SUU I’d had a wonderful, very traditional theater education,” Miranda notes. “But I was looking for something more experimental. At Cal Arts I met some incredible artists who really expanded my understanding of the role of theater and what it could do in the world, and I started producing their projects.” Miranda’s first collaboration with her Cal Arts colleagues saw a partnership between artists in Los Angeles, New York and Havana, Cuba; the import of 14 artists to the latter city for a production entitled "The Closest Farthest Away;" and the subsequent staging of the project in Miami. “That was my first introduction into being a part of a ‘presenting organization,’ versus a traditional theater,” says Miranda, who has since spent more than a decade working across the U.S. and around the globe, producing and presenting theatrical and dance performances. In a divine instance of kismet, Miranda happened to be visiting her family in St. George during the pandemic-induced shutdown in Los Angeles, where she was living in 2021. Needing a bit of quiet time to pause and reflect, and weary of her travel schedule, Miranda took a drive out to Kayenta. Following the signs, she

glimpsed the then shuttered Center for the Arts, which had not existed when she left the area. Says Miranda, “I thought ‘how cool; there’s an arts center here now.’ Six months later, the job opening popped up on LinkedIn. The timing seemed incredibly right to come home: I’m really excited to connect with everyone again, and it’s great to be back in this beautiful place.” When Miranda assumed her new role, she was given two directives by the Kayenta Foundation’s board of directors: To position the Center within a more professional landscape, and to feature performances that are otherwise not found in southern Utah. Both mandates tap into her unique skillset, as her first two productions will attest: In March, the Center will present "N O W I S W H E N W E A R E (the stars),” which will see acclaimed theater, video and installation pioneer, Andrew Schneider, showcasing his latest mashup of technology, performance and human connection. The production was recently staged at the Brooklyn Academy of the Arts, which described it this way: “Through a darkened space, an unseen narrator guides each participant through a personal and collective cosmos. Five thousand precisely programmed points of light—inspired by seeing the Milky Way for the first time—respond to each individual. Through movement, narrative and the room’s enveloping sound, “N O W I S W H E N W E A R E (the stars)” invites viewers to explore traces of light in themselves and the universe.” In April, attendees will gather on the plaza adjoining the Center for the interactive production of “Your Optimism Is Not Required,” staged by Philadelphia’s Team Sunshine Performance Corporation. The two-person show—featuring a father taking his teenaged, biracial daughter on a camping trip—will include narrative from several characters, whose “voices” will be provided by willing audience volunteers, and all attendees will enjoy post-performance s’mores.

“I’d love for people to see the Center for the Arts at Kayenta as an opportunity for artistic adventure; to come with open minds and hearts, and to be ready to have fun conversations and new experiences ... St. George is known for offering adventures in so many ways. Hopefully we can be the arts component of those adventures.” – Miranda Wright CONTINUED > FEB R UARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / STG E O R G E

While presenting such experimental types of productions, Miranda hastens to add that the Center will continue to offer plays, dance performances, lectures and other, more familiar artistic genres. But she hopes that the pioneer spirit that is the bedrock of southern Utah will guide the Center’s patrons. “I’d love for people to see the Center for the Arts at Kayenta as an opportunity for artistic adventure; to come with open

minds and hearts, and to be ready to have fun conversations and new experiences,” Miranda confides. “St. George is known for offering adventures in so many ways. Hopefully we can be the arts component of those adventures.”

For tickets and other information, visit kayentaarts.com.

L E A R N M O R E : Miranda Wright founded the Los Angeles Performance Practice and Live Arts Exchange Festival. A recipient of Center Theatre Group’s Richard E. Sherwood Award, she also received a Cultural Exchange International Fellowship through the City of Los Angeles and the British Council with ArtsAdmin in London. She holds an MFA in Producing from California Institute of the Arts, and an Executive MBA from Hult International Business School.

B ACK STAGE | ARTS + CULTURE

FOR THE LOVE OF

C H O C O L AT E Create "chocolate" experiences with friends and loved ones

ARTICLE BY JACKIE DODART | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ASHER SWAN; MELANIE TAYLOR

C HE F ’S SE LE CT ION | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

Looking for a new adventure for the new year? How about a chocolate tourism excursion? New to me, but certainly on a bucket list of fun experiences, I have found some unique chocolate companies to visit, and more importantly, why we should allow ourselves this delectable indulgence.

UNIQUE PLACES TO TRAVEL FOR CHOCOLATE If you are heading to the United Kingdom, drop by the world-famous Pump Street Chocolate factory in Suffolk, where you may enjoy their bean-to-bar tour. Their “must try” is the famous sourdough bar made using bread baked on-site. Heading to Iceland? Drop by Omnom chocolate company in Reykjavik. Omnom produces small-batch, bean-to-bar chocolate using cacao beans sourced worldwide. Their Icelandic milk adds character to their chocolates and distinguishes them from many other chocolates. Looking for something closer to home? French Broad Chocolate in the heart of downtown Asheville, North Carolina, is the perfect place to sit in the Chocolate Lounge and enjoy their menu of drinking cocoa and eating chocolates, cookies, cakes, brownies, and of course, chocolate bars. Tours are conducted Monday through Saturday and include a history of French Broad Chocolate, learning about the chocolate-making process, and comparing and contrasting chocolate flavor notes and samples of delicious chocolates. Even closer to home is Ritual Chocolate in Heber City, Utah. Anna Seear and Robbie Stout are the founders, and they say it all began with a love of chocolate. They believe chocolate is about creating experiences: a simple moment to share, a break in a long day, or a reward to share with a close friend. Their tours are at their new factory in Heber City. The tours are 30 minutes and will take you from the cacao bean-to-bar process. At the end, you get to taste their delicious chocolates and receive a discount for any bars purchased. These bars have won several awards and are some of my personal favorites. Private tours are available as well.

Photo courtesy of Ritual Chocolate

WHY EAT AND ENJOY CHOCOLATE? Why eat chocolate? According to the Eden Prescription, a new study found that a person eating just one ounce a week (28 grams) of chocolate had a 15% less risk of dying from any cause during the 14-year study. There was also a 23% risk reduction of death from Alzheimer’s disease. Chocolate is a rich source of powerful antioxidants called proanthocyanidins or PACs, which have been associated with lower risk for several types of cancer, heart disease and dementia. Moderation is the key, of course. CONTINUED >

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RECIPE

RITUAL C H O C O L AT E BROWNIES INGREDIENTS

Ritual Chocolate Brownies (Photo courtesy of Ritual Chocolate)

HOW TO SAVOR THE FLAVORS OF CHOCOLATE Simply snap off a piece of a good quality bar, press it against the roof of your mouth, let it slowly melt, and enjoy the creamy sensation, the luscious flavors of the different cacao beans, the flavors of citrus, rose hips, vanilla, fudge and earthy flavors according to each bar and origin. Why not treat yourself, your heart and your loved ones to one of life’s greatest treasures by making brownies? Ritual Chocolate in Heber City says: “We love sharing the experience and satisfaction of making something delicious, and it’s a great way to spend an afternoon.” This recipe for Ritual Chocolate Brownies is by Anna Jones. Says Anna, “We love these dense, gooey brownies with the perfect addition of fruity and crunchy from the raspberries and pistachios. We also love to make this recipe vegan by using chia seeds and coconut oil! Harmons grocery carries all of these bars and offers chocolate-tasting classes. Contact Chef Jackie at jackiedodart@harmonsgrocery.com.

Valentine's Day is a $23.9 billion industry, with about $2.2. billion of that amount spent on candy, according to Vested, a global marketing and communications consulting firm. Also, candystore.com estimates 58 million pounds of chocolate are bought during Valentine's Day week. Indeed, that is a lot of chocolate!

C HE F ’S SE LE CT ION | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

• 3 eggs (or 3 tablespoons chia seeds + 1 teaspoon baking powder) • 1 Ritual Chocolate bar • ½ cup coconut oil or butter • ½ cup soft brown sugar • 1 teaspoon vanilla • 1 cup ground almonds • 3/4 cup ground drinking chocolate • 1 cup raspberries • ¼ cup pistachio nuts (or any other nut)

DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease or line a small brownie pan. If using chia seeds rather than eggs, put the seeds into a little bowl and add 9 tablespoons of cold water. Leave to form a gel-like paste. 2. Melt half of Ritual Chocolate bar with the coconut oil by steaming the underside of a heat proof bowl, stirring occasionally. 3. Once melted, take the bowl off the heat and stir in the sugar, followed by the beaten eggs, one by one, or the chia seed mixture, and finally the vanilla, ground almonds, baking powder (if using), half the raspberries and half the pistachios. 4. Roughly chop the remaining chocolate bar and fold through the mixture. Pour the brownie mix into the lined tin and scatter over the rest of the raspberries and the pistachios. 5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until just cooked but still a little soft in the middle. Cool for at least 20 minutes.

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The 39 Steps

St. George Musical Theater’s Spectacular Encore

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | A RTS + CULTURE

RISE, FALL AND RISE AGAIN ARTICLE BY KAMI EGAN SAVAGE PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANE STEWART; FLITCH CREATIVE

Like the proverbial fire bird, St. George Musical Theater has risen from the ashes of near-annihilation to become the community mainstay that it is today. “And not only were we resurrected,” says, SGMT President and Artistic Director Bruce R. Bennett, “but our comeback has been spectacular.” With sold-out shows as a matter of course in its current location at the 125-seat St. George Opera House, the community theater is thriving. And its future looks even brighter after the St. George City Council’s unanimous vote in December to approve a land lease agreement with the nonprofit for two acres on Main Street, land slated for the construction of a 375seat theater. And because the land is leased—at one dollar per year for 40 years—the city will retain the building as well as the land upon which it sits. There’s nothing to lose here,” Bruce says. “I think it’s a win-win for the community.” Adding former Nationwide Insurance CEO, Dimon McFerson, as board chairman has also been a boon to the theater’s planned growth. “He knows how to raise money and he’s well respected

in this community,” Bruce says. “He is the real reason that we’re going to get a new theater. He’s pushed, and our board has pushed and pushed.” “I respect him so much,” Bruce adds. “Sometimes people come into your life for a reason, and Dimon is somebody SGMT—and I, personally—needed. He has been an amazing gift. Everybody needs somebody like Dimon and his wife, Darlene, in their community. They change communities for generations.” Bruce says he hopes the future theater’s location and larger capacity will serve more patrons—60,000 to 75,000 patrons versus its current 20,000—and also serve as an anchor for economic growth. The area south of the shuttered Kmart has been underdeveloped for years, and the vision is that this new venue will attract restaurants and hotels, effectively reviving the neighborhood. “SGMT is excited to be a part of that,” he says. “It’s a new beginning… and a great chapter in a story of rise, fall and rise again.” The story of SGMT’s rise is straightforward enough—a fledgling group of passionate individuals

Bruce Bennett with Dimon McFerson

Little Women

CONTINUED >

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / STG E O R G E

Fiddler on the Roof

South Pacific

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | A RTS + CULTURE

sacrificed time and money to pursue their vision of a thriving community theater in St. George. This original group included playwright and founder, Mark Ogden, and directors, Don and Dawna Kenworthy, and others. The “fall,” on the other hand, is more complicated. When the members of SGMT’s board of directors made an agreement with the city to rent and renovate an old gymnasium south of the Woodward school, they were excited for the new space. “We put $350,000 of public funds and our own money into it. We sat 264 people in that theater. And it was pretty nice; it did everything we needed it to do,” Bruce recounts. But when the city announced plans to build St. George Town Square on a site that included the renovated theater, the board and city officials at that time could not reach an agreement, and as result, the building was torn down. The loss of its venue, including the improvements and funds that went into renovating it, proved a devastating blow for the theater’s constituents, and the theater went on hiatus for almost six years. “It was really hard,” Bruce says. “People’s feelings were hurt—there was a lot of emotion tied to it. The thing is, it was amazingly successful … and you don’t see that every day—a building that was used for something successful getting torn down.” Although SGMT was at the mercy of the city, Bruce explains there were mistakes on both sides. Nearly six years later, former board chairman, Dan Olsen, contacted Bruce about getting SGMT up and running again. “I wanted it so bad, but I knew we had to do it right,” Bruce says. “I told him we couldn’t ask the public for funds because we raised a lot of money previously and everybody saw it disappear

High School Musical

Bruce Bennett, president and artistic director of St. George Musical Theater

CONTINUED >

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / STG E O R G E

The Scarlet Pimpernel

into thin air. And I knew we had to repair some relationships with the city…It took about two years of going to city meetings, establishing new relationships and proving to them that we had learned a lesson. It took a lot of humility to go back.” The hard work paid off when Gary Esplin, former St. George City manager, suggested a return to the Opera House. Bruce’s response was ecstatic. “All the planets aligned. That was in 2014—that was 57 shows ago.” Rise again, indeed. For tickets, visit sgmt.org

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | A RTS + CULTURE

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F E B R UA RY 2 0 2 3

events A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area. PER FOR MANCES R UN JANUA RY 6T H THR OUGH FEBR UARY 9 TH

Winter Art Show

R E D C L I F F GA L L E RY, 22 0 N 20 0 E , ST. G E O R G E | 9 : 00 A M The Washington City Arts Council presents its Winter Art Show, featuring a variety of fine art available to purchase from Washington artists. Watercolor, ceramics, photography, fiber art and more. Join the gallery on Feb. 4 from 1-3 p.m. for a free acrylic pour painting demonstration by Leslie Murphy, followed by Peoples Choice Awards presentation. The event is free. PER FOR MANCES R UN JANUA RY 26TH THR OUGH FEBR UARY 4 T H

True West

C E NT E R F O R T H E A RTS AT KAYE NTA , 8 8 1 C OYOT E G U LC H C T., I V I NS | 7 :30 P M True West is widely understood to be one of Sam Shepard’s most potent plays. The performance projects a grim slice of Americana, profiling two estranged brothers: a Hollywood screenwriter and a petty thief. The struggle of the American Dream is at the heart of this classic play, and Shepard brings all its ugliness and heartbreak to light. kayentaarts.com/event/ FEBR UARY 2ND AND 3 R D

The Gems

T H E E L E C T R I C T H E AT E R, 6 8 E TA B E R NAC L E , ST. G E O RG E | 1 1 :0 0 A M A two-day festival showcasing some of Hollywood’s hidden gems from the 1920s-1960s! From Red Carpet Cinema and FMASU. rccpresents@gmail.com

EVE N TS

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MEDICAL ARTS

Expert Medical Aesthetics, Injectables & Dermatology

F E BRUA RY 2 N D

Utah Opera Concert: All in a Day

TH E ELE CTRIC THEATER, 68 E TABERNACLE, ST. G EORG E | 7: 0 0 PM Utah Opera resident artists will perform “All in a Day,” a concert filled with musical numbers from opera and musical theatre, as well as two short operas, one of them commissioned especially for this traveling concert. The concert scenes progress from morning through evening of a good day, one that includes a dog adoption and a birthday party!

1068 E. Riverside Drive

F E BRUA RY 3 RD

St. George, UT 84790

Southwest Stmphony Features Mendelssohn Violin Concerto With David Park

435-628-6466

C OX PE RFO RMIN G ARTS C E NT ER, 3 2 5 S UN IVERS ITY AVE. , ST. GEO RG E | 7:30 PM The Southwest Symphony’s Artist in Residence, David Park, joins the symphony for one of the greatest violin concertos of all time. The Mendelssohn will be paired with Florence Price’s first symphony, which will have you dancing by the end of the night. This concert will be recorded live for a professionally-released CD. For tickets, visit utahtech.evenue.net F E BRUA RY 4 T H A ND 5TH

SkyFest Balloon Festival

SAND H O LLOW R ES ORT, 5 662 W CLU BHOUS E DR ., HU RRICANE | 7:30 AM The SkyFest morning launch will begin at 7:30 a.m. on Feb. 4 and 5. Hot beverages, pastries and breakfast burritos will be available for purchase. Park on Sand Hollow Resort property for $20 a car. This will be followed by the VIP glow dinner in the evening at 5 p.m. sandhollowresort.com CONTINUED >

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FEB R UARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / STG E O R G E

EVENTS CONTINUED

WE LC OM E TO s ta r ry n it e s ra nch FEBRUARY 4TH AND 25TH

So U Comedy

AT KOLOB CANYON

DI XI E C O NV E NT I O N C EN T E R, 1 8 35 C O NV E NT I O N C E N T E R DR ., ST. G E O R G E | 7 :0 0 P M The first and fourth Saturday of each month, enjoy a night of laughs and fun with So U Comedy Theater. Family Friendly: 7 p.m. Uncensored: 9 p.m. Doors open one-half hour before show times haha@soucomedy.com FEBR UARY 7TH

The perfect spot for your intimate CORPORATE RETREATS, BOARD MEETINGS, SMALL WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY PARTIES and BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

Tastefully designed to sleep up to 14, you’ll find everything you need to enjoy time with family and friends. This 20 acre ranch offers space to roam, golden silence, and spectacular night skies. Stunning views of Kolob Canyon and the Pine Valley Mountains. For more information or to book your getaway visit us at

starrynitesranch.com

435-238-4948 (events require an additional fee above nightly rental rates)

EVE N TS

Geology Presented by Rick Miller

C E NT E R F O R T H E A RTS AT KAYE NTA , 8 8 1 C OYOT E G U LC H C T., I V I NS | 6 :30 P M Enjoy an evening of intellectual delight with the Voyager Lecture Series and Rick Miller presenting about the incredibly amazing geology that created Greater Zion. kayentaarts.com FEBR UARY 10 TH

Kat Edmundson

C OX P E R F O R MI NG A RTS C E NT E R , 39 5 S UNI V E R S I T Y AV E ., ST. G E O R G E | 7 :30 P M Kat Edumdson performs original songs and familiar classics in her live show, interweaving humorous anecdotes, philosophical musings, and her love of film with disarming candor and vulnerability. Her longtime band members’ keen and sensitive accompaniment allows Kat to freely veer off script, as she is often inclined to do. For tickets, visit utahtech.evenue.net FEBR UARY 11TH

Steam Heat: A Night of Burlesque

C E NT E R F O R T H E A RTS AT KAYE NTA , 8 8 1 C OYOT E G U LC H C T., I V I NS | 7 :30 P M Center for the Arts at Kayenta is hosting an evening of tasteful and teaseful burlesque to celebrate love for Valentine’s Day. kayentaarts.com

THE FINANCIAL FREEDOM TO

DO WHAT BRINGS YOU JOY

F E BRUA RY 1 7 T H TH RO UG H 2 6TH

St. George Area Parade of Homes 2023

VARIOUS LOCATIONS | 10:00 AM The 2023 St. George Areas Parade of Homes is no ordinary parade. It is the largest in the state, featuring 30 new homes full of the extraordinary. This event has a tradition of displaying spectacular homes and introducing new trends to attendees. Tickets may be purchased online, or at Red Cliffs Mall and Lin’s Markets beginning Feb. 16. paradehomes.com F E BRUA RY 1 7 T H

An Intimate Evening with David Foster and Katharine McPhee

C OX PE RFO RMIN G ARTS C E NT ER, 3 2 5 S UN IVERS ITY AVE. , ST. GEO RG E | 7:30 PM Sixteen-time Grammy award-winning musician, composer and producer, David Foster and acclaimed singer, television and Broadway star, Katharine McPhee are bringing their viral Instagram show on the road. Coming directly from the living room to the stage, this intimate show with the powerhouse duo will be packed with their favorite hits. Tickets may be purchased at utahtech.evenue.net F E BRUA RY 1 8T H A ND 19TH

Kayenta February Art Festival

KAYENTA ART VILLAGE, 851 COYOTE GULCH CT., IVINS | 10:00 AM Village galleries and businesses present a smaller, more intimate affair that showcases fine art, home decor, jewelry, design and art inspiration. Spend a day enjoying art, food and entertainment, surrounded by the beauty of the red rocks and warm sunshine. kayentaartsvillage.com redcliffgallerysuag.com

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FEB R UARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / STG E O R G E

A STORY TO TELL

ARTICLE BY DAVID CORDERO

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF CITY OF ST. GEORGE

A CALL TO VIETNAM VETERANS TO SHARE THEIR STORIES

O UR TOWN | L IFE + CU LTURE

Those of us who have not put on a military uniform generally hold in high regard the men and women of our armed forces who have. One of the best examples of this was how our country came together within the last 30 years to honor our World War II veterans. An explosion of WWII literature began in the 1990s with Tom Brokaw’s groundbreaking “Greatest Generation” books and continued with the popular miniseries such as “Band of Brothers” and “The Pacific.” The National World War II Memorial was built and nonprofit organizations such as Honor Flight took great pains to transport our WWII veterans to see the memorial so that they could feel recognized and respected. As a country, we have not gone to as much effort to fete our Vietnam War veterans—but we have made great strides compared to how things were 50 years ago. Toward the latter part of the Vietnam War, there were many Americans who went out of their way to demonstrate the opposite of support for our troops.

Things are different now. A graying veteran scooting around a grocery store wearing a service cap has a better chance of being thanked for his or her service than of being ignored. Honor Flight trips exclusively for Vietnam veterans have been organized. Special ceremonies honoring those from the era are commonplace. I love this trend. But we can do more to honor and remember their service. We will need the help of our veterans. I’ll explain. Time is our eternal nemesis. Time has yet to be defeated and will never stand still. That is why I implore every Vietnam War veteran to consider telling your story. Your courage needs to be celebrated. • Tell us about the suffocating heat of the jungles, the helicopter evacuations and the monsoonal rains in that faraway land. • Tell us about the lifelong friends you made and how you looked after one another in country, and continue to look after one another in your home country. • Tell us that you fought with just as much resolve and honor as those who went before you at Gettysburg, at the Argonne Forest, at Normandy, at Iwo Jima and the Chosin Reservoir, and that your battles at Khe Sanh and Hue, the Tet Offensive, Hamburger Hill and Rolling Thunder were just as important. • And remind us that America never lost a major military battle in Vietnam. You may not consider yourselves heroes, but make no mistake, the simple act of volunteering to serve and defend our country is heroic indeed. Don’t let your story go untold. David Cordero is the communications and marketing director for City of St. George.