NOVA Chamber Series: Brahms and the British Imagination @ Libby Gardner 11.18

The night’s concert featured music written by young composers at the beginnings of their careers, which was misunderstood by their contemporary critics, but which have become, over time, respected additions to the cannon. Titled “Brahms and the British Imagination” on the glossy new Nova web page, it was an essay in favor of Brahms, and against Twentieth Century musical narrative. … read more

Black Tusk with Red Fang, Lord Dying @ Urban 11.20

A steady stream of longhairs, hipster girls and middle-aged metalheads filed into the Urban Lounge on a chilly night to be baptized by a maelstrom of bone-shaking riffs from three of the loudest bands currently occupying planet earth: Lord Dying, Black Tusk and Red Fang. All three bands brought an ample supply of merch, including the usual assortment of T-shirts and records, but most eye-catching were the screen-printed posters commemorating this particularly rifftacular tour.  … read more

Joshua James @ Velour 11.29

Joshua James playing guitar.

Velour has been bustling this year after being named Utah’s best music venue in 2012 by Salt Lake Magazine. It has been hosting up-and-coming acts from around Utah and continued its tradition of being a launch pad for bands to move on to the bigger and better (think Neon Trees, Imagine Dragons, Fictionists). Of all its successes this year, Joshua James’ triumphant CD release show(s) should be counted as one of the brightest. … read more

Brentano Quartet @ Libby Gardner Hall 12.04

The evening turned out to be one of my favorite so far of the season, performing selections from Purcell’s Fantasia, and two-string quartet works by Beethoven. The performers took me on a whirlwind of an adventure that brought to mind imagery of exploring forests and climbing mountains, with a full range of emotions visited throughout, dancing between the depths of Hell and the Pearly Gates of Heaven. … read more

Nata Gallery Grand Opening 12.07

The concept of a “pop-up dinner” has provided both chefs and diners with a unique opportunity to socialize, network and enjoy food that varies wildly from one event to the next. Since April, Salt Lake City has been host to several of these pop-up dinners, thanks to an organization called SLC POP, which has been under the dutiful watch of chefs Katie Weinner and Mike Burtis. … read more