DEEP Aerobics with Miguel Gutierrez @ The Rose Wagner Black Box 06.07

People with their hands in the air during DEEP Aerobics with Miguel Gutierrez.

Friday, June 7 at The Rose Wagner Black Box, the people became powerful. Miguel Gutierrez, a dance improv artist from New York, donned the attire of a “reverse, perverse missionary,” wearing his Church uniform backward (amid his dyed-blond fade and beard) to rile up dancers and nondancers alike. His call to duty, as he introduced himself with a Book of Mormon and an American Flag, was to educate those in attendance about Death Emo Electric Protest: DEEP Aerobics, which was curated by loveDANCEmore and SB Dance, and sponsored by—you guessed it—SLUG Magazine. … read more

They Might Be Giants @ The Depot 06.08

Leading up to this concert, I heard a lot about how people either dislike or “don’t get” They Might Be Giants, which is a shame because in an era where indie rock is starting to reign supreme again, you’d think there’s be a lot more music-critic love for a band of this caliber coming through town. When it comes right down to it, TMBG know how to put on a show for the fans, not just diehards or people who barely discovered them—everyone, to the point where the audience themselves become part of the performance. So it was no surprise (and a genuine relief to a longtime SLC concert attendee) to see a room full of people excited to be at a show.  … read more

Rooftop Concert Series @ Central Bank parking terrace 06.07

There is beauty all around. That insipid tune is ringing in my brain as I walk toward the downtown Provo parking structure that doubles as the venue for their Rooftop Concert Series. Why? Because everything about the early Summer night in Provo is so damn beautiful. The weather is a perfect 75 degrees, with a light breeze and clear skies. The sunset, with all of its oranges and purples, falling behind the downtown Marriott and into Utah Lake. The massive mountains are the stage’s backdrop. The sweet smells waft from the WaffleLuv truck. And the people … Oh God, the people of Provo. Every single one is more beautiful than the last. … read more