Punk’s Dead? An interview with Director James Merendino and a Behind the Scenes preview of SLC Punk 2

SLC Punk original James Merendino.

The cult-like following behind James Merendino’s film SLC Punk! is somewhat legendary among those who participate or are even aware of the subculture. Even during my travels, whenever I mention that I live in Salt Lake City, two things are always asked. One—Am I Mormon, and two—is SLC like the movie? Needless to say it has become a classic. … read more

Summer of Death: Go Skateboarding Day

 The Summer of Death contests have served as a springboard for countless Utah rippers to go from snot-nosed kids who anihilate local spots and parks to permanent fixtures in the skate community, including local all-star Lizard King, who earned a spot at the Tampa Am for his win at a Summer of Death Contest when he was knee-high to a grasshopper. This summer’s first installment of SLUG’s 15th annual Summer of Death skate series took place at the indoor Crossroads Skate Park in Ogden on June 21. 
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Punk’s Dead Concert Shoot With Indiegogo Fans @ The Complex 06.20 with Screeching Weasel, The Dwarves, Eight Bucks Experiment (Extreme Corporal Punishment), Ulteriors, Dog Party

Many have traveled from all over the states and even internationally to take part in something inspirational for punks. If anything, the showing of support proves that punk is not dead. Not even close. The camaraderie around this event is impressive to say the least. Even if this film is controversial for some, this gig helped put Salt Lake City back on the map for punk rockers. Exactly where it should and always be. … read more

EMA @ Kilby Court 06.24 with Strong Words, Secret Abilities

Despite the fact that Anderson was friendly and approachable while running their post-show merch booth, her stage presence is fantastic—and kind of terrifying. Through her live performance, she was able to capture the versatility of her music, resulting in an emotional punch to the gut that was both sincere and thought-provoking. … read more

Dark Arts Festival @ Area 51 06.20-22

Musician Voltaire posing with his guitar

When I stepped foot through the doors of Area 51 during the Summer Solstice, I realized that I was in store for a not so ordinary weekend at my frequent haunt. The bar was decorated like an enchanted forest and I felt as if I had fallen through the looking glass into a world of faeries, Red Queens, vampires and all creatures of the dark. It was time for the Dark Arts Festival Of Utah. … read more

Fear No Film: Utah Short Film of the Year, Part 1

In addition to their respective categories, the festival has also assembled a list of nominees for Utah’s Short Film of the Year. Each of these films was made locally, and represents the wide body of cinematic talent that can be found here in the Beehive State. … read more

Fear No Film: Your Boundaries

One of the most fun parts of having films grouped into different thematic categories is trying to find the common thread that unites a group of seemingly disparate films. According to the Fear No Film Guide, the films in this category are designed to explore “ways of seeing your limits, who you think you once were, who you are now, and what might lay ahead.” Though the following films were vastly different in tone and content, each of them offered their own personal challenge to rethink the world as we might see it. … read more

Fear No Film: Global Boundaries

Still of Pedro Monteiro in Jigsaw.

The selections for this year’s Fear No Film festival have been eye-opening, to say the least. It’s nice to know that we still live in a world where boundaries are constantly being challenged and redefined, and even nicer to know that we have a local presence who believes it’s important to share these messages with our community. … read more

Fear No Film: Relationship Boundaries

Relationships are defined by their boundaries. When two people become romantically involved, there are boundaries that must be maintained for that relationship to thrive. When the boundaries between parents, children, brothers and sisters are threatened, the core of a person’s identity is at risk. … read more

Fear No Film: Artistic Boundaries

The purpose of this Fear No Film category was to showcase ways in which filmmakers are pushing the limits of their craft. This type of filmmaking can be a mixed bag depending on the observer as it forces the viewer to look below the surface of what’s happening on the screen and begin to focus on the “why” rather than the “what.” … read more