It had been five years since I shot a photo with Danny Souk. Thanks to the miracle of Instagram, I was able to see that he was skating Downtown by himself at the same time I was. A quick comment later, and we were looking for spots with enough light to skate. Social media is useful (sometimes). … read more
Beer Pubs with History and Swagger
There is no better way to learn more about Utah’s history with beer than to take a guided tour of a few of the most charismatic pubs in Salt Lake City. The Thirst Fursday Historic Pub Crawl is sponsored by the Utah Heritage Foundation, an organization committed to preserving Utah’s historical buildings through outreach like this fun and drinky tour. On the first Thursday of the month, three pubs are crawled to, all offering insight into Salt Lake’s history. … read more
Mad Max & The Wild Ones: the New Normal
The standard order of things is that, when we find rock n’ roll, we use it to piss off our parents—not to start a family rockabilly band with Dad playing upright bass and Little Brother taking on lead vocals at the age of 4. But “standard” and “normal” are not words that anyone would use to describe the Maxwell family, nor Mad Max & The Wild Ones. … read more
Tolchock Trio: 2000–2013
Tolchock Trio, the group best known for being a performing contradiction by playing as a quartet, are finally calling it quits, three years after everyone already thought they did. However, they did accomplish two things most bands never do: They made more than two albums and stayed together longer than 18 months … So that’s something. … read more
Deliver Us From Hunger
The Jimmy John’s Delivery Guy is a regular sighting in Downtown Salt Lake—rain or shine. You’ve probably seen Graham Abrams blow through the intersection at State Street and 200 South on his bike without hesitation, or his friend and coworker, Evan Vice, riding against traffic on a one-way street during lunch rush. These guys have a reputation for being fast and reckless, but it’s all part of the job. Time is money in the food delivery service: The more sandwiches delivered, the more tips add up. These delivery daredevils aren’t just risking their necks for the hell of it—it pays the bills. … read more
Eva’s Bakery: French Authenticity in the Heart of Salt Lake
Over the past few years, one of my favorite Downtown restaurants has been Eva. The small-plates restaurant serves a diverse selection of foods in portions manageable enough so that you can order half a dozen things and still not break the bank. Imagine my excitement when I, as SLUG Magazine’s Resident French Master TM, became aware that Eva Chef/Owner Charlie Perry had plans to open a French-style bakery just a few blocks away, Eva’s Bakery. … read more
Beer Reviews
As a beer judge and writer, I’m often presented with the opportunity to critique what’s in the glass vs. where its container came from. It removes prejudice and reminds the tongue and brain that they’re on the same team when it comes to beer. … read more
Ryan Ottley: Draw Life
When Rob Liefeld, Jim Lee and Todd McFarlane (among others) founded Image Comics, they revolutionized the comic book industry. The artists were treated like—and acted like—rock stars everywhere they went. It was that attitude that put the creator-owned mindset of Image on equal footing with Marvel and DC. Twenty years later, Image Comics is still a force led by some of the most famous creators working today. Its continued success is thanks, in large part, to books like Invincible—illustrated by local artist Ryan Ottley. … read more
Mike Brown: The Year of the Gun, Goin’ In Hot!
After years of refusing to hold a firearm, I changed my mind a few weeks ago and decided to go to the desert and shoot the shit out of a banana with various assault weapons. … read more
Music + Beer = Family = The UBC Music Squad
If you’ve never met Utah Brewers Cooperative Business Manager Cindi Robinson, then you have never seen such a passion for local music. From tabling at shows for animal-activism promotion to organizing bake sales for bands to raise money to go on tour, Robinson now continues her superlative enthusiasm for the local music scene on a day-to-day basis at UBC, as she has surrounded herself with notable local musicians by hiring them to work for the brewery. … read more
Gallery Stroll: Art Finds a New Home
I’ve been to galleries in warehouses, old houses, a truck, tents, bars, furniture stores and salons––not every place is a good fit, but art must find a way to be seen, so in some cases, you overlook the atmosphere in order to appreciate the art. … read more
Movie Reviews
Reviews for Crystal Fairy, Cutie and The Boxer, Fruitvale Station, Only God Forgives and Pacific Rim. … read more
