Downtown Alliance | Salt Lake City, Utah - A Twilight Series We Can Actually Love

A Twilight Series We Can Actually Love

Monday, 09 July 2012 15:51

Written by Jesse Dean

Dave Brewer Photography

In my opinion, Downtown SLC features some of the best live music offerings in the American West. Want to argue my point? Go ahead. But hear me out at least first! This new blog series will discuss all things musical in your own downtown.

Salt Lake Arts Council’s Programs Director Casey Jarman has created a one of a kind experience with the Twilight Concert Series. Jarman is the brainchild behind the jaw dropping line-ups for the series year in, year out. Since I started attending back in 2005, I always ask myself if it can get any better. This year, I literally choked on my fruit loop breakfast listening to the live KRCL announcement of the series. Band of Horses? Nas? Common? Passion Pit? Unless you are willing to brave the mass migrations to events like Coachella or Sasquatch, there is no way you will see a line up like this. Sure Twilight has hit big numbers in the past, from the raucous Modest Mouse concert to the tween infested Lupe Fiasco show. That said, both Modest Mouse and Lupe Fiasco featured vibrant energy in SLC that is an organic manifestation of the brilliance behind the series itself.

Differing from past years, a new $5 charge has only made for a better overall concert experience. While it is still early, my guess is the charge will make for smaller, music-focused crowds. Remember when $5 used to get you five cheddar roast beef sandwiches from Arby’s? Trust me, the Twilight Concert Series ticket is a better deal for your ears and your waistline. In the first show of 2012, The Walkmen and Beach House wowed a crowd of 10,000 + concert goers. Up next? Raphael Saadiq on July 12^th and Nas on July 19^th.

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Raphael Saadiq is widely considered to be one of the best R & B performers out there. That’s right folks, it’s not Usher. Always sharply dressed, Saadiq wows with soulful Motown style blended with modern sounds. Think Stevie Wonder and Chuck Berry combined. I know, it’s THAT good.

NAS

Hailing from Queensbridge, Queens in New York, Nas is arguably the most(in)famous MC when it comes to hip hop. From his debut album Illmatic in 1994 to 9 releases later with Life Is Good on July 17^th, Nas has remained on top of the hip-hop game. Did you notice the date of that new release? Just two days before Nas rocks SLC. Pushing impressive lyrics and one-of-a-kind samples, this show promises to deliver some incredible energy. OK OK, is it obvious? I am a huge Nas fan.

Nas will be preceded by Tinie Tempah, a young MC from across the pond. You know, England. True to his moniker, Tempah delivers synth heavy, up-tempo hip-hop that will perfectly compliment the more “old-school” approach of Nas.

The Twilight Concert Series represents just a small percentage of the musical offerings in downtown SLC. For ticket information and to view more of the shows coming, go to www.twilightconcertseries.com

Stay tuned for more discussions on music in your town.

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