The Utah Arts Festival kicks off Thursday, but that's just the tip of the entertainment iceberg for a steamy start to the weekend.---

Obviously the UAF is a gas, a multi-faceted collection of visual art, music, film, spoken word and more that draws thousands of people downtown. If you missed our cover story on this year's festival, check it out here. And hit Library Square between today and Sunday to check it out for yourself. 

Elsewhere in town, the Gina Bachauer International Piano Festival comes to town, with its world-class pianists performing through Saturday at the Rose Wagner.

Jonathan Jones brings his pop-rock to Kilby Court; the former Waking Ashland singer is touring in support of his solo disc, Community Group. Fellow pop performer Natasha Bedingfield headlines Thursday at the State Room, while Omarion performs at The Hotel/Elevate.

Reggae man Taj Weekes (pictured) headlines at Downstairs in Park City, and blues man Scott Holt does his thing at a dinner concert at The Sun and Moon Cafe.