Saturday 7.18
GRACE POTTER & THE NOCTURNALS
The Canyons Saturday Summer Concert Series kicks off with Vermont’s Grace Potter & The Nocturnals,
a soulful blues-rock quintet whose frontwoman says they’re more of a
road band than a studio project. The group has been kicking around for
close to eight years now and are just starting to gain the recognition
that long time followers believe they deserve. Working with T Bone
Burnett on their third full-length release might help popularize their
sound—a timeless throwback to ’60s and ’70s rock acts powered by
Potter’s knock-down-drag-’em-out vocals. She doesn’t just sing, either.
Potter is a versatile multi-instrumentalist who, while most comfortable
manning a Hammond, Wurlitzer or Rhodes, definitely knows her way around
a guitar—acoustic or Flying V. And The Nocturnals? Well, there’s a
reason Potter bills the group as a team effort. New bassist Catherine
Popper (Ryan Adams & The Cardinals) and rhythm guitarist Benny
Yurco recently joined guitarist Scott Tournet and drummer Matt Burr to
round out the indispensible crew. See what you’ve been missing at this
free event. Bring a picnic and dancing shoes. The Canyons, 4000 The Canyons Resort Dr., Park City, 6 p.m. All-ages. Info: TheCanyons.com
SLC FILM FESTIVAL BENEFIT
Local instrumental metal duo Cornered by Zombies bring the noise harder than bands twice their size, joining Le Force as one of the city’s fiercest two-pieces. Master shredder Basil and oft-barefoot drummer Jason recently joined Le Force’s Jud Powell in the studio to record their debut full-length, which they’ll unveil tonight as part of a concert to benefit the first annual Salt Lake City Film Festival. Directors Matt Whittaker and Chris Bradshaw envision the festival as an all-inclusive opportunity for aspiring filmmakers to gain exposure and access to commercial avenues. The inaugural three-day series runs Aug. 14-16 at Tower Theatre, the Fort Douglas Post Theater and the Salt Lake City Main Library. A list of screenings is available online at SaltLakeCityFilmFestival.com. In addition to the mighty Cornered by Zombies, tonight’s fund-raising show will feature Le Force-offshoot Mammoth and expansive indie troupe Vile Blue Shades delving into increasingly complex realms of percussive debauchery. Oh, and … free pizza! The Urban Lounge, 241 S. 500 East, 9 p.m.
Sunday 7.19
Truckstop Honeymoon’s “Rebel Girl” sounds nothing like Bikini Kill’s track of the same name, but its title character is similar insofar as she’s a strong, determined woman holding the key to revolution—in this case, rallying industrial workers of the world. As with all the songs she sings in the Kansas-based old-time/bluegrass band, Katie Euliss infuses her delivery with infectious charisma, humor and whimsy, as on “Mama’s Moving Back,” a duet with artistic/life partner Mike West. The Louisiana natives—they relocated to the Midwest after Hurricane Katrina destroyed their home—are as real as they come and talented as heck, especially when manning a bucket-bass and banjo. Truckstop Honeymoon will open tonight’s Cool Air Concert Series followed by headliner Jason Isbell and 400 Unit. Snowbird Resort, Highway 210, Little Cottonwood Canyon, 5 p.m. All-ages (also Tuesday at The Woodshed)
Monday 7.20
BLAZED & CONFUSED
Blue Carpet Treatment. Purple Kush. Barney. Belvedere. Snoop D-O-Double-G has a Ph.D. in weed lexicology. The hip-hop artist is widely known for his unique and playful approach to language, namely his now-familiar twist on modern slang. Fo rizzle. Though responsible for some of the ’90s most memorable jams, Snoop is inextricably linked to all things marijuana. Yes, he briefly ditched the drug in 2002 but soon after returned to his old flame. The love affair continues on tour with like-minded reggae royalty Damien Marley and punk-reggae band Slightly Stoopid. Smoke `em if you got ’em—but not on the premises. Take a cue from Snoop who, during his guest appearance on Showtime’s Weeds, used “stunt weed.” Right. Usana Amphitheater, 5400 S. 6200 West, 6:30 p.m. All-ages. Tickets: SmithsTix.com
RYAN AVERY
Ryan Avery isn’t exactly the next Roky Erickson or Daniel Johnston but,
like both troubled legends, his creative pursuits raise the
ever-elusive questions, “What is art?” and “What is sane?” With Hi, My Name Is Ryan, documentary
filmmakers explore the value of Avery’s contributions as a “therapeutic
entertainer,” from his work as a photo-booth artist to musical
performances of both thrash-metal and sweet a cappella. Is the sum of
his efforts brilliant or absurd? Tonight, Salt Lake City residents have
an opportunity to experience Avery’s music with a free in-store
performance based on his goal to “be superhuman.” Slowtrain, 221 E. Broadway, 7 p.m. All-ages.
COMING UP
M. Ward, Land of Talk (Gallivan Center, July 23); The American Night (Urban Lounge, July 24); Secondhand Serenade (Thanksgiving Point, July 25); LeeAnn Rhimes & Utah Symphony (Deer Valley, July 25)
