The New Year’s Day George Streetfest on Main marked the eighth occurrence of St. George’s newest first Friday celebration, and with recent approval to continue through 2016, the George Streetfest planning committee is looking forward to the future of Streetfest.
In 2016, organizers have agreed to continue offering quality musicians and entertainment both on the main stage and at the Jazz Garden at Ancestor Square. New to the Jazz Garden entertainment lineup in 2016, house band West Coast Jazz will be followed from 8 to 10 p.m. by local rock and blues artists. Also, to keep attendees warm, the Jazz Garden will move indoors during winter months to the Ancestor Square Tower, offering areas open to all ages to enjoy live music.
A designated level for adults 21 and over will include service of wines selected by St. George Wine Club, tapas served by favorite Ancestor Square restaurants, and Zion Brewing Company beers. In February, the Jazz Garden will feature local band Whiskey Tooth Revival from 8 to 10 p.m. at Ancestor Square Tower. For March’s Jazz Garden, internationally acclaimed Queen of Ragtime Mimi Blais of Montreal will perform.
“We are really excited about anticipated growth for George Streetfest this year,” said Streetfest executive producer Melynda Thorpe. “Event organizers remain committed to providing a consistent nightlife event that quality entertainment while staying fresh and fun from one month to the next.”
Thorpe said results of a recent community survey show that 98 percent of survey respondents said they would like to see George Streetfest become a permanent event resident in southern Utah. Also of note, 98.3 percent of respondents who have attended report they are likely to continue attending.
Debuting June 5, 2015, George Streetfest emerged as a nightlife event designed to celebrate the best of southern Utah, boasting to offer something for everyone. With a planning committee comprising local artists, musicians, entertainers, college students, business leaders, and media volunteers, Streetfest launched successfully and has quickly taken its place in the community as nightlife to look to get excited about.
From 6 to 10 p.m. every first Friday, George spans three city blocks at the heart of Historic Downtown St. George. On a concert stage erected in the middle of Main Street, a free concert features local and visiting bands. Also on Main Street, the Little SoHo Street Market features local artists, crafters, and merchants selling goods, George Jr. Village offers games and activities for youth, and the Robert J. Debry Food Truck Village hosts up to 12 food trucks.
At Historic Ancestor Square, the Jazz Garden venue caters to adults 21 and over and has filled a social niche in the community many felt was missing. To the background of jazz and acoustic from 6 to 10 p.m., favorite downtown restaurants dish up delectable tapas paired with wines selected by St. George Wine Club and Zion Brewing Company beers. In winter months, and at times of inclement weather, the Jazz Garden will move indoors to Ancestor Square Tower in 2016.
One of the regular George Streetfest attendees, St. George Mayor Jon Pike, has had many good things to say about the event.
“As we move into the new year, we express continued support for this new, fun community event that continues to give us all a reason to gather at the center of town each month,” Pike said. “George has shown us something special about our community, and we appreciate the efforts of organizers who continue to develop and grow this nightlife event that offers something for everyone. We also appreciate the community for turning out to make George Streetfest something we can all be proud of.”
Nicki Pace, the Downtown Merchants Group president and Ancestor Square restaurateur, would agree.
“It is exciting to see this new energy coming to Historic Downtown,” said Pace. “A monthly event like this complements what the St. George City already offers, and brings us together with a consistent and fun downtown celebration every month. … We appreciate the vision, commitment and hard work of event organizers.”
George Streetfest on Main is presented by Historic Downtown Merchants Group and takes place from 6 to 10 p.m. on the first Friday of every month at Historic Downtown St. George.
For information about monthly performance lineups, or for vendor applications, visit georgestreetfest.com, or email info@georgestreetfest.com.
Here’s what the media are saying:
—Spectrum editor Steve Kiggins stated in his column, “George is cool – and you can party with him every month.”
—Hollie Reina of St. George News writes that George Streetfest “is quickly becoming the biggest and hottest party in Southern Utah.”
—St. George Area Tourism Office website boasts, “George is here, and its here in a big way!”
—George Scott of the Independent says, “George Streetfest success reflects a bigger picture of a new downtown St. George.”
—Etched Magazine editor Darci Hansen writes, “The collaboration and efforts of the city, downtown merchants, sponsors, vendors, artists, and the organizers to generate a nightlife inclusive of our evolving community has been extraordinary. And it’s time. Residents and visitors alike should expect to find developing cultural opportunities in this beautiful place we call home.”
