There are shows, and then there are experiences. On May 30 at 10 PM, Los Angeles-based experimental collective Banyan returns to Southern Utah for a one-night-only performance at The Bit & Spur in Springdale. Known for its fully improvised, anything-goes approach to music, Banyan brings a legacy of boundary-pushing sound that spans jazz, punk, funk, and psychedelic rock, all created live, in the moment.
Formed in 1996 by drummer Stephen Perkins and bassist Mike Watt during a hiatus from Porno for Pyros, Banyan emerged from a simple urge: play more music. What followed was an evolving experiment in improvisation, sparked by an early session at the Dust Brothers studio in Silver Lake. With musicians listening to Igor Stravinsky and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky through headphones while jamming, Banyan’s first record was born, setting the tone for decades of fearless sonic exploration.
Over the years, Banyan has become a revolving door of elite collaborators, with contributors including Flea, John Frusciante, Joe Satriani, and Thurston Moore. Their performances have ranged from underground art happenings to major stages like the Monterey Jazz Festival and events surrounding the Utah Winter Olympics.
The current lineup hitting The Bit & Spur stage features Stephen Perkins on drums, Willie Waldman on trumpet, Andy Calder on bass, Jeff Eidemiller on guitar, and 16-year-old Eden Perkins, marking the youngest musician to perform with the group. Expect a sonic ride that moves from tribal grooves to explosive chaos, from delicate ambiance to full-throttle rock, often within a single song.
The Venue
The Bit & Spur Restaurant & Saloon has long been one of Southern Utah’s go-to hubs for live music, offering an intimate, eclectic setting just outside Zion National Park. The venue’s mix of indoor and outdoor stages makes it a natural home for both touring acts and regional favorites.
Beyond Banyan’s late-night set, the Bit & Spur keeps things lively all season. Their weekly outdoor concert series runs Mondays with a farmers market from 5 to 9 PM, paired with live music from 5 to 8 PM in May, shifting to 6 to 9 PM June through August. Upcoming acts include Shangalu (May 4), Runaway Fire (May 11), Cory Mon (May 18), YESOUISI (May 25), and Dead Desert Trio (June 1). These early evening shows are all-ages and free to attend.
Banyan’s May 30 performance is 21+ with a $20 cover at the door. For more information, visit bitandspur.com or call 435-772-3498.
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