Written by George Scott
In just two outings, George First Friday Streetfest has made an incredible splash. The downtown St. George event, held on the first Friday of each month, has seen desert downpours threaten the venue on both occasions. Yet it has not stopped the community from coming out in waves. With June’s inaugural event hosting 2,500 participants and July’s event doubling at 5,000, this third George Streetfest returns with added activities and fun.
All of the excitement seen the first two months will return as Main Street closes to traffic, tents pop up, music starts playing, food trucks roll in, street performers claim their spots, and the hustle and bustle of organizers start moving in preparation for the biggest event in southern Utah.
Friday, Aug. 7 could get hairy with the George Mustache Contest. Cowboys, gents, and ladies are encouraged to trim it, tame it, wax it, shape it, or just let it be wild to compete in the competition, voted by crowd applause. There will be a winner for best real ‘stache, best fake ‘stache, and best cowboy ‘stache. The winners of each category will then compete to determine the grand champion in the Chocolate Mustache Milkshake Contest. Contestants must arrive for voting at the main stage by 7:45 p.m.
The main stage for George Streetfest will blast the music of Holy Water Buffalo, Quiet Oaks, and Brickwalker.
Longtime friends hailing from Heber City, Utah, Thomas Brunson, Jeff Vanderlinden, Zac McDonald, and Steven Siggard formed Holy Water Buffalo in 2009. Their combination of jangly guitar, vocal harmony, deep bass, melodic organ, and dynamic drumming creates contemporary original music with a ‘60s and ‘70s throwback sound. Touring Colorado, Arizona, Nevada, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and California, they’ve shared the stage with such acts as Cold War Kids, One Republic, Heartless Bastards, Mother Hips, and Slightly Stoopid.
Quiet Oaks is a quintet from Salt Lake City comprised of members Dane Sandberg, Spencer Sayer, Jon Butler, Kramer McCausland, and Mike Moon. Although this is a new project, these guys have been playing music together for years. Quiet Oaks plays a unique form of rock ‘n’ roll. They maintain a rowdy and chaotic energy while providing a familiar and welcoming sound. Gaining popularity due to their raucous live show, they hit the stage showing us what they are capable of.
St. George-based Brickwalker will open up the stage. The blues rock band with an edge blends funk, blues, rock ‘n’ roll, and raw energy to create a sound that is both groovy and gritty. The five members of the group—Max Wiltbank on vocals, Connor Houchen on guitar, Chase McClung on guitar, Tyler Huff on bass, and Zach Wiltbank on drums—generate an energetic live performance full of visceral riffs, savory solos, and catchy vocals.
[For an exclusive Brickwalker teaser video, click https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8nY4GXk8yL_VWxRemV4TzlDeHc/view.]
The hugely successful Jazz Garden continues to grow in numbers and space. The adult-only activity within the event takes place in the courtyard of Ancestor Square. IDs are checked, regardless of age. The evening opens up with the return of a poetry slam. This is followed by the popular music of the West Coast Jazz Players. This month will also include the performance of renowned jazz pianist Mami Hope Dalton. In addition, a new feature will be added: Vino 101. This 15-minute wine appreciation presentation by the St. George Wine Club will take place at 8 p.m.
George First Friday Streetfest promises nightlife you can get excited about. With activities for all ages, everyone can find something fun to do at this downtown event. The fun begins at 6 p.m. The main event ends at 10 p.m. with the Jazz Garden closing at midnight.
