George Streetfest makes its sixth appearance on Friday, Nov. 6, to celebrate the best of southern Utah. The monthly first Friday extravaganza features a free signature street concert, Jazz Garden with beer and wine, buskers, street market, art from local artists, farmers market, and a community engagement Passport to the City Program. The Streetfest has booked powerhouse musical lineup. Raven Cain, Wirelefant, and The National Parks will perform on the Main Street Stage.
George Streetfest has been able to book the incredible Raven Cain for November’s lineup. Signing with 405 Hollywood has resulted in a tremendous amount of activity for this passionate musician over the summer. All of the time in the studio has paid off with his first album, “Son of the South,” released on Oct. 10. Whether performing his originals or familiar covers, Raven has a sound and energy that delivers in a way that connects with the crowd. Raven pushes the boundaries with songs that express who he is and makes it real. He doesn’t just write and sing songs; he shares them from the heart. His talent and uncanny ability to touch people has resulted in a following of fans that truly become friends.
Looking at Raven with his long hair, tattoos, sunglasses, hat, and stature, he personifies the “bad boy” image well. However, he is approachable and passionate and has a heart of gold. It is felt in his music. He makes it easy for the crowd to get in on the act. His concerts have a feel of a bunch of friends getting together to play and have a good time. Raven provides the type of performances concertgoers remember for a lifetime.
Local alternative rock band Wirelefant will deliver a show certain to entertain at all levels. The talent of this group is amazing and they adapt incredibly to every venue they play. The group has continued to develop since their inception in 2013 reaching a level of talent difficult to match. The group includes four extremely skilled musicians. Brandon Clove plays rhythm guitar and lead vocals. Dallen Wittwer handles bass guitar. Brenten Canfield bangs it out on the drums. Jacob Savage plays lead guitar and sings backing vocals. Wirelefant’s unique sound and extraordinary stage presence creates an experience even the seasoned concertgoers will be impressed with.
November’s visiting entertainer is The National Parks, an electronic folk pop band out of Provo, Utah. Since their launch in 2013, The National Parks has taken off by storm. Their first album, “Young,” saw tremendous success. The album climbed all the way to No. 13 on the iTunes singer/songwriter chart. This secured their ability to get out on the road and play shows in cities like Seattle, Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York. They have been able to play with musicians such as Andy Grammer, LeAnn Rimes, The Black Lillies, and The Moth & The Flame. They just released their second album, “Until I Live,” and are excited to share songs from the two albums on the stage at George Streetfest.
The hugely popular Jazz Garden in the Ancestor Square courtyard will feature Dr. Glenn Webb. Webb is the music department chair as DSU. He will play vibraphone with West Coast Jazz Players. Milt Jackson and Lionel Hampton made this melodic percussion instrument popular in jazz music in the ‘40s and ‘50s. 2016 has been designated as the year of the vibraphone. The Jazz Garden will be getting a head start on celebrating this fun and unique jazz on instrument which will certainly be a big hit for those in attendance.
George Streetfest on Main is a monthly first Friday community celebration. The festivities take place from 6 to 10 p.m. with the Jazz Garden going until midnight. Local artists and performers interested in applying for the Supporting Artists with Vision event scholarship should call (435) 773-0781. The scholarship offers street accommodations including tent and vendor fee for two artists each month wishing to promote their work.
For more information, visit georgestreetfest.com.
