Kinetic, Tomten, Halogyns, Bryan John Appleby play inaugural Cedar Music Fest
By Haven Scott
Cedar Music Fest will bring together local bands and bands from the western United States to Cedar City Sept. 15 for a night of music, art, food, fun, and dancing. Performing at the inaugural Cedar Music Fest will be Bryan John Appleby and Tomten from Seattle and Kinetic and Halogyns from southern Utah. The party will take place from 6 to 10 p.m. on University Boulevard between Main Street and 100 West.
“We invite the community to come enjoy an evening of music and fun in the heart of downtown Cedar City,” said Cedar Music Fest assistant director Jessica Burr. “While you are there, be sure to check out some of the art and culture in the area — you just might be surprised at what you find.”
Bryan John Appleby
Bryan John Appleby is a singer/songwriter and composer making his way to Cedar City from Seattle. Following the release of his 2011 debut album “Fire on the Vine,” he and his band spent time touring with The Head and the Heart’s national tour. His latest album, “The Narrow Valley,” was released in 2015.
“The Narrow Valley feels like an escape from everything else that currently constitutes the Seattle sound,” according to a review by Seattle Met. “It’s a detour caused by zoning out on a drive down the Pacific Coast and missing an exit or two, but just deciding to go where the road takes you. The unexpected destination may not have the smoothest roadways, but damn the scenery is gorgeous.”
Tomten
Tomten released its first album, “Wednesday’s Children,” in 2012 and has played in several Pacific Northwest music festivals, including Bumbershoot 2011. The genre is described as baroque pop, and this band also hails from Seattle.
“With a supremely catchy, well-paced set that already sounds like a greatest hits collection, Tomten has the song craft worthy of their chosen tradition,” Wrote the Seattle Weekly.
Halogyns
Hailing from St. George, Halogyns is currently raising funds to produce its first album. The band’s alternative rock/pop sound underpins unique lyrics about life, overcoming depression, love, heartbreak, and much more.
Kinetic
Band members Aaron Strawser, Nate Strawser, and Tyler Farling hail from Indiana and have been playing music together for several years. Farling now lives in Cedar City, and combined with drummer Landry Watson, the band released a five-song album titled “Where We Left Off” showcasing its indie-rock sound.
Cedar Music Fest is designed to serve as a cultural reflection of the Cedar City community and to increase patronage at downtown businesses. Additionally, the event includes components dedicated to promoting local artists and performers, drawing tourism, and bringing added culture to the community. Cedar Music Fest is committed to providing an outdoor nightlife option for local residents and tourists.
Cedar Music Fest is presented by SUU Community Education. Event partners include SUU Alumni and Community Relations, the Cedar City Brian Head Tourism Bureau, Southwest Tech, and friends of Cedar City Historic Downtown Economic Development Committee. Sponsors include Southern Utah Museum of Art.
SUU Community Education is currently accepting applications for vendors, artists, street performers, and food trucks at this event. For more information on becoming a vendor, food truck, or street performer, email Maree Beach at bewise@suu.edu. For more information on becoming a sponsor for the first Cedar Music Fest, email event director Jessica Burr at jessicaburr@suu.edu.
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