Written by George Scott
Threatening weather gave cause for concern for Southern Utah Songwriters Association’s opening concert on Thursday night, May 7. However, the rain held off long enough for the show to go on as planned in the open court of Ancestor Square in downtown St. George.
The weather ended up being gorgeous, and the music was fabulous. Nick Adams stood in for Christina Osborne due to illness and opened up the show with several originals. Picking his guitar with the ease of an accomplished player and crooning his songs like he was on tour, Adams’ set was a hit with the crowd. His demeanor and interaction with the crowd was ideal for the casual setting, and many passers-by were stopped in their tracks and joined the concert.
Following his set at Ancestor Square, Adams packed up his guitar and headed to George’s Corner where he regularly plays on Thursday nights. He says he uses his gig there as a way to keep his guitar tuned, his fingers limber, and his voice exercised. It was obvious from his Ancestor Square performance that it has been working well.
Wirelefant played next with an acoustic version of their normal set. Playing all originals, they toned down their normally harder sound a bit, and it was spectacular. Wirelefant demonstrated their accomplished talent by being able to sound spectacular regardless of the venue and setting in which they are playing.
“I’m amazed at how great this group is,” said local music promoter Gordon Strang. “The way they adapt to every venue is astounding.”
Wirelefant made several new fans last night and will undoubtedly continue to do so as they play.
SUSWA’s next concert in the Ancestor Square concert series is May 14 at 7 p.m. Azure Sweet, a relatively new group formed with several accomplished musicians, will start off the show. They will be playing their Americana/contemporary folk originals and covers with a fresh sound that is spectacular. The established and local favorites, Beans and Wheels, will follow with their Americana originals and rock covers as they bring the fun playing great tunes.
