Nahko captivates sold-out crowd at Performance Arts Campus debut in St. George
By Josh Warburton, Photos by Annabelle d’Artois
St. GEORGE — On a vibrant Wednesday night, May 14, Nahko delivered an unforgettable solo performance to a sold-out crowd at the newly opened Performance Arts Campus (PAC) in St. George. The venue was buzzing with excitement as fans packed the remodeled theater space, creating an atmosphere that was equal parts electric and intimate.
Opening the evening was Southern Utah’s own Charlie Kessner, better known as Mr. OK. A seasoned performer with hundreds of shows across the region under his belt, Charlie took the stage solo with just his guitar, offering a stripped-down, emotionally resonant set. Known for his genre-defying songwriting and soulful delivery, Mr. OK had the crowd fully locked in, greeting each tune with enthusiastic applause. You can catch his upcoming shows at charkessmusic.com/calendar.
Just before the show, I had the chance to meet Nahko. I reminded him we’d met about a decade ago at Mystic Hot Springs in Monroe, Utah. He grinned and said he remembered—“That was such a cool show,” he recalled. And while Wednesday night didn’t have the same hot-spring backdrop, the energy was every bit as powerful.
Nahko performed solo throughout the night, moving between acoustic guitar and electric piano with ease. He opened with three guitar-driven tracks before transitioning to keys, weaving in personal stories, psychedelic-inspired reflections, and spur-of-the-moment crowd interactions. His performance felt raw, real, and refreshingly human—full of laughter, truth, and gratitude. At one point, he dedicated a song to a mother and daughter in the crowd, making the evening feel less like a concert and more like a shared experience.
“Nahko and his fans brought the biggest single event so far to the new PAC,” said venue management. “What a cool vibe! We hope to host this wonderful singer/songwriter and humanitarian again soon!”
“This has been a long-held dream,” says Hunanai, local promoter and organizer of the show. “Bringing Nahko to St. George is a major milestone in my journey as a conscious music promoter and event visionary. I’m deeply passionate about creating spaces where the community can come together—safe, family-friendly environments that celebrate music, dance, and connection. This event marks a powerful step forward in building a vibrant music culture here in St. George—and yes, I’m officially putting our city on the tour map!”
About the Artists
Mr. OK (Charlie Kessner) has become a fixture in the Southern Utah music scene over the past five years. His emotionally charged songwriting and compelling live performances have earned him a growing fanbase across the region and beyond. Tour info at charkessmusic.com.
Nahko continues to forge his own path as a solo artist. His latest album, TRENCHES, dives deep into personal growth and healing. Upcoming shows include May 16 at The Fox Theatre in Boulder, CO. Full tour info at nahko.com.
About the PAC
The Performance Arts Campus (PAC) in St. George is breathing new life into a familiar location—the former movie theater complex many locals remember from childhood. Now reimagined into six unique performance and rehearsal spaces, PAC is quickly becoming Southern Utah’s go-to destination for live music, theater, and more. Learn more about the venue and upcoming events at atthepac.org.
If last night’s show is any indication, this venue is off to a blazing start. Don’t miss your chance to catch the next unforgettable performance—stay tuned to suindependent.com for all the latest in Southern Utah’s arts and entertainment scene.
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