George Streetfest returns Friday, Sept. 2, with a Country Western theme. Attendees can expect a full evening of country fun. The entertainment lineup starts with one-man bluegrass band N.M. Bell performing at the main stage at 6 p.m., followed by the return of Streetfest’s annual mustache contest. Headlining will be local band Guest House and Salt Lake City’s Westward the Tide of.
Describing themselves as a “groovy collaborative emo/math rock project,” Guest House counts as its members Megan Huard and Shane Stewart of alt/dance outfit Morning, Sexy; Patrick Swansborough of dream-emo act Waking Up with Wolves; Tyler Huff of blues/funk group BrickWalker; and Jake Shepard of folk band The Whiskey Tooth Revival.
In 2014, Indie pop/rock band Westward the Tide took top honors at the Salt Lake City Weekly Music Awards (now called Best of Utah Music) as City Weekly Band of the Year. Since then the five-piece ensemble has been featured at festivals and special events throughout Utah, often performing favorites from their debut album, “Sorry Soul.” In June, Westward the Tide was among the top acts selected to perform at the “Let’s Dance: The Songs of David Bowie” rooftop concert in Provo.
At the Jazz Garden during Country Western month, Streetfest attendees will be treated to the return of Courtney Marie Andrews of Seattle, Washington. An artist with country roots, Andrews is a storyteller with a sound that is reminiscent of Appalachian and Rocky Mountain folk music. Andrews made her George Streetfest debut in September 2015.
“We are excited to have Courtney returning for Country Western month,” said Ryan Groskreutz, Streetfest booking agent. “Her guitar work is absolutely incredible — some of the best I’ve ever heard — and her sound gets to the heart of truly American music.”
Andrews will be followed at the Jazz Garden by local country rockers Gunlock County. This band is known for its raucous edge and “outlaw” performance style.
In a special nod to the launch of National Recovery Awareness Month, several recovery services providers will have booths on site, creating the Red Zone. Attendees can gather information about local resources; participate in games, drawings, and other activities (including a $100 cash giveaway); and pick up campaign promotional items. The creation of the Red Zone marks the first of a month-long series of “Unity in the Community” activities scheduled to help educate the public about the high incidence of addiction in Washington County and the wide range of treatment options available.
“Addiction has no boundaries,” noted Sharmane Gull, Red Zone program coordinator. “Approximately 10 percent of the county’s population — both male and female — is suffering from some sort of untreated addiction, which is well above the national average. But we also have many wonderful resources, provided by dedicated professionals who are eager to help. The Red Zone offers a way to celebrate those who are in recovery, and to offer hope and assistance to those who are just starting their journey.”
Streetfest will present its second-annual mustache contest on the main stage at 7 p.m. Who has the most luxuriant, super-sized ‘stache? Audience applause will select five finalists to “face off” on Main Stage for one of two titles: George Cowboy Mustache, and George Mustache Champ.
“Of course the mustache contest is intended to be a fun, light-hearted event,” said Melynda Thorpe, George Streetfest founder and executive director. “But it’s actually done in homage to our southern Utah settlers. In the late 1800s, many men arrived by wagon train and horseback wearing best-dress shirts, ties and bowler hats — which is the very reason we selected the bowler as our event icon. In those days, the mustache was both common and popular in the Wild West. Thomas Judd, a well-know southern Utah settler and town leader, sported the largest mustache I’ve ever seen. So we like to think of the contest as a way to salute our community’s past while having a little fun in the present.”
George Streetfest on Main, a nightlife event designed to celebrate the best of Southern Utah, is held on the first Friday of every month from 6-10 p.m., with the Desert Pulse Jazz Garden open until midnight April–October. The event is presented by Emceesquare Media at Historic Downtown St. George, and is sponsored in 2016 by The Independent, the City of St. George, St. George Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, Canyon Media, St. George News, Etched Magazine, Wingate by Windham Hotel, TDS Telecom, Tuacahn, Iron Gate Winery, and Wasatch Brewery.
More information on to become a vendor is available at georgestreetfest.com or from info@georgestreetfest.com. Streetfest organizers are now accepting applications for street market vendors, buskers, and food vendors.
