By Tamara Lemmon
New things are brewing up in Springdale … literally. Okay, that may be a bad pun, but the fact remains that brews of all kinds will soon be available for purchase during shows at the OC Tanner Amphitheater. The Tanner, which is owned and operated by Dixie State University, sits at the mouth of Zion Canyon just before the entrance to the park. The event permit allowing concessionaires to serve alcohol at the amphitheater has been over a year in the making. DSU’s Trailblazers Summer Concert Series is hoping to follow in the footsteps of successful events like Georgefest that have recently begun offering beer and wine to attendees, creating a traditional music festival atmosphere.
Steve Lemmon, cultural arts marketing director for DSU, explains the setup. “There will be a beer garden on the north side of the Tanner parking lot with pub tables and places to relax. Inside the amphitheater, beer will be allowed in the north third of the Tanner seating.” Of course, this area of the amphitheater will be cordoned off from the rest of general seating, a wristband will be required for entry, and photo ID will be mandatory for anyone wishing to partake. Zion Canyon Brew Pub will be providing the liquid refreshment, offering some of their local and imported beers including Jamaican Lager, Springdale Amber, Redemption IPA, Delusion Ale, and the perennial favorite Apricot Wheat. Wine will not be offered initially, but there are plans to add variety to the libations menu, possibly next season.
Perhaps fittingly, Hippiestock, coming to the Tanner on Aug. 13, will be the first show to feature the new beer garden. Catfish John, the Grateful Dead tribute band, will co-headline the concert along with local musicians Soul What?! The event will also feature an attempt to create Southern Utah’s largest drum circle. Audience members should bring their drums in order to participate and will receive a little help from Earth Vibrations Drum Circle. Participants will have the opportunity to jam with Catfish John as well as multiple drum-only jams throughout the evening. Those who bring a drum to participate in the circle will be rewarded with half-price admission to Hippiestock.
After Hippiestock, the Traiblazers Summer Concert Series continues with showings of the family-friendly “Sanctuary: The Story of Zion” on Aug. 19 and 20 and Sept. 3 and 5, and Roots Revival, the final concert of the series, on Sept. 10. All will feature the newly minted alcohol concessions area. When asked if there was a name for the new beer garden, Lemmon replied that they were considering several options, including the Trailblazers Beer Garden, but an official name had not yet been released.
Tickets are $15 for adults, $6 for youth, and the entire family can attend the show for $38. Purchase tickets at dsutix.com, thestoryofzion.com, or at the door on the day of performance.
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