Dixie State University just unveiled its new branding, the Trailblazers. Not only does this branding apply to the athletic programs at Dixie, but it is also now the title for the O.C. Tanner Amphitheater’s summer concert series in Springdale: introducing the newly titled “Trailblazers O.C. Tanner Summer Concert Series.”
During his introduction of the new identity, President “Biff” Williams spoke of the courageous and forward thinking trailblazers who settled the St. George area. He explained that the Trailblazer would naturally fit as a title for our university. He also said the title is also a perfect fit for a concert series that will embrace local and regional musicians and feature groups who have spent a lifetime blazing a trail in their art.
In recent years, the O.C. Tanner Amphitheater has held weekly concerts throughout the summer. While this has allowed an opportunity for a high number of shows, the ability to effectively market these shows has suffered. The goal for this season is to decrease the number of shows but raise the bar on quality and advertising in hopes of enticing not only the large number of tourists visiting Zion National Park to attend but also the residents of Washington County. The new Trailblazers Concert Series will feature world-class entertainment amidst the visually stunning backdrop that the O.C. Tanner Amphitheater provides. Playing off the hugely successful “First Friday” events held in St. George, we will be hosting our events on every second Saturday starting in June and extending through September.
So what kind of shows can you expect? We hope to provide something for everyone during the inaugural season.
The series will kick off with Country Jam on June 11. Local musician Eric Dodge will co-headline the event along with Vegas favorite the Randy Anderson Band. This high-energy combination, along with line-dancing instruction between sets, will guarantee a boot-scooting, knee-slapping good time.
On July 9, Rockfest will be headlined by local favorites Wirelefant and Houston Rocket with a few surprise guests to be announced.
Hippiestock comes next on Aug. 13 and will feature a Grateful Dead tribute band: Catfish John. Joining Catfish John will be Soul What?! and Whisky Tooth Revival, both of whom play a funky brand of ‘70s-inspired groove tunes. Between sets, Hippiestock will play host to what we hope to be the largest drum circle ever assembled in Southern Utah.
Rounding out the series on Sept. 10 will be our ode to Bluegrass and Americana music, which will aptly be titled “Roots Revival.” Marty Warburton and the Home Girls will host the event, which will also feature local multi-instrumentalist Ryan Tilby and friends as well as some of the region’s best bluegrassers. All four shows will feature food trucks and other family activities to keep kids and adults alike entertained from start to finish.
The O.C. Tanner Amphitheater will also play host this summer to an original production titled “Sanctuary, The Story of Zion.” Written by beloved storyteller and singer/songwriter Sam Payne, the show will tell the multi-layered story of Zion National Park through pictures, story, and song. From the First Nations peoples to the settlers who founded the town, to the present day tourists and residents, Payne will chronicle the evolution of the canyon in a way that entertains and educates and leaves the audience with a better understanding of the challenges and triumphs that are part of the history of one of the nation’s most popular national parks.
Details for “Sanctuary, the Story of Zion” as well as the Trailblazers O.C. Tanner Summer Concert Series will be available at octannershows.com as well as on Facebook. Tickets for all Tanner productions are $15 for adults, $6 for students, or $38 for a family and will be available at the door the night of the events, or at dsutix.com. Shows will start at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. For more information or to purchase tickets, please call (435) 652-7800.
