Lee Thomas | Lifestyle Editor | @leenis85
Local music shows have become a huge part of summertime in Utah County. The following is a brief compendium to help you plan accordingly.
Whether it’s up in the mountains or in the heart of the city, the U.C. is far from short of things to do. By far, one of the best parts of living here during the summer is the flourishing Provo music scene.
The Downtown Provo Summer Rooftop Concert Series is the crown jewel of the newly booming scene. Due to extremely high attendance and subsequent safety concerns, the series is no longer held on an actual rooftop. Concerts are hosted in the street at the epicenter (the corner of 100 W and Center Street) of Provo every month.
In past years, popular local musical artists such as Imagine Dragons, Book on Tapeworm, Fictionist, The Moth and the Flame, Desert Noises and Van Lady Love, and last year’s season closing concert – Neon Trees – that shut down Provo Center Street, which set the precedent for the current location. Joshua James headlined the opening show on June 5. Upcoming dates can be found at rooftopconcertseries.com.
Hugely popular Provo music venue, Velour, holds concerts and open mic nights on a regular basis. July 17 and 18 includes a double-header of Joshua James on Friday and a triple album release party Saturday for Two Nations, L’anarchiste, and James Allen Spirit. More dates are available at velourlive.com.
A brand new theater, Gezzo Hall, located on the corner of 500 N and Freedom Blvd in Provo, has quickly become a favorite spot to see local music. Concerts in July include My Fair Fiend on Saturday July 11, as well as Na-G and Rap Game on Saturday July 18, with more to be announced.
Many lesser-known venues and house gigs are thrown frequently around town all the time. The Medusa Collection, whose mission statement according to their Facebook page is to “support and unite female and non-binary musicians and encourage better gender representation in the Provo music scene,” is one example. The group posts imminent events on their page often.
There are 21+ concerts at local Provo bars ABG’s and The Madison. ABG’s is the spot for local music, with staples such as Temples, 90s Television, John Ross Boyce and the Troubles and Mortigi Tempo, playing on a regular basis.
There are also open mic nights at places like Enliten Bakery and the aforementioned Velour.
Supporting the local music scene is an excellent way to get involved with the community, network, and meet new people. It’s not only a memorable way to bond with friends, but it brings people together to help sustain our collective spirit. So come one, come all; let’s rock.
