Community

In the heart of Salt Lake’s ever-growing Granary District, the Evo Hotel contains a skatepark. Yes, a skatepark. (Oh, also, a climbing gym, hotel, cafe, retail store, bar and rooftop deck.) Evo is eclectic, and that’s the point says manager Garret Clements, “Evo is a chaotic, high-energy place, and we want it that way.” 

‘All Together’ Skatepark at Evo Hotel

Utah’s skating community is riding the revival of the sport into the future. After its debut in the 2020 Olympics, the number of people who got into skateboarding rose from 6.4 million to 8.8 million and are trading make-shift backyard half pipes for professional parks. Enter Evo, a non-traditional space that embraces the new skate scene with its 5,000 square-foot indoor/outdoor skatepark.

As you enter Evo, you are greeted by ramps and rails and usually you’ll see some skaters on them. SJ Johnson, head of the All Together skatepark, says all are welcome. “Unlike a regular hotel, we want to be non-traditional and show that everyone is welcome to do whatever they want,” they say. “It’s such a tight-knit community that it feels more at home than any other regular skatepark would.” 

All Together skatepark hosts events, fundraisers and runs drop boxes for Coconut Hut, Utah Pride Center and the homeless shelters. The park offers camps for youth and adults every week in the summer, and seasonal parties and rollerblading nights during the winter. There’s also a weekly after-hours gathering for members of the LGBTQ+ community. The skate scene + hotel has attracted skating legends like Amelia Bordka and Tony Hawk, who have both stayed (and skated there). On sunny days, All Together opens its garage doors to offer skaters a chance to shred some natural terrain. With a tight-knit group of skaters of all ages and skill levels, and a commitment to giving back to marginalized communities, the All Together skatepark offers more than just a place to skate. 

Evohotel.com, @evohotelsaltlake, 660 S. 300 West, SLC

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I met Ras for the first time on a Saturday night downtown. His blinking lights and blaring tunes drew us in. A moth to a flame, I had to find out what the commotion was about. With kaleidoscopic eyes on the crowd and hands beckoning them to the impromptu dance floor, Ras is one charismatic busker. Adults and children alike twirled in his cold, mechanical arms.

Ras performed a series of impressive spins and arm gestures. What’s a robot like him doing all alone in a big city? He wasn’t alone of course. Off to the side, a shadowed figure held a remote device and watched with a bemused smile as his robotic partner took all the glory. 

The man behind the curtain is Mike White, and he’s been building Ras since he was in middle school. White found his passion for designing and building at a young age. In ninth grade, he built a mechanical hand for a science project. Once he graduated high school, White was ready to take robotics to the next level. He received his bachelor’s degree in Robotics from ITT Technical Institute in California and continued to improve his science project turned prototype. 

“It got more advanced over the years,” says White. “A hand turned into a full arm and then an elbow, until it turned into this really beautiful thing.” He called that beautiful thing Ras.  

White could’ve stopped there, his dream of building a fully functioning six-foot tall, three-hundred-pound robot complete. But he added more customizable LED screen and programmed dance routines, and Ras’ personality began to take shape. And that personality demanded to see the world. White started to take Ras out busking and the public fawned over his mechanical magnetism. 

“People connect with his energy,” says White. “I think there is more to it than just science. When I work on Ras and do what I love and am passionate about, that energy builds in Ras.” Whether folks stop for a quick photo or invite Ras to join them at clubs and bars (what I wouldn’t do to share a drink with a robot), Ras is making an impact.

 “Once I was having Ras perform for a family, singing ‘Hallelujah’ by Elvis, and one of the girls started crying,” White recalls. “It was unexpected but very beautiful moment. A lot of people tell me they’re so thankful I’m bringing joy to people’s lives.” White says Ras has encouraged him to come out of his shell. “I’ve never been the person to go out and dance in public or make myself noticed, but Ras got me out of that box.” 

When he’s not entertaining tipplers between bar hops, White brings Ras to robotic conventions and school assemblies. As an educational tool, Ras has undoubtedly encouraged throngs of students to pursue their interest in STEM. White himself is expanding his collection. “I want to grow my Rent-a-Bot business, so I’m building more robots. I’m still in the beginning stages of what I believe is a worthy ideal. But I’ll keep designing, creating and building wonderful things that this world hasn’t seen.” 

As for Ras, the dancing robot can still be found bringing laughter and life to Salt Lake’s streets with his human companion never far behind.  

Follow White on Instagram @rastherobot for updates on his Rent-a-Bot business, and visit his website for inquiries on renting Ras for private events.

One of Utah’s most unique holidays is Pioneer Day, which can either be a cultural day of remembrance for some or Pie and Beer Day, the best day of the year to relax and support local pizzerias and breweries! Regardless of what you call it, here are some ways to celebrate 2023 Pioneer Day.

Salt Lake Bees vs Las Vegas Aviators Game

July 21st, 22nd, 23rd 6:35 p.m.

Smith’s Ballpark

The Salt Lake Bees will be playing the Las Vegas Aviators all week and into Pioneer Day weekend. Complete with Farr Better Ice Cream giveaways, swag tosses, and fireworks, a Bees game is the perfect way to kick off Pioneer Day festivities!

SLC Drone Show

July 24th 10 p.m.

Liberty Park

Visit Liberty Park on the evening of July 24th for live music and local food trucks just before the SLC Pioneer Day Drone Show! Admission is free and outside food and drinks (non-alcoholic) are permitted. 

Utah Days of ‘47 Rodeo

July 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, and 24th 4:30 p.m.

Utah State Fairpark 

The Utah Days of ‘47 Rodeo is here! Come to the Utah State Fairpark for live music, drone and fireworks shows, local food trucks, vendors, exhibits and more. You won’t want to miss the final day of the rodeo, Gold Medal Night, featuring the only Gold Medal Rodeo in the world!

A Pioneer Day Concert

July 22nd 8:00 p.m.

This Is the Place Heritage Park

In a unique celebration of Pioneer Day, Deseret Books will be inviting multiple performers and groups to share their beautiful legacies and to expand our definition of what a pioneer is! Join us in celebrating our collective history. Gates open at 7:00 p.m. and performances begin at 8:00 p.m.

Utah Film Center – Summer Film Series

Fridays at 8:00 p.m.

Liberty Park

Who doesn’t love movies? Spend your Friday nights at Liberty Park for a special outdoor film series this summer. Over Pioneer Day weekend, Utah Film Center  will be deep diving into Blueback, a story highlighting marine biologist Abby, her life, and her journey in understanding the heartbreaking coral reef destruction.  Admission is free. 

Native American Celebration in the Park

July 24th 12:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Liberty Park

Stop by Liberty Park on the 24th for a fun-filled Native American Celebration featuring an intertribal Powwow, food, arts and crafts booths, and even a childrens’ play area! There will also be a laser light show beginning at 8:00 p.m.

Beer Bar Pie & Beer Day Celebration

July 24th 12:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m.

Beer Bar

Run to the world’s largest pie and beer day celebration, Beer Bar’s! Featuring 25 breweries and restaurants, Beer Bar’s Pie and Beer Day Celebration has something for everyone! The event will also feature live, local musicians. Admission is $40.

Pie and Beer day at Bower Lodge

July 24th 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Powder Mountain 

Spend Pie & Beer day in Powder Mountain’s picturesque Bower Lodge where they will be serving hot pizza pies and brews to pair. The lodge is the perfect stop after a hike in the crisp mountain air, or a tasty option for fueling up between mountain biking sessions. 

Pie & Beer Day Go-To’s

For most Utahns, Pioneer Day is also known as Pie and Beer Day, and is regaled as the best day of the year to indulge in a sweet or savory pie and wash it down with a beer, much preferred over loud parades and hazardous fireworks shows. Here are some of Salt Lake’s best!

LOCAL PIZZA PIES, BAKERIES, AND BREWERIES

PIZZA

Harmons

Pie Hole

Este Pizzeria

Bricks Corner

Snowmobile Pizza

BAKERIES

Tradition

Pie Fight

Flake Pie Co

Fillings & Emulsions

Lone Pine Bakery

BREWERIES

Epic Brewing Company

Red Rock Brewing

Proper Brewing Co

Grid City Beer Works

Hopkins Brewery

Kiitos Brewing

SaltFire Brewing Company

Fisher Brewing Company

RoHa Brewing

Utah Bride & Groom 2023 White Party

May 2, 2023,
Photos by Pepper Nix

On May 2, 2023, Utah Bride & Groom magazine hosted the best of Utah’s wedding professionals at our first White Party since the worldwide shutdown. With a garden party theme and a freshly refurbished local venue, Fuse Weddings and Events coordinated a lavish return to live events. Three bands, a fascinating menu, and decor dressed to the nines in spring pastels welcomed the state’s industry in true luxury wedding style.

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1. Makeup Artists: Reese Stockman, Beauty by Reese; Johan Goolcharan, Beauty by Johan; Darlene Wing, Beauty by Darlene 
2. Garth Peay, Garth Custom, Hailey Arnold, Hail Photo Co.; Joslyn Poole, Metro Music Club; Arturo Hernandez, Garth Custom 
3. Douglas Bethers, wedding officiant; Rachael Matsen, Silver Summit Events; Morgan Neilson, In Frames Photography  
4. Mara Mazdzer, Fuse Weddings & Events; Megan Bartholomew, Utah Bride & Groom magazine; Cori Davis, Utah Bride & Groom magazine/Salt Lake magazine   
5. Arely Zarate, Kianna Behunin, Michelle Armstrong, Kathryn O’Mara, Lora Anderson, Elizabeth Myers, Ballet Center Utah, Inc. 
6. Alessandra Wortmann, Cake by Alessandra; Susie Young, Wish Blossom Flowers; Jenya Norman, Norman Weddings & Events; Pepper Nix, Pepper Nix Photographers   
7. Lo Sheffield, Melanie Rossiter, Megan Bonham, Jenn Parry and Lauren Thompson; Twenty & Creek Staff

2023 Kilby Court Block Party

May 12–May 14, 2023, Utah State Fairpark,
Photos by Natalie Simpson/Beehive Photography

S&S Presents hosted the 2023 Kilby Block Party in May, and it was their biggest ticket yet. Headliners included The Strokes, Pavement and the Yeah Yeah Yeah’s, with plenty of supporting talent from acts like Japanese Breakfast, The Backseat Lovers, Hippo Campus, and many more. The strong rank of performers drew thousands of fans to Library Square, where festivalgoers got a taste of their very own Salt Lake Coachella (complete with overpriced food trucks and not enough shade structures). 

1. Michelle Zauner, singer from Japanese Breakfast
2. Festival goers dance at Gus Dapperton (Saturday)
3. Utah band The Plastic Cherries  
4. Festival goers at Run the Jewels (Saturday)  
5. Singer Caroline Polachek   
6. Festival goers at Crumb (Sunday)   
7. Festival goers at Surf Curse (Sunday) 
8. Lead singer and guitarist Joshua Harmon from the Utah band, The Backseat Lovers

The Aster Grand Opening

May 2, 2023,
Photos by Blake Peterson

The ribbon cutting ceremony for the Aster, a new mixed-use development in downtown Salt Lake City, centered around the promise of redemption amidts our housing-crisis. “There is such a sense of relief,” said Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall at the ribbon-cutting. “There has never been a project quite like this.”

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1. Erin Mendenhall, SLC Mayor    
2. (Left to Right): John Crandall, Private Activity Bond Board; David Damschen, Utah Housing Corp; Karly Brinla, Brinshore Development; Whitney Weller, Brinshore Development; Christina Oliver, Utah Department of Workforce Services; Ana Valdemoros, SLC Council Member; Stephanie Ramirez, resident; James Ramirez, resident; Alejandro Puy, SLC Council Member; Erin Mendenhall, SLC Mayor; David Brint, Brinshore Development; Ryan Paszczykowski, Systima Capital; Michael Gallegos, Salt Lake County; Danny Walz, Salt Lake City Redevelopment Agency; Wayne Niederhauser, State Homeless Coordinator; Terry Gentry, The Richman Group   
3. Stephanie Ramirez and her son, The Aster residents 

Anthony’s Antiques “Collecting James Taylor Harwood” Exhibition

April 20 – June 16, 2023,
Photos by Hannah Bromley

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4. Anthony Christensen, Founder of Anthony’s Fine Art and Antiques    5. Savannah Stephan and Micah Christensen: Authors and Curators of the “Collecting James Taylor Harwood” Exhibition.   6. Art lovers browse the exhibit

Call for photos

We welcome your photos of recent social events around Utah. Please send high-resolution photos (.jpg format) to jeremy@saltlakemagazine.com with the subject line “Social” and a package of images and event/caption information in a file transfer service we can access. Submissions must be accompanied by names and a description of the event (who, what, when, where, why).

Utah is ranked as the nerdiest state—most recently by Zippia in 2022, which looked at our super geeky internet search history—earning supporting distinctions as well, like the state that plays the most Dungeons & Dragons. Where to get your nerd on:

Legendarium Books is a vibrant literary haven that is adamantly inclusive and welcoming. They specialize in books of the science fiction, fantasy and horror genres, and their smart staff is sure to have a few recommendations for you. (If you haven’t yet read This Is How You Lose The Time War, where have you been?!) Another key draw is the shop’s RPG Cafe, which hosts weekly D&D nights. We hope this relatively new nerdy addition to Salt Lake City is here to stay.

The Nerd Store has just about everything you would expect (and then some) from a place with “nerd” in the name—comic books, tabletop roleplaying supplies, art, toys and rare collectibles. The shop is working on expanding its location at Valley Fair Mall, where it also hosts Wasatch Con (wasatchcon.com)—an intimate convention centered on comic creators both from Utah and all over. This year’s Wasatch Con will be held Nov. 10–11.

Dreamscapes is an otherworldly immersive art experience that defies traditional boundaries. Dreamscapes is born from the imaginations of more than 100 artists, builders and audio-visual wizards. The “RE-imagine” exhibit at Dreamscapes is now located at the Shops at South Town in Sandy. The new location is five times bigger than the previous space in The Gateway. This project by the Utah Arts Alliance is appropriate for all ages.