You’ve probably found yourself starting to dream about summer concerts—green grass at outdoor venues, warm summer air, loud music that can be heard for miles, and a cold drink in your hand as you bump your head to the beat of an incredible live band (or maybe you’re jumping up and down and shouting along with the lead singer, and in that case we hope a friend is holding your drink).
The best way to get ready for this feeling is by buying tickets—and luckily, tickets for the Twilight Concert Series in Salt Lake are going on sale this week! In its 38th year, the Twilight Concert Series has been celebrating musically diverse artists, both new and local and nationally known. It’s important to know they’re making some changes this year. The concerts will be held at two locations, switching off between the Gallivan Center and Library Square. Additionally, they have reduced the amount of tickets they are selling to provide a more comfortable experience for attendees—that means get your tickets asap!
Season tickets are available Wednesday, March 12 at 10:00 a.m. Individual show tickets available Thursday, March 13 at 10:00 a.m. Get your tickets here!
And with that, Salt Lake City Arts Council in partnership with S&S Presents thus presents the 38th Twilight Concert Series lineup:
July 12 (Gallivan Center): EARTHGANG, JMSN, Bad Luck Brigade
July 17 (Library Square): Sierra Ferrell, TBD, Sammy Brue
Aug 6 (Gallivan Center): Waxahatchee, Foxwarren, Wilbere
Aug 12 (Library Square): Mt. Joy, The Moss
Sep 5 (Gallivan Center): Japanese Breakfast, Ginger Root, Tomper
Sep 22 (Library Square): Big Thief, Special guests to be announced
The Gallivan Center concerts open doors at 6 p.m. The Library Square concerts open doors at 5 p.m.
Bonus: All Twilight Concert Series ticket holders get free access to UTA transportation all day on the day of the event! Simply show your concert tickets when asked for payment.
Double Bonus: To get in the summer concert vibe, check out the official Twilight Concert Series playlist on Spotify that features all the artists’ work.
It’s not romantic, it’s not reverent, and it’s not jolly, but St. Patrick’s Day in Utah sure is festive. The holiday being on a Monday leaves us with an entire weekend to celebrate. It’s time to get your green on and pick an event (or a few) to celebrate the Irish holiday!
The Westerner invites you for some classic tricks at their Shamrocks & Shenanigans St. Patrick’s Pre-Game Party this Friday, March 14. (Sham)Rock like the Irish with their featured cocktails, free line dancing lessons 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., and live music with Colt.46. Enter their raffle for a chance to win tickets to Kelsea Ballerini at the Delta Center!
Visit: 3360 S Redwood Rd, West Valley City
Bewilder Brewing is reprising their St. Paddy’s revelry with food and beverage specials, Irish whiskey and of course, bagpipes. The brewer will be pouring four brand new beers for the occasion, including an Irish Stout, Irish Lager, and everyone’s favorite, Leprechaun Tears. Visit March 15 through March 17.
Visit: 445 S. 400 W., Salt Lake City
Copper Canyon Grillhouse & Tavernis highlighting a dedicated St. Patrick’s Day menu hosting all three meals of the day. Stop by for breakfast to try a corned beef hash, or for lunch and dinner to nosh on some corned beef and cabbage, a hearty lamb stew or traditional Irish soda bread. The menu is available March 15-17.
Visit: 215 S Temple, Salt Lake City (Inside Radisson Hotel)
STK Steakhouse wants you to get lucky by ordering their lil’ corned beef sliders and washing it down with a Leprechaun Stiletto during happy hour. Stay lucky with these special items as early as March 14 and as late as March 21! Additionally, STK is featuring a Bounty of the Seven Seas showcasing the best of seafood from March 5 to April 17.
Visit: 111 S 300 W #101, Salt Lake City
Kona Grilllet the leprechauns in…and they dyed their beer, sake, and seltzers green! They are also featuring corned beef sliders and chips available for lunch, dinner, takeout and delivery (if you need a late-night snack for later). These special items are available as early as March 14 and as late as March 21. Kona Grill is also featuring a Bounty of the Seven Seas menu at the same time STK is.
Visit: 13253 S Teal Rdg Wy Suite J-190, Riverton
Flanagans on Mainin Park City is known for their Leprechaun day debauchery, and for good reason. Their ultimate St. Patrick’s Day celebration will feature six live musicians starting at 1 p.m. and ending at 1 a.m on March 17. Stop by for authentic Irish nosh, good drink and fun.
Visit: 438 Main St, Park City
Flanker Kitchen + Sporting Club is having a St. Paddy’s Day Weekend festival. On Saturday, March 15, enjoy live music by Shanahy at either their Irish Brunch from noon to 2:00 p.m. or at their Festival After Party from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with hearty Irish menu options. You can book their karaoke room, golf suite, or sporting club to get the most out of your St. Patrick’s Day weekend.
Visit: 6 N Rio Grande St Suite 35, Salt Lake City
RoHa Brewing Project is hosting a St. Patrick’s Day market on March 15 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Support local vendors by shopping from handmade jewelry, pottery, art and more! Enjoy live music from BoomDrops and food from Tacos Daddy food truck.
Visit: 30 E Kensington Avenue, Salt Lake City
Piper Down Olde World Pub, a traditional Irish pub, is offering a celebratory taste of Ireland with cocktails and live music (think bagpipes and Celtic punk) this St. Patrick’s Day weekend. Their celebrations are featured from March 14 to 17 (music starts at 8:30 p.m. each night), but this pub is always open and serving traditional Irish eats year-round!
Visit: 1492 South State Street, Salt Lake City
The Green Pig Pubhas quite the lineup for St. Patrick’s weekend, starting March 14 at 9:00 p.m. and going all the way to March 17 at midnight. Visit for live music from Red Shot Pony and many several others all weekend, with an adult trivia night on March 16.
Visit: 31 East 400 South, Salt Lake City
Feldman’s Deli, a New York-style delicatessen in SLC, is bringing back their famed Corned Beef & Cabbage specials for two days this year. Grab your Irish fixins on March 14 and 15, and stay for live music at 6 p.m.
Visit: 2005 East 2700 South, Salt Lake City
Last Call Sports Barin Springville wants you to join them for their Saturday Shenanigans St. Patrick’s Day Party with green beers, karaoke, bingo and a Texas Holdem tournament. The night will be filled with music from DJ J.Ping and DJ Hijacks, and on March 17, DJ Drewbacca will visit for the holiday!
Visit: 135 N 2000 W, Springville
Leprechaun Inncelebrates the Irish all year long, but they go all out come St. Patrick’s day. On March 17 the bar is hosting a festive St. Paddy’s party featuring traditional Irish food, bag pipes, giveaways and more.
Visit: 4700 S. 900 E., Suite 6, Murray
47th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Siamsa
The Hibernian Society of Utah wants you to flood the streets and join the crowds for the 47th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Siamsa in Salt Lake City! Engage in true Celtic culture through good food, the parade and storytelling of Irish mythology and history. The parade starts at 11:00 a.m. and the Siamsa, or folk entertainment, goes from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. all at the Gateway.
Hand-held foods are always the best—filling, quick and portable. From samosas, dumplings, bao, pasties, and piroshki, every culture has a hand-pie-esque contribution. Central-South America runs with the concept, bringing culturally beloved, flavorful food from your hand to your mouth. They range from savory to sweet, flour-based to corn masa, and snack-like to an entire meal stuffed into one pocket. These are some of our favorite spots for arepas, pupusas and empanadas in Utah, along with a bit of food lore if you are just catching up!
Empanadas
South America’s half-moon hand pie
Designed to fit neatly in the palm of your hand, the name comes from the Spanish empanar or “coat with bread.” I personally love that there is a verb in Spanish that means coating with bread, implying that more foods should be ensconced in dough. You can find empanadas in Spain, where they were mentioned in literature as early as the 1200s.
Empanadas. Illustration by Chelsea Rushton.
When most people think of empanadas, they think of the egg-washed, meat-filled Argentinian baked pastry dough version. But the varieties and the ingredients are actually vast. In Colombia and Venezuela, for example, they are made of corn masa with annatto added to make them extra yellow. Masa technically means dough. But nixtamalized, ground corn is implied. Instead of baked, they are fried. In Costa Rica, they might be made with yucca flour; in El Salvador, they may even be made with plantain. Without traveling, I’ve only found the Argentinian and Venezuelan versions locally.
Argentinian Empanadas: Argentina’s Best
Why Go: The OG of empanadas in Utah. Their flavors are classic and familiar. On the small side, they are only $5 each, so you can easily get 2-3 for a full meal. Featuring: Their chimichurri is oily and herbaceous with a hint of chile. I recommend dousing each bite in the sauce.
What to Get:Lemon Beef Empanada—not sure how they pack such a strong citrus flavor into one little pocket, but it is both meaty and refreshing. Traditional Beef Empanada—loaded with chopped hard-boiled egg and olives as well as beef (but minus raisins, as is found in some empanadas)- is the most traditional of the traditional flavors.
When you go: Argentina’s Best Empanadas 357 S. 200 East, SLC Open Monday-Saturday from 10 am – 2 pm (With pop-ups at local farmers markets and events)
Arepa. Illustration by Chelsea Rushton.
Arepas
Flatbread? Griddle cake? Pita? How about all three!
Arepas are to Venezuela, as tortillas are to Mexico. It is the national bread, and they are eaten with almost every meal. Made of dried, ground hominy that is rehydrated, formed into thick, round patties, and dried out so that the exterior is firm and crusty while the interior stays soft and warm. When I lived in Miami, my Venezuelan roommate made them daily. She would add a little salt and a dry, crumbly cheese before teaching me to scorch the exterior slightly in a dry pan to develop the crush and then bake in the oven. Lest anyone come for me, I should mention that you can also find them in Colombia, Bolivia, Ecuador and parts of Central America.
The arepa dough is deliberately bland—the better to soak up the flavors of anything stuffed inside. They can be served along with soup for dipping and sopping up. When hot out of the oven, they can be stuffed with cheese for a luscious, almost-grilled cheese sandwich. Kids with arepas stuffed with eggs in hand will make their way to school. I’ve even seen a mom split an arepa open, scrape out the soft corn middle, mix it with butter, and spoon-feed it grits-style to her baby.
Most often, arepas are served sliced halfway through, creating a pita-like pocket. They are stuffed with meat, beans, cheese, avocado, chicken salad or any and all combinations for a filling sandwich-taco-pita situation.
Why Go: Arempas makes its arepas fresh every single day. They aren’t frozen, which means they maintain their characteristic soft interior. The filling IS filling—like, filled to overflowing. One Arepa will fill you up, and then some. Bonus: They also make Venezuelan-style fried empanadas, so you can get both at one stop.
What to Get:Arepa Reina Pepiada—served cold, this chicken salad/avocado arepa is the lightest offering. Creamy and straightforward, it is more than the sum of its parts. Add garlic sauce and chimichurri for a little extra kick. Arep Pabellon—the granddaddy of Arepas. It is loaded with shredded beef, fried plantain, black beans, and both cotija and mozzarella cheeses. The fried plantain is maduro, or cooked when ripe, and so it is a sweet addition to the silky black beans.
When you go: Arempas Locations in Downtown Salt Lake, Midvale and Orem Hours vary by location. See the website for additional information.
Pupusas
The original hot pocket
The humble pupusa is so beloved in El Salvador; not only is it the national dish, but it even has its own holiday. The second Sunday of November is National Pupusas Day. Pupusas are generally made of corn masa and are bigger than an arepa but smaller than a large tortilla for a burrito. The corn masa is stuffed, sealed shut, and griddled until piping hot. I’ve burned my hands and mouth on more than one occasion trying to dig into a pupusa too quickly. Like trying to eat a hot pocket when it is hot out of the microwave and burning your mouth, it’s part of the experience.
Pupusas. Illustration by Chelsea Rushton.
No one seems entirely sure where the name comes from. It might mean “fluffy thing” from the Nawat word pupusawa, meaning “to puff up.” Which might make sense because a pupusa arrives on your plate with little pockets of steam puffing it up until it cools slightly. It is worth mentioning that there is a heated debate between Nicaragua and El Salvador about the origins. But it is ubiquitous in both countries.
The first historical reference dates to 1837, when a Guatemalan poet wrote home to his family from a trip to the Nicaraguan-El Salvadorenean borderlands about pupusas “a foot in diameter” held together with cheese. However, they were only commonly available throughout the region starting in the 1960s. From there, they spread around the globe, even winning the award of The Best Street Food in New York from The Guardian.
The traditional condiment for pupusas is a lightly fermented cabbage-onion-carrot relish with lime juice called curtido. It is like a vinegar-based coleslaw. I like to wrap my pupusa around the cabbage taco-style, douse it in salsa rojo, and then take a big bite. Final pro tip: it is bad manners to eat pupusas with utensils. Pick it up and eat with your hands.
Salvadorenean Pupusas: El Viroleño
Why Go: An institution located in the same spot for over twenty years, this is THE place for authentic El Salvadorian food. Bonus: The best part? Pupusas are $4/each—so you can get all of them for $20.
What to Get: Pupusa de Chicharron—the pork pupusa isn’t thick and meaty like a taco. The pork is thinly spread throughout, so it has a hint of meatiness without being overwhelming. Loroco con Queso—Loroco is a traditional edible flower that is often used as a filling in pupusas. This is probably the most beloved filling and adds a hint of herbal flavor to the rich cheese filling.
When you go: El Viroleño 471 W. 800 South, SLC Hours: Sunday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. (approximately, hours may vary).
I am a savory breakfast gal, and I love a good breakfast sandwich. It needs the right ratio of bread to fillings and a runny egg yolk to spill over into the bread with each bite. Melty cheese and hot sauce are musts. Basically, I’m looking for a bodega sandwich.
Breakfast sandwiches or ‘Baps’ were sold in the 1800s in London by street vendors for a portable meal on the way to work. They were filled with eggs and fried meat (origins not always defined) with soft rolls to soak up both eggs and grease. The first actual recipe for an egg breakfast sandwich was found in an American cookbook in 1897, according to Heather Arndt Anderson in her book, Breakfast, A History.
I’m here to tell you that the perfect bodega-esque breakfast sandwich does exist in Salt Lake City. Frankie & Essl’s was created based on the breakfast sandwiches and food stands of the Pacific Northwest. The name Essl stands for “Egg Sandwich Salt Lake,” so right there, you know the eggs are going to be the star. Each breakfast sandwich starts with a generous two-fried egg situation in the filling instead of a skimpy single egg.
The owners, Macy and Clint McClellan, opted to skip the traditional English muffin or bagel and go straight for a rich brioche bun, buttered and toasted to perfection. It is big enough to hold both eggs. They have embraced the fact that American cheese is the only cheese for a breakfast sandwich for its ultimate melty-ness. American cheese has a certain umami that works best with morning eggs. You can fight me if you disagree.
The sausage on their most popular sandwich is anything but standard. Locally made just for the shop, it is a spiced honey sausage with a secret spice and herb blend, the perfect mix of sweet, rich, savory and spicy. The sausage patty is perfectly sized to fit edge to edge in the bun, so you don’t have to hunt it down as you take a bite.
The slather of house-made chipotle aioli ensures that nothing will be dry. I’m always a fan of egg on egg, and the spicy-ish eggy mayo aioli fits the bill. The final ingredient is peppery arugula for a pop of freshness and color.
I am a sucker for hot sauce. I keep some in my office, in my oversized purse, and in my car from time to time. And my fridge? Currently, I have 12 bottles of various spicy condiments in there. Hot sauce is life. Clearly, Macy and Clint agree with me. When you order online, you can request packets of Zab’s Hot Sauce to go. You’ll find bottles of locally made Chacho Hot Sauce when you stop by and sit down. “A western original,” it is made with habanero and manzano peppers, vinegary apple cider, carrots, garlic, and cumin. You can even buy a bottle. (Yes, I did.)
When you visit Frankie & Essl’s, you can customize everything. Add another sausage patty. Switch the American cheese for Gouda (if you must), pop on some avocado, or even request an over-hard egg (again, if you must). Every sandwich is made to order, so pick-up and wait times are not on par with fast food joints. But give yourself an extra few minutes for a crush-worthy sandwich.
You won’t regret it, and you’ll be feeling the love all day.
When You Go Frankie & Essl’s 490 E. 1300 South, SLC Open Wednesday–Monday, 7 a.m. –1 p.m. Instagram: @frankieandessls
Need a cup of joe to pair with your breakfast sando? Check out our top picks for global coffee right here in Salt Lake City!
Schedule a Sunday family trip to Park City for fresh air, shopping and skiing. And as you exit I-80, make your first stop Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter. For over a decade, the nature preserve and Utah State University education center has provided materials for kids to create free nature-inspired crafts on Sundays — perfect for kicking off your PC day trip.
“Sunday Craft is a fun, low-pressure way for families to connect with nature and creativity,” said Bri Cencak, visitor experience coordinator. “Whether you’re a local looking for a weekend activity or a visitor exploring Park City, we’d love to have you stop by and create something with us.”
Craft Sundays are in the EcoCenter’s Naturalist Room between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
“We align crafts with what’s happening on the preserve, the changing seasons or upcoming holidays,” Cencak said. “For example, we made toilet paper roll elk when there was a large elk herd hanging out on the preserve. In summer, we use more natural materials like twigs, leaves and flowers to create things like nature self-portraits, tic-tac-toe boards, bookmarks and headbands.”
Throughout March, expect crafts themed around the arrival of spring, along with a St. Patrick’s Day craft using natural materials. Crafts usually take 10 to 15 minutes to complete, though kids are welcome to craft at their own pace during the set hours. Typically, 20 to 25 kids and their parents attend. They include locals who return weekly and those visiting from out of town. Crafters usually age between 3 and 7, though all kids are welcome.
Cencak says the crafts allow kids to connect with nature creatively and highlight how simple it is to incorporate nature and/or recyclable materials into crafting. “I love seeing kids’ creativity in action. Even when we have a specific craft in mind, they always bring their own unique styles and ideas,” she said. “It’s also fun to see their curiosity spark — we often put out books and hands-on materials related to the craft’s theme, which leads to great conversations about nature.”
Once they’ve finished crafting, kids can explore everything else the Naturalist Room offers, including books, games and a habitat-building area. Families are also welcome to visit the boardwalk or observation tower to get a better view of the preserve. Through May 4, they may also visit Amazing Butterflies, a fun, interactive maze exhibit (separate admission required).
Come March 14, 2025, a total lunar eclipse—or blood moon—will be visible to stargaze in Southern Utah. While it might be a bit too chilly to camp out under the stars in Northern Utah, the southern end of the state will be starting to look mighty inviting. March–April is also the time to get great views of Mars, Venus and Jupiter. The spectacular Lyrid Meteor Shower peaks the evening of April 21, and Southern Utah has no shortage of ways to take in the celestial show.
View the most spectacular astronomical events of the season from Lake Powell. Photo courtesy Aramark Destinations.
Viewing deck on the water—Lake Powell
Lake Powell was created when the Glen Canyon Dam was built in 1963. The lake’s shore is the red rock spires of what was once Glen Canyon and all those nooks and undulations add up to 2,000 miles of shoreline, which is more than the combined states on the Pacific Coast. It is best explored on the water, and, come nighttime, the deck of a rented houseboat becomes a viewing deck for thousands of stars, shining back from their reflections in the water all around. The Lake Powell Resorts and Marinas, situated lakeside with two locations at Wahweap and Bullfrog, can get you started on your houseboat stargazing adventures with rentals (and even grocery delivery!).
Walk among the stars—Bryce Canyon
On clear, nights, the Milky Way spills out across the sky, visible above Bryce Canyon National Park. The International Dark Sky Association named Bryce an official Dark Sky Park in 2019, and it boasts a yearly Astronomy Festival, packed with programming, every summer. Year-round, Bryce also hosts Dark Ranger Telescope Tours, a nighttime trek through the sky with a powerful telescope, guided by “astronomers, dark sky advocates and astronomy entertainers.” One of the quintessential places to stay (in a tipi, if you like) is Ruby’s Inn Campground and RV Park—which also hosts events during the Astronomy Festival.
The annual Astronomy Festival returns to Bryce National Park June 25–28, 2025. Photo courtesy Annual Astronomy Festival.
Under the Dome
Camp out under the dome! Not to be confused with the “Capitol Dome,” the 180 million-year-old magnificent mound of Navajo sandstone in Capitol Reef National Park (which isn’t even a true dome, by the way). Resorts, campgrounds and hotels have started capitalizing on Southern Utah’s brilliant stargazing reputation by allowing visitors to stay in retro-futuristic, transparent geodesic domes, in full view of the night sky, from the comfort of a luxury mattress. For a dome close to Capitol Reef, there are skylight domes at the modern-art-infused Skyview Hotel in Torrey. Outside of Canyonlands National Park, is the homey, rustic-chic Canyonlands Domes in Monticello. Finally, putting the “glam” in glamping with its high-concept interiors, is Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon in Cannonville.
Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon in Cannonville, with proximity to Bryce Canyon National Park, offers modern-chic glamping domes to spend an evening under the stars (inside). Photo courtesy of Clear Sky Resorts.
Oct. 24-25, 2024 • Black Desert Resort, Ivins Photos by Rachel Mellor
The Southern Utah Golf Classic at the newly opened Black Desert Resort raised nearly $300,000 for the American Cancer Society’s mission to end cancer. The two-day event, held October 24-25, featured a Thursday night gala followed by a Friday golf tournament. Participants enjoyed an elegant evening and a day on the course, all while contributing to crucial cancer research and patient support.
Brien Sonzogni, Zach Kelly, Nicklaus Britt and Justin Hill
Utah Queer Film Festival
Oct 25-27, 2024 • Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center, SLC Photos by Austen Diamond
Celebrating its 21st year, the Utah Queer Film Festival—formerly known as Damn These Heels—once again showcased a diverse selection of captivating queer films at the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center on October 25-27, 2024. In addition to screenings, attendees had the opportunity to deepen their understanding of film through workshops, live musical performances and engaging discussions that explored and enriched the art of storytelling.
Festival attendees taking pictures at the photo boothFestival attendees Emily Potts and Lisa CannellaFestival movie watchers Jonathan Andre Culliton and Graham Kolbeins and a friend Utah Film Center Staff Kate Sensenig, Sophie Caligiuri and Isaac Fairley Utah Queer Film Festival attendees Dani B. and Joie Hunter from Lucero Hair and Wellness
btone FITNESS Grand Opening
Nov. 12, 2024 • Millcreek Photos by Sawyer Jenson Photography
btone FITNESS Brickyard celebrated its grand opening on Nov. 12, 2024, with Mayor Jeff Silvestrini, new clients, neighboring business owners and residents and Milo the Moose who is already a btone devotee. The new btone FITNESS studio, located at 1295 Miller Avenue across from Brickyard Plaza, is owned and operated by Salt Lake City resident, Janeen McCormick. The Brickyard studio will offer 10 custom-engineered machines to ensure highly personalized classes. Visit btonefitness.com
Meg Radunich, Katie Martindale, Gabby Fuelling, Emily Edmonston, Jennifer Mele and Janeen McCormickKatie Martindale (left), Erin Edmonston, Gabby Fuelling, Devin Floyd, Mayor Jeff Silvestrini, Janeen McCormick, Jen Mele, Milo the Moose, Griffin Ball. Bottom row: Melissa Christensen, Francesca Perkins.
Last October, Hearsee Mobility hosted the Blackout Banquet, at the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium in Draper. This exclusive event supported for the Blind and Low Vision community in Utah. Guests, including VIPs from the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation, the University of Utah and local Fortune 500 companies, enjoyed a candlelit meal with optional blindfolds. Carisa Miller of the Larry H. Miller Family was recognized for her commitment to supporting Hearsee Mobility as was Dr. Sherra Watkins, Associate VP of Student Health & Wellness, for her supporting current and incoming blind students at the University of Utah.
Ben O’Brien, CEO of ReflecToes, Susannah O’Brien, Director of Development for Hearsee Mobility, Brett Miller and Ben Miller, EVP nCino, Inc.Susannah O’Brien presents Carisa Miller with a custom painting from Blind artist Danielle Frampton in recognition of her work with the blind on behalf of the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation
They’ve put their stamp on Utah over decades, weaving threads of economic impact, cultural influence, social change and compassion into our community tapestry. When we ski next to a double amputee, cheer at a Jazz game, enjoy cuisine prepared by a culinary-trained refugee, take in community theater, serve food at a homeless resource center, or see a 12-year-old sporting his very first pair of new shoes, there’s a good chance that Gail Miller, Lavanya Mahate, Celeste Edmunds or Meeche White were involved. Get to know these long-standing women of influence.
Meeche White
Co-Founder, National Ability Center
Meeche White has seen that look before–her life’s work has been in pursuit of that look. It’s when downturned eyes suddenly beam with hope and possibility. She’s seen it when an amputee soars down a powdery white mountain for the first time, or a nonverbal autistic child climbs onto a gentle, knowing horse.
“They go out, and they’re not the same person when they come back in,” says Meeche, who co-founded the National Ability Center (NAC) in Park City in 1985. “You can tell people, ‘You’re not defined by your disability,’ you can tell them, ‘you have so much to live for,’ but honestly, it’s not enough just to be told that. A person has to have an experience that leads to that belief.”
Photo credit Matt Didisheim, National Ability Center.
From small beginnings, the mission of NAC has remained steadfast: to empower people of all abilities through adaptive recreation. Just after college, Meeche, a Connecticut native, worked as a reading specialist for children with disabilities. However, it didn’t take long for her to realize that she wasn’t in the reading business at all. “I was in the business of building self-esteem,” she says. Having been in an abusive relationship at one point in her life, she recognized the signs of self-loathing.
“You don’t want to learn,” she says of that understanding. “You don’t want to grow, because you don’t see your own value. I’d lived that before.” She knew spending time outdoors was healing. “I just kept thinking, there’s got to be a better way to do this—if we could just get these kids outside and moving around…”
She learned about the emerging field of therapeutic recreation and enrolled in courses. Soon after, she got a job as an adaptive ski instructor and met her former husband, paralympic ski racer Pete Badewitz, a Vietnam veteran and amputee.
His positive outcomes with therapeutic recreation inspired both of them to pay it forward, and they traveled to the Rocky Mountains in search of the right space to create a haven for ski-based therapy.
“You can tell people, ‘you’re not defined by your disability,’ you can tell them, ‘you have so much to live for,’ but honestly, it’s not enough just to be told that. a person hase to have an experience that leads to that belief.”
Meeche and Pete had heard of Park City which, back in the ’80s was a sleepy little ski town with no traffic lights. “We drove in to see it and before I’d even looked at the terrain, I told Pete: ‘This is where I want to live.” The couple secured a $5,000 grant from Disabled American Veterans and the NAC was born, growing from a kitchen-table operation that focused solely on disabled ski instruction into what it is today: A vital community-backed organization that offers year-round programming with a campus, a mountain center, an equestrian center, a Moab hub and statewide basecamps.
Meeche jokes that whenever she presented ideas to include even more programming and reach even more individuals, people would politely tell her to set her sights a little lower. “I’d think, ‘No, you just need to get out of my way,’” she says with a laugh.
Building the equestrian center, for instance, once sounded like a pipe dream.
Photo credit Matt Didisheim, National Ability Center. Photo credit Kelly Brush Day, National Ability Center.
“I thought skiing was the end-all of changing lives until I saw what horses can do,” she says, describing how horses seem to instinctively be “in on it” when a rider with special needs is placed on horseback for the first time. “I’ve seen kids get off a horse and take their first step, or make the first cognitive sounds in their life.”
Meeche officially retired after 23 years at the NAC helm but continues to work through international opportunities and consulting.
“Watching people write a new script for themselves and feel whole again after their plans have become derailed by a disability has been an incredible way to spend a life,” she says. When she finally left NAC, she told one interviewer, “I have one more thing left in me, I just don’t know what it is yet.”
Recently, she found it.
She is now, living near her daughter and granddaughter in Washington, Meeche serves as the Executive Director at Tierra Village, an organization that aims to develop skills and provide housing and employment opportunities for individuals with mental disabilities.
“It’s a new chapter with a similar theme,” she says. “I can’t quite leave the business of self-esteem, probably because it makes me feel just as wonderful myself.”
When Sammy Brue and many of his friends performed together at the Justin Townes Earle Tribute show at The State Room last Friday (Feb. 28, 2025), it was not without its share of magic. Yes, there were frequent chills. We witnessed a collective not trying so hard to recreate the late singer, one that still showed they cared deeply for all he had done. It brought back the electric vibe that folk singer-songwriter left behind and that everyone attending appeared to recall fondly. It was not unlike holding a magnifying glass to all the good parts of who he was.
Justin left a hole behind, and Ogdenite Sammy Brue more than fills that void. A word or emotion that rarely gets attached to a tribute? Earnestness. He had an ever-present smile and a surprisingly solid grasp of all the songs he sang, including brand new tunes he shared, one about his late hero and others created using the journals Justin had written. (The album’s not out yet, but it’s gonna be a scorcher.)
“Ain’t Got No Money” was one of the most outstanding performances I witnessed all night, a tornado of a song that moved with such speed that it was all the players could do to keep up with their banjos and stand-up bass and mouth harps. For a night that started so slow and quietly, it felt like a train coming off its rails toward the tail end, and in a beautiful way. By the time “Harlem River Blues” hit, everyone who’d played and sang took to the stage and celebrated, playing and singing their hearts out, a real Last Waltz moment if it needed one. Job well done, friends. So well done.
It’s unlikely that Justin ever felt like he had to pass his baton to another to finish the career he started. Still, it’s easy to believe he’d be proud of what Sammy has done and is doing. It’s a preview of things to come. This part of the future, at least, is bright.
March is a rough month in Utah—Will it rain? Will it snow? Will it be sunny? Though the weather is unpredictable, places to get a good meal never are. Check out these food-related events going on in Utah this week to make March a memorable month. And as a bonus, we’ve included more restaurants serving up hot, hearty meals to get you through mud season.
Monday 03/03
What: Game Night at Scion Cider Where: Scion Cider, Salt Lake City When: 03/03, 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Grab a French Dip sando from C9, or a Katsu special from Bar Nohm (now offering select takeout options on Mondays), and belly up at Scion Cider. The cider bar hosts Rock N’ Bingo every Monday at 7, and follows with Tipsy Bingo at 8 p.m. Show up at Scion Cider at 7:00 p.m. for a chance to win at Rock’N Bingo, or come try your luck at 8:00 p.m. Check out their website for their other events (Lego night, popcorn and movie night) throughout the week.
What: Latte Flight at Guayoyo Café Where: Pleasant Grove This Latin coffee shop in Pleasant Grove serves two caffeine-filled flights of lattes and ice drinks. Featuring flavors such as tres leches, dulce de leche and matcha, Guayoyo’s drinks are unique compared to other cafes. Hungry? Add on a fresh empanada or sandwich.
What: Japanese Dessert at Doki Doki Where: Salt Lake City and Orem Fat cream puffs, thickly-layered crepe cakes, delicate panna cotta cups, fluffy Japanese pancakes dripping in syrupy sauce—how can you possibly go another day without trying one of these? Not only do they have Japanese desserts, but they also sell bubble teas, hot chocolate and coffee. That’s a well-rounded dessert place!
What: To-Go Salad Bowls at Tossd Where: Provo, Vineyard, and Pleasant Grove Salads are not always considered a “hearty” meal, but at Tossd you’re guaranteed to be full after one of their bowls. Stop by on a lunch break to pick up an easy to-go nourishing salad or rice bowl with lots of meat, veggies, and delicious dressings.
Tuesday 03/04
What: Food Truck Tuesdays & Thursdays Where: Gallivan Center, Salt Lake City When: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Get your food truck fix by attending the food truck roundup in the parking lot of the Gallivan Center, hosted every Tuesday. Trucks rotate every week, so you’re guaranteed to have something new to try each time you go. This Tuesday’s linuep includes Da Ramalli Pizzeria, La Lupe, Shifuku, Vostok Burger, Hot Dog on a Stick and more.
What: Don Joaquin Taco Tuesdays Where: Don Joaquin (Salt Lake City, American Fork, Saratoga Springs, Lindon, Provo, Springville) When: Tuesdays, all day Not much is better than $1.45 tacos, especially when they’re from Don Joaquin (my dad, a mexican food lover, claims these are his favorite street tacos). With locations all over central Utah, you can indulge in Taco Tuesday anywhere you are.
Wednesday 03/05
What: Omakase Nights Where: Post Office Place, Salt Lake City When: Wednesdays in March, 5:30 p.m. & 8:00 p.m. If you’re looking for a unique dining experience, you’ll not want to miss this omakase event with collaboration from chefs with Post Office Place and Takashi. Omakase translates from Japanese to “I leave it up to you.” At this event, you’ll leave it up to the chefs to decide what your night will taste like! Reserve your spot online, there are still a few seatings left in March.
Thursday 03/06
What: Trivia Night at Brick’s Corner Where: Brick’s Corner, Salt Lake City When: Thursdays, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Game Night Live hosts a free trivia night at Brick’s Corner. Bring the family and compete to see who knows the most random trivia, and enjoy some Detroit style pizza while you’re at it!
Friday 03/07
What: Princess Tea at the Grand Where: The Grand America Hotel When: 03/07-09, 12:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Dine like a princess with a princess at the Grand America Hotel’s Princess Tea. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in the month of March bring your little one to enjoy a magical afternoon tea while visiting with princesses such as Jasmine, Elsa, Sofia, and Moana. Don’t forget to make a reservation!
Saturday 03/08
What: 3rd Annual International Women’s Day Market Where: Salt Lake City Council When: 03/08, 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Experience flavors from all over the world at this Women’s Day Flavors in Motion & Spring Market event. From cuisine to culture to commerce, women from all international backgrounds come together to share their expertise. Booths will feature an iconic cuisine and a unique women’s tradition.
Sunday 03/09
What: Sunday Pho at The Pearl Where: The Pearl, Salt Lake City When: Sundays, 6:00 p.m. until sold out If you’re a pho lover, make sure to get your order in at The Pearl before it’s sold out for the night. Made with six hour chicken bone broth and your choice of various meats (or a vegan option), this pho is sure to satisfy any craving for warm noodle soup.
And last but not least, if you’re looking to treat yourself and a spouse or a group of friends to top dining in Utah, take a look at our Dining Awards winners this year. We’ve cultivated a list of the best restaurants from St. George to Ogden, with plenty of options in Salt Lake City.
