How her charming shop in an old Victorian mansion near downtown Salt Lake City came to be. Kahve means coffee in Turkish, and Kahve Cafe was a dream.
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Katie Pruitt often sings about being an outsider in her own community. I’m sure she’ll find plenty of kindred spirits in Salt Lake City, a place where many of us come to exhale. On Tuesday, April 16, 2024 we can all take a collective breath and welcome Pruit and Jack Van Cleaf to the Urban Lounge for a night of soothing folk-rock vibes.
Pruitt teased us with her early-release single “White Lies, White Jesus, and You,” a rockin’ mantra about shedding a toxic, hateful religion, while still embracing her own spirituality. Her much anticipated sophomore full-length album, appropriately titled Mantras, dropped on April 5, just in time for lucky Salt Lake audiences to hear it live.
Pruitt, a Georgia-bred singer/songwriter emerged on the Nashville music scene in 2019 with her Grammy-nominated debut record Expectations. The critically-acclaimed album featured the Fleetwood Mac-esque title track and the ethereal torch song “Out Of The Blue.” In the intervening years she packed a punch with covers of Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young’s “Ohio,” Neil Young’s “After The Gold Rush,” and Lucinda Williams’ “Something About What Happens When We Talk.” All three songs afforded Pruitt an opportunity to showcase her off-the-charts vocal range.
On Mantras, Pruitt takes her introspective songwriting to new heights as she explores complex relationships with family, religion, and her own mind. It’s a full circle journey from self-sabotage to self-compassion. She dismantled the negative self-talk by writing phrases of encouragement and repeating matras in the mirror. The song “Worst Case Scenario” is about not giving in to your fears. Pruitt notes that if you’re going to entertain the worst case scenario you might as well consider the best case while you’re at it.
Pruitt blends her Nashville alt-country-folk sound with rock and pop undertones. The single “All My Friends” is a catchy number based on a Christian Wiman poem about witnessing friends change their beliefs while searching for themselves. She sings: “A new mantra every other week / All my friends are finding new beliefs.”
I first saw Pruitt when she opened for The Milk Carton Kids at The Commonwealth Room in 2022. I look forward to seeing her headline, with a full band.
Opening is transcendental folk singer/songwriter Jack Van Cleaf. Dualtone Records will release his 2022 debut album Fruit From The Tree on vinyl for the first time, complete with two additional tracks. His 2022 slow-burning single “Rattlesnake” garnered over 10 million streams on Spotify. The music platform lists Van Cleaf as a 2024 “Artists to Watch.” We will be doing just that at the Urban Lounge.
Who: Katie Pruitt w/ Jack Van Cleaf
What: Mantras Tour
Where: Urban Lounge
When: Tuesday, April 16, 2024
Info: https://www.theurbanloungeslc.com/
While Utah has no shortage of scenic drives, only Highway 12 has the distinction of being both a Scenic Byway and “a destination unto itself.
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Felt Bar and Eatery is the new urban hotspot to arrive on Main Street. With a great cocktail menu and unique raw menu, and creative bar food.
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Get your garden spring-ready with these April gardening tips from the landscape and horticulture specialists at USU Extension. For more tips, visit Utah State University Gardeners’ Almanac Monthly Gardening Checklists.
- Plant seeds of cool-season vegetables (peas, lettuce, spinach, radishes) as soon as garden soil is workable.
- Control young garden weeds by hoeing or hand-pulling.
- Protect fruit blossoms and tender garden plants from late critical freezing temperatures.
- If storing bulbs, check to make sure they are firm, and remove any that are soft or rotten.
- Wait to prune roses until buds begin to swell to avoid late-frost damage to new growth.
- Prune spring flowering shrubs (those that bloom before June) after they have bloomed to encourage new flower buds for next season.
- Divide crowded, fall-blooming perennials.
- Divide cool-season ornamental grasses when new growth begins to emerge.
- Use organic mulches (wood chips or bark) to retain soil moisture around shrubs and trees.
- In compacted sites, aerate with a hollow core aerator when turfgrass is actively growing, usually from April to June.
- Apply pre-emergent herbicides in late March to mid-April to control annual weeds in the lawn, such as crabgrass.
- Check your sprinkler system for leaks. Clean filters, and fix and align heads.
Save this April Garden Checklist graphic to check off each task in your own garden:
Every wanted your cat's face recreated in latte art? Want to pop the question via coffee? Bix Bakery and Cafe has you covered.
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Mansion tours, jazz jams, and flower festivals—oh my! There’s plenty to do in Salt Lake City this week, check out our weekly event roundup for date-night ideas, family fun or solo adventures. For even more events this week and throughout the month, visit our community events calendar.
Monday 04/08
What: Craft Lake City Workshop: Watercolor Landscape Painting (21+)
Where: Alibi Bar & Place
When: 04/08, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Learn the basics of watercolor painting with local artist Nancy Andruk Olson of Brighter Day Pigments. This class is perfect for beginners who want to learn watercolor techniques and apply them by creating a vintage postcard-style landscape painting. Included in the purchase price of the workshop ticket, attendees will enjoy a signature cocktail (or non-alcoholic mocktail!) at Alibi Bar & Place, sponsored by St. Germain. Workshop participants will have the opportunity to purchase additional beverages during the class if they so choose. This workshop is a 21+ event and you must have a valid government-issued ID to enter.
What: Solar Eclipse Soundbath Meditation
Where: Cafe On 1st
When: 04/08, 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Experience the magical energies of the Solar Eclipse with a night full of intention and meditation. This event will include an opening intention-setting affirmation meditation, followed by a dynamic meditation and breathwork series, an eclipse manifestation meditation, and a restorative sound healing experience.
Tuesday 04/09
What: Brianna Madia | Never Leave the Dogs Behind
Where: Salt Lake City Public Library, in the Nancy Tessa Auditorium
When: 04/09, 6 p.m.
Brianna Madia returns to The King’s English to celebrate her new memoir, Never Leave the Dogs Behind. Brianna will be in conversation with fellow adventurer and outdoor advocate Katie Boué. (Please note, dogs are not allowed at this event!)
What: Scion Cider & Caviar Club
Where: Scion Cider
When: 04/09, 7 p.m.
Scion Cider and Caviar Club are teaming up for a night of authentic Brazilian dishes, drinks and an all-vinyl set of deep Brazilian soul, samba, boss nova, and more. This event is 21+ and will require an ID.
What: April Zen Night Out
Where: Hideaway on Angel in Layton, UT
When: 04/09, 7 p.m.
April Zen Night Out is a night about self-care, connecting, meeting friends, relaxation and experiencing a little zen. It is a perfect opportunity to take a little time for yourself and have a zen night out! Radiate Nutrition will provide hydration drinks that hydrate the body and provide amazing health benefits without all the sugar.
Wednesday 04/10
What: Tulip Festival
Where: Thanksgiving Point – Ashton Gardens
When: 04/10, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Thanksgiving Point’s award-winning annual Tulip Festival returns on April 10th. Visit their Ashton Gardens to enjoy over 75,000 blooming flowers including tulips, daffodils, poppies, hyacinths and more. Ticket prices vary throughout the week, so check their site for the full details.
What: McCune Mansion Tour
Where: McCune Mansion, 200 N Main St, Salt Lake City, UT 84103, USA
When: 04/10, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Spend an hour touring this elaborate historic mansion with Preservation Utah’s guides and learn about the history of this 1901 Utah showplace.
What: Beth Santos | Wander Woman
Where: The King’s English Bookshop
When: 04/10, 6 p.m.
Beth Santos, founder and CEO of Wanderful, a global women’s travel community and lifestyle brand, will discuss and sign her new book, Wander Woman: How to Reclaim Your Space, Find Your Voice, and Travel the World, Solo, at The King’s English Bookshop. Beth will also speak with Christine Winebrenner Irick, founder of Lotus Sojourns.
What: Through the Lens Spring Film Series
Where: The City Library
When: 04/10, 7 p.m.
In partnership with KUER’s Radiowest, the Utah Film Center presents its Through the Lens Spring Film Series. April 10th’s free screening is “Hot Shot,” a gripping documentary delving into the most devastating wildfires in the American West and the firefighters who battle them.
Thursday 04/11
What: Special Order Wine Tastings
Where: Tea Zaanti
When: 04/11, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Thursday night wine tasting at Tea Zaanti featuring natural wines that can’t be easily found on Utah liquor store shelves. The pre-selected menu includes two 2.5oz wine pours and plenty of conversation about them! This is a 21+ event.
What: Music Meets Movies – The Elephant 6 Recording Co.
Where: Brewvies Cinema Pub
When: 04/11, Tickets at door at 6:30 p.m. / Movie at 7:30
KRCL and Brewvies present Music Meets Movies featuring the film The Elephant 6 Recording Co. The documentary tells the story of the experimental 90s rock collective through archival footage, interviews, and personal anecdotes. Tickets are $10 or two-for-one with a KRCL shirt. This is a 21+ event.
What: Jazz Jam with Archipelagos
Where: HK Brewing Co.
When: 04/11, 8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Join HK Brewing Co. for their Jazz Jam night! The night will kick off with an hour of music with The Archipelagos with their Jazz/Latin/yacht rock/AOR jams. Then, from 9 p.m. until midnight, join the fun for an open jazz jam session. Grab your instruments, unleash your inner jazz maestro, and make some unforgettable music together! This is a 21+ event.
Friday 04/12
What: Star Party at Flight Park
Where: Salt Lake County Flight Park
When: 04/12, 9 p.m. – 11 p.m.
The Clark Planetarium and Parks & Recreation are teaming up for a night of free stargazing at Salt Lake County Flight Park. Learn more about what is out there in the visible night sky while you stargaze.
What: Deep & Progressive
Where: Varley
When: 04/12, 10 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Join Varley for a night of deep and progressive house music. This is a 21+ event.
Saturday 04/13
What: Alta Earth Day
Where: at the bottom of Collins lift
When: 04/3, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Alta hosts its 15th annual community Alta Earth Day featuring local sustainable organizations, live music and generous opportunity drawings (new skis, outdoor gear, climbing passes and more!) This event encourages environmental stewardship, diversity in outdoor recreation, responsible recreation and awareness of the relationship between climate change and the future of the ski industry.
What: Strength in Shades Black History Month – Black Owned Business Market
Where: Publik Roasting Company
When: 04/13, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Shop small this new year and support talented, local, Black-owned small businesses by attending the Strength in Shades market! This is a family and dog-friendly event, so go and support your local makers.
What: Antelope Island Star Party with Ogden Astronomical Society
Where: Antelope Island
When: 04/13, 6 p.m.
The Ogden Astronomical Society is hosting its first public star party of the 2024 season on Antelope Island. Join them for a night of celestial stargazing with safe solar viewing through telescopes. You are welcome to bring your own equipment to this event as well! This is an open, come-and-go-as-you-wish event.
Sunday 04/14
What: Urban Flea Market
Where: The Gateway
When: 04/14, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Salt Lake City’s largest flea market! The Urban Flea Market featured 65 vendors selling unique eclectic vintage and antique goods, as well as handcrafted items. Admission is $3, cash only.
The market features 65 vendors offering the best eclectic and unique vintage and antique finds. Local crafters provide cool handcrafted and upcycled vintage items.
What: Drag Brunch – A Cancer Fundraiser
Where: Lucero Hair and Wellness
When: 04/14, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Anita Kure presents Drag Brunch: A Cancer Fundraiser. Join them for delectable cuisine and signature drinks while being dazzled by spectacular drag performances. All proceeds will be benefiting the Health Equity Fund of the American Cancer Society. This is a 21+ event.
“I sort of thought it was every little girl’s dream to open a bookstore,” says Courtney Stookey, owner of a new romance-focused bookstore in the Maven District. Occupying the former Curiosity shop, Lovebound Library has been in business for just under two months and readers are already lauding it as a playfully inclusive space. “Every day is a surprise, and I love how people can come in and have these heartfelt conversations about books they love.”
Stookey, who previously worked in Client Relations for O.C. Tanner Jewelers for seven years, has been an avid reader since childhood. Like many recent romance enthusiasts, she discovered an affinity for the genre during lockdown. “It became an escape from the heaviness, when I just wanted something lighthearted and hopeful, I could escape inside my romance books,” she says. Delving further and further into the community, she started to take note of niche book shops around the country that focus entirely on romance and erotica, “I thought—how amazing would that be to have here in Salt Lake?” When a spot in the Maven District became available, she knew it was now or never. Joining the neighborhood’s thriving roster of locally-owned small businesses, Stookey feels particularly grateful for the support of her fellow female business owners. “There’s so much support from the Maven team and other businesses in this area,” she says. “It’s really special to be a part of this growing community.”
Lovebound’s opening day was further proof that Salt Lake is a prime location for niche interests, and filled with readers eager to explore the genre. “The first four hours of our first day you couldn’t even move in here, it was so packed!” Stookey laughs. It’s not hard to see why Lovebound has drawn such a dedicated community. The quaint shop is packed with personality—colorful floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, plush seating, neon lighting, and all the trinkets a romance reader could ask for (ACOTAR candles and witty stickers included). Apart from its Instagram-worthy interiors, Lovebound exudes a welcoming vibe that assures even the most timid of romance readers that they’ve found their tribe. “A few weeks ago I had some new customers come in, and as they were browsing I heard one of the girls say, ‘I feel so safe here’,” Stookey recalls with a smile. “That was such a validating and important moment that has stuck with me.”
At its core, Lovebound is a fun, judgment-free environment for readers to explore everything romance has to offer. And while some books might lean toward a light-hearted story of enemies to lovers, others explore complex themes of loss, adversity and redemption. And for many, romance offers a powerful avenue for readers to explore their own sexuality and sensuality. “Romance can give people an outlet to become more sexually empowered,” Stookey says. “I think that’s particularly powerful in a state like Utah that is conservative in so many ways.” Connecting with readers through complex character relationships is exactly what’s made the genre so popular, especially with the rise of Booktok and other social media trends. Over the past three years the sale of printed romance novels has increased by 117% and have generated over $1.44 billion in revenue, making it the highest-earning genre of fiction. Such a beloved medium deserves more than to be shoved in the dark corner of Barnes and Noble, and its book lovers like Stookey who are stepping up to the plate.
Where romance readers might have once been met with sneers and shame, they’re now pronouncing their love for the genre loudly and proudly. So when you’re ready to dip your toes into the world of romance, or get hooked on your next spicy novel, Lovebound Library is waiting with open arms.
If You Go…
Lovebound Library
145 E 900 S, SLC
Open Tue—Sat 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
As Low Cut Connie’s frontman Adam Weiner put it, “you make Monday feel like Saturday.” Indeed it did. The State Room hosted two dynamic bands to help celebrate the venue’s 15th Anniversary on Monday, April 1, 2024. They both raised the roof.
Most opening acts ease you into the evening, but Fantastic Cat came with the energy of an encore performance. The New York-based power quartet took the stage (their first time playing in SLC) and immediately rocked the house with “C’mon Armageddon.” The four players rotated instruments and lead vocals on every song. The drummer shifted to the bass, and the bassist took over lead vocals. The guy who I thought was the lead vocalist moved to acoustic guitar while the previous singer took up the drums and the acoustic guitarist went electric. If you weren’t paying attention you’d think The State Room was pulling an April Fools prank. Yes, Monday felt like a Saturday.
Fantastic Cat played several songs from their masterful, debut album The Very Best of Fantastic Cat (2022) including: “Nobody’s Coming to Get You,” “New Year’s Day,” and “Wild and Free.” They then performed their radio-ready new single “All My Fault” from their upcoming album Now That’s What I Call Fantastic Cat due for release in early June and took their high-energy performance to another level on “The Gig” and “Oh Man.” They ended their lightning fast 9-song set with the unreleased gem “Goodnight My Darling.” I wanted more.
Fantastic Cat described themselves as: CSNY or The Traveling Wilburys, if none of them were famous. I would add The Band to that mix. Their debut record feels like a compilation from a long-established career, but they’re just getting started. I hope they return to Salt Lake City very soon.
Between the opener and the main act, The State Room served cake to celebrate their 15-years as the Intermountain West’s premier live music venue.
Low Cut Connie (LCC) is the perfect band to invite to a musical party. Immediately electrifying the crowd, LCC took us on a madcap rock ‘n’ roll thrill ride. They kicked off their massive 22-song set with “Let It All Hang out Tonite”. The band’s frontman, Adam Weiner, embodies a larger-than-life stage persona on stage (think Elton John meets Billy Joel at a Jerry Lee Lewis house party). But it’s his backing band that takes LCC’s piano-driven rock to the summit. Guitarist/fiddle/vocalist Abigail Dempsey and backing vocalist Amanda “Rocky” Bullwinkel put a soulful charge into the music and complemented Weiner’s flamboyance with their own burlesque energy. On “Death and Destruction” the ensemble shook the rafters before moving seamlessly to “Private Lives” and “Rio.”
They featured new material from their album Art Dealer including ”Sleaze Me On,” “Big Boy,” and “Are You Gonna Run?” before playing the melodic chorus of “Full of Joy” from their 2011 debut record Get Out The Lotion. After LCC’s signature tune “Shake It Little Tina,” the band took a break while Weiner played a short piano solo set which included a homage to Lou Reed with ”Sweet Jane.” Reed’s musical influence is palpable on Art Dealer, so “Take Me To The Place” fits perfectly alongside a Reed classic. When the band returned they entered the homestretch with the big guns “Revolution Rock ‘n’ Roll,” and “Boozophilia.” If there was still any dust on the rafters it disappeared with the ground swelling encore “Whips and Chains.”
This much fun at a Salt Lake City concert—and all on a Monday night— will surely be outlawed during the next legislative session! What a fitting celebration for The State Room’s 15th Anniversary show. Over the past decade and a half, how many of us have left the venue in complete awe of the talent they bring to Salt Lake City? Monday night was no exception…. and the cake tasted pretty great too.
Who: Low Cut Connie w/ Fantastic Cat
What: The State Room’s 15th Anniversary show
Where: The State Room
When: April 1, 2024
Info: https://thestateroompresents.com, https://lowcutconnie.com/ , https://www.fantasticcatband.com/
The James Beard Foundation just came out with their 2024 2024 Restaurant and Chef Award Finalists. Congrats to Mazza and Urban Hill!
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