Producers of annual Block Festival worry about USU attendance

As a predominant college town, students from Utah State University seem to struggle to get off Old Main hill and into the downtown streets to enjoy more of what the city has to offer.

A producer of the annual Block Festival, which will be held at Logan's Historic Theatre District on Friday and Saturday, is concerned about local student attendance.

"It's always a moving target," said Mary Urban Clarke, "I feel like we have a wonderful relationship with USU, but I just don't understand why students won't come off the hill and explore down here." 

The two-day festival features works of art, film and music from local, regional and world-wide talent. 

"This weekend is to showcase everything culturally that Logan has to offer," Urban Clarke said. 

The festival is run by volunteer efforts, and student participation can pay off in the long-run. 

"We look out especially for students," Urban Clarke said. "The opportunity to volunteer can turn into internships really quick. We want whatever is done at the festival to translate into the real world." 

Urban Clarke said students might not be aware of the festival.

"The best things are camouflaged. I think that goes for both Downtown Logan, and the Block Festival," Urban Clarke said. "Our main focus is community collaboration, and we want as many people to be aware of this event as possible."

Weston Woodbury, a filmmaker and director for the Block Festival, said student turnover may be the issue. 

"A lot of it just boils down to awareness," Woodbury said. "There's only so much marketing we can do to help people see what's happening, and the constant student turnover doesn't help."

Urban Clarke said organizing the event is a difficult process, but one that's worth it. 

"Public art is my religion," Urban Clarke said. "You have to be a bit crazy to want to organize and put on this festival, but it's a passion thing. Passion drives the process." 

$30 will grant access to all film screenings, and other events regarding music, art exhibits and workshops. Those with student identification will have the same privileges for $15.

 

Music Theatre West, Ellen Eccles Theater to showcase "Oklahoma!"

We may be in Cache Valley, but the Midwest is about to make a sudden stop on the local theater scene.

The Ellen Eccles Theater will showcase performances of Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Oklahoma!" through Utah-based company Music Theatre West, starting Friday.

"Oklahoma!" will continue Cache Valley's tradition of high-quality theater shows.

"I've heard it estimated that 33 musicals are produced in Cache Valley each year, and I think that's pretty remarkable for a community of our size," said Wendi Hassan, the executive director for the Ellen Eccles Theater.

Hassan said she remains impressed by the amount of artistry shown throughout Cache Valley.

"The fact that our audiences support that level of artistic activity is even more impressive to me, and this is something our community does well," Hassan said. "I never cease to be amazed at the level of local and regional talent."

Music Theatre West, founded in 2007, is made-up entirely of volunteers.

"Cast members volunteer their time in exchange for the opportunity to perform on a world class stage with a live orchestra and receive music, dance and acting training from local professionals in their fields," said Celeste Baillio, the managing director for the theatre.

 Jay Richards, a founder and current artistic director for Music Theatre West, said the cast is made-up of people from different backgrounds.

"The wonderful people in our shows are moms, dads and students — just regular people with busy lives. We want them to love the experience, and come back," Richards said.

Richards also said the patrons' support is crucial.

"The most important aspect of our continued success is the patrons — the folks who buy tickets and support us by enjoying an evening in the theatre. We could not do it without them, and there is so much more happening here than most people realize," Richards said.

Performances of the show will continue Saturday, and go through next week with the final performance on Sept. 29. Showtimes begin at 7:30 p.m. each night, with an additional 1:30 p.m. time offered Sept. 29.

Logan Fine Art Gallery to hold annual salon

In a world full of art, some of the best up and coming artists may be right here in Cache Valley.

In a juried event, the Logan Fine Art Gallery will hold its annual fall salon exhibition Friday.

Doors open to the public at 6 p.m. and awards will be announced an hour later.

Artist Larry Winborg will judge the event, and pick the top artist who will receive a $1,500 reward.

The showcased art will then be available to view and purchase from Friday through Jan. 3.

"When the right person comes in and finds the right piece of art, it gets sold," said Julie Lefevre, an art coordinator and featured artist for the gallery. "We picked Larry this year to judge, because he's a master of art. He's put in his hours to be able to critique effectively."

Lefevre also said she believes Winborg is an appropriate choice to critique this year's salon due to his ability to judge art at a critical level.

"Larry can look at a piece of art for a second, and immediately know that there's a skewed brush stroke, or something else out of the ordinary," Lefevre said. "He's told me a number of times that 'The real world of art isn't kind,' so these salons act as a real proving ground to artists that want to make it big."

Dick Broun, a featured artist and photographer at the gallery, said gallery viewing is a unique experience "because human interaction is its only audience."

Local band PINE to release new album at The Cache Venue

In a music market full of country or folk music, one local Cache Valley band is trying to find it's distance from what's considered normal.

Instrumental progressive rock band PINE will debut its new album, "Nibiru," in an intimate concert setting at The Cache Venue in Logan Friday night.

With an $8 admission, doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the concert will begin one hour later. 

"When PINE first started in Logan, there were copious amounts of heavy, progressive, and even a few instrumental bands," said PINE's guitar player, Michael Thompson.

Being one of the few remaining progressive instrumental bands in the area, Thompson said PINE feels responsible to push more creativity into the local music scene. 

"It seems like over the past few years, they all have slowly died out and the amount of folk, country, and indie rock have grown and even maintained in popularity," Thompson said. "But that has never deterred us from pushing forward and making our mark on the music community."

Thompson also said while other genres of music tell people how to feel, PINE's music is unique in how it portrays it's message.

"The concert is a place for us to share experiences with everyone," Thompson said. "We invite everyone to explore their emotions through our music no matter how they interpret the songs."

Mark Lunt, owner of The Cache Venue, said he is a fan of the band. 

"PINE is an artist with a point of view," Lunt said. "Some art is made to be sold, but some art is made to express something. And that's why I like PINE. They're my favorite local band."