The end of the world is nigh. It might not be today, it might not be tomorrow, but when the skies crash down, Sleeping Giant is ready, willing and able to write the soundtrack to the apocalypse. Hailing from Redlands, Calif., birthplace of fellow up-and-coming Christian hardcore act xDEATHSTARx, Sleeping Giant wears its faith on its tattooed sleeves.
Gaining popularity and respect as a cover band scares the hell out of a lot of musicians. To some, the cover band is the butt-end of the best musician jokes. The Detroit Cobras were never afraid of that label, though. It could be that the songs they choose to cover don't suck, or just that they make no apologies for being a damn good rock and roll band.
In 1999, Phil Sherburne rented a garage space down the alley from him to use as a meeting place for his art group. Problem was, no one wanted to help pay rent because there was one outlet and no bathroom. Looking for another way to pay rent, Sherburne decided to let some bands play there, and one of Salt Lake's most acclaimed, independent venues was born: Kilby Court.
Summer is here again, and that means it's time for the Red Butte Garden Outdoor Concert Series. The garden has become known for hosting the best in all genres of world music and providing a unique outdoor experience. This summer will be no exception, as the lineup is as solid and diverse as ever.
Break out the dancing shoes. Indie rock/synth-pop darlings The Faint is coming back to In The Venue on June 6. And this time they promise to show up. The Faint formed in Omaha, Neb., in 1994, briefly featuring a then-unknown Conor Oberst--of Bright Eyes fame.
NPR has deemed The Hold Steady the "best bar band in America." Whether or not that's a good thing is entirely debatable. In any case, the band will be bringing its riff-heavy mix of '70s rock and Kerouacian lyrics to one of Salt Lake City's best bars, The Urban Lounge.
