Scene Sister

summertime (where are you?!)

2012-02-17T13:47:00.000-07:00

Lady Pearl (queen of delicious homemade kitchen items)

Spanish Fork Reservoir (the weirdest place to have a free summertime good-time)

Hai, Seafinch (band of love)

Jaryn Bunney (real name, roommate with the moves)

SF Reservoir (never going fishing here)

Buffalo Fox (King of Scene) (mini Fox by Maddison Colvin)

Beccy (More than a Diet Coke lover)

The Archer's Apple (miss you)

Patrick (Man About Town, and The Woman In Black)

Lady Seafinch (Hostess with the Mostess)

Sexy Sax Man (no explanation needed)

twenty-nine with John Heart Jackie

2012-02-15T23:56:00.000-07:00

I'm a lucky girl. John Heart Jackie is returning to Provo from my other long-lost home of Portland, Oregon on March 1st-- just in time to help me celebrate my last birthday in the region of the twenties.

Still have another band to add to the lineup for that night, but I hope you will join me to enjoy a great night of lovely music, lovely people and likely some lovely cupcakes (gluten-free + otherwise!). Maybe I will wear something shiny.

For a little tease, here is a new video of JHJ (Peter & Jennie) covering a beautiful song from Damien Jurado's new album, Maraqopa. "Working Titles" happens to be one of my favorite songs off the album, I am sure you will enjoy it. (This video was filmed by Ben Moon--check out his other work with some names you will recognize, here)

(Jennie Wayne and Peter Murray of John Heart Jackie- Photo by Eugénie Frerichs)

A Birthday Party: JOHN HEART JACKIE//TYLER LYLE//MIA GRACE $7/8PM March 1st at Velour Live Music Gallery

Stand Up and Say Something

2012-02-09T00:01:00.000-07:00

Friends, I could use a little help with something (and would love to hear what you have to say about it).

Yesterday a video was released on YouTube by a popular Provo, Utah comic which exploits Black History Month, Black Americans, and BYU students.

Dave Backerman (scratchmybackerman on YouTube) appears in "blackface" interviewing BYU students about their knowledge of Black History Month and includes many other unrelated questions to stimulate reactions. True to the nature of many Americans, the students depicted in the video are ignorant if not clueless and stereotype driven. But none were as blatantly ignorant as Backerman, who coached ridiculous and embarrassing displays from his interviewees, and produced a video where not only he shamed himself but detracted from the social progress so many people have worked their lives to further.

In addition, the video he released was intended as comedy material, of which he will make a profit of in some regard. And while I hate to add to the amount of views (over 23k the last I checked), this issue is so highly important to me that I am proposing the following:

Demanding a public apology from Dave Backerman and the removal of his video.

So please, take a stand with me by sharing this blogpost, my video posted herein, commenting on my video or by sending a personal message to Dave Backerman with the same statement.

(In case you have not seen the video in discussion, it can be found here)

The only way to welcome in 2012.

2012-02-02T23:36:00.001-07:00

I know it's February now, but I can't let this month go by without finally sharing a little bit about the NYE I spent at home.

Mid-December, I had this vision: me and maybe 5 or 6 friends I knew who would be in Provo Town for the New Year, dancing hard, all night long. It had been a long time since I held any sort of party or gathering at my house (odd, I know) but I knew this was what I wanted to do. In fact, I didn't care if anyone came at all--- I like to dance and I have never wanted to fill that desire so much in my entire life than on December 31st, 2011.

Tons of tinsel and sequins and five hours of dancing later, it turned out to literally be the BEST party of my entire life. And of course, the only New Years I have ever truly enjoyed. Thanks to APT for the set that started us out right (Prince was ALL up in there!), James for bringing the Loud and the Moves, Nikki for bringing the most aerobic dancing of anyone I have ever met, Carly for the last Diet Coke I enjoyed, Chris "MedicinalMedia" Nielsen for playing late-night deejay, my roommate Jaryn for inspiring me to have a party and the 30 other people who just made my night by coming and dancing with us all.

These were the best people to spend my last night of 2011 and my first morning of 2012 with.

Happy New Year, all you friends. Hope your year is filled with these kinds of times.

xoxo

Local Politics: Mia Love

2012-01-11T04:28:00.000-07:00

I don't know Mia personally, but I have been admiring her from a distance throughout the last few years:

After serving on the Saratoga Springs City Council, she was elected Mayor in 2009, the first black woman in Utah to hold this office.

In addition to being a Hartford graduate and actively involved in her community, family and church-- Mia is now running to hold the 2013 seat in the recently formed 4th Congressional District for Utah.

During a generation when Utah is growing and defying long-established stereotypes (SLC was just named "Gayest City in America" by The Advocate), having Mia Love win the congressional seat would mean another step upward for our state. I am looking forward to seeing how her campaign plays out and what she has to offer. This promo video for her campaign is a nice introduction :

Because I vote based on ability and not on statistics-- I hope that Mia can provide what we need as representation so she can also represent us in Washington D.C. as a Mormon, a mother and as a strong, black female leader (and I am sure Tyler Perry would also endorse this message).

Good luck to you and your family, Mia!

Top Ten Albums of 2011

2012-01-05T20:56:00.000-07:00

Did you know a person can get lost into an Inception-like depth of Top Ten Lists?

Well, they can. I found out the hard way-- I think somewhere around 80 Top Ten Lists were stewing around in my head for a while during the holidays.

Instead of blogging about every one (overwhelmed, much?) I decided to stick with the only one that actually matters...

Ladies & Gents, my Top Ten Favorite Albums of 2011- in no particular order (and at the bottom of this list is a link to a Spotify playlist for you):

A.A. Bondy "Believers" (The Catskills)
Fat Possum Records September 2011
on iTunes
on Spotify

A.A. Bondy sings a sadness straight to my heart (am I a masochist?) with simple melodies and poetry rooted in the mountains.

Cameron McGill & What Army "Is a Beast" (Chicago)
Self-Released March 2011
on iTunes
on Spotify

Cameron McGill & What Army has been making stops at Velour on their tours from Chicago for as long as I can remember-- every album I have witnessed to come from this band grabs my attention more than the last--a band full of great guys making incredible music. This album ought to be topping charts all over the place!

Shabazz Palaces "Black Up" (Seattle)
Sub Pop Records June 2011
on iTunes
on Spotify

Did you know Sub Pop Records added a hip hop group to their family? Indeed they have, and wisely. Shabazz Palaces brings hip hop back to it's roots--in blues, jazz, good hooks, heavy beats and technical rhymes. Good hip hop beats through my veins, and I am proud to add "Black Up" to my extremely selective list of favorite hip hop albums.

As is true to their musical style, this video also happens to be one of the most intelligent pieces I have seen in a long time.

The Moth & The Flame- Self-titled debut album (Provo)
Self-Released November 2011 (local only)
on SoundCloud
(look for a national release later this spring)

There are times to admit when I am being partial and biased, but this is not one of those times.

The Moth & The Flame's debut album is taking Utah by storm. Once the record hits it's national release, I expect it to be competing fairly quickly with any heavily successful indie groups releases.

I won't say much about them right now (saving more details about them for another post) but I will tell you that so many people believed in this band and this album, they sold out their album-release show (over 300 people) and at the last minute had to add a second show for later in the weekend (with over 200+ attendees). UNHEARD OF! Especially for a band so early on in their development.

Stream the album, here:

The Moth & The Flame Debut Album by TheMoth&TheFlame

Desert Noises "Mountain Sea" (Provo)
Northplatte Records October 2011
on iTunes
on Spotify

Although Desert Noises has had a fairly quiet release of their album "Mountain Sea," they have been attracting attention from national and international blogs, websites and magazines. Following a heavy five months of touring across the US, they returned home to for an album release show recently, which showed just how far a 'good' band has come-- they are tighter than ever, and writing material that will continue to keep them at the top of the charts. Once the right person hears their album, tell Fleet Foxes to hold on to their hats. DN is one of the next big bands to come from Provo.

Look for their Daytrotter session they recorded in upcoming months!

John Heart Jackie "We Are Gold Mounds" (Portland)
Self-Released August 2010
on iTunes
on Spotify

I know what you are thinking: this album was released in 2010! In my defense, I didn't meet Peter and Jennie (the 'hearts' of John Heart Jackie) until early this year when they played at Velour, on tour from Portland--so I couldn't very well enjoy this album until I happened upon it! Having JHJ at Velour was interesting: we knew we liked their music, but we took a little gamble on having a fairly small, touring band play. We fell in love with them that first night, and we were happy to welcome them back again this recent fall.

Don't tell the other bands on this list, but "We Are Gold Mounds" was my most played album in 2011. I like sweet music, sad music even sometimes, and this album brings the prettiest of these two things to the table. Listening to JHJ is something like floating down a river of nostalgia with a few of your grandma's best friends narrating an ethereal tale of the happiest parts of sadness, the tightest of harmonies carrying you all the way. Maybe that sounds confusing. Regardless, it's a great album, made better by the wonderful people behind making the music. I owe this band a lot for reviving my interest in what is happening in Portland! x's and o's are sent across the country in their direction.

I'm expecting a lot of longevity out of this group.

"Drive" Soundtrack
Lakeshore Records 2011
on iTunes

One of the top films of 2011 produced one of the best albums of 2011. It's rare to find a soundtrack I can enjoy start to finish, but Cliff Martinez scores a film with the beats for the walks of life. I love every track of this. Complimenting the film score are tracks from Desire and The Chromatics--

The Devil Whale "Teeth" (Salt Lake City)
Self-Released May 2011
on iTunes
on Spotify

Salt Lake City may be home for The Devil Whale, but the band are no strangers to touring the country time and time again. With a second-home in Seattle and frequent tours across the nation, TDW steadily climbs into the hearts of fans everywhere. They have been one of my favorite local bands for years, and I am wishing them the success they deserve with "Teeth." Hopefully in coming months we can finally hear the Daytrotter Session they recorded last year while they were on the road!

Stream their album, here:

&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://thedevilwhale.bandcamp.com/album/teeth"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Teeth by The Devil Whale&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Dustin Christensen "Highway Lines" (Provo)
Self-Released October 2011
on iTunes

As long as I have been involved with local music (which has only been a short three-ish years) I have heard Dustin's name. Eventually we became friends, but I had yet to hear the solo album he had been working on. Turns out I wasn't the only one...many local musicians and fans have been anticipating this release for years. Dustin is a respected songwriter (I can't turn a corner without hearing about another industry award he has won), and has written alongside others who have written for John Mayer, Katharine McPhee, Seal and many other well-known artists.

I was fortunate enough to hear Dustin play a few rare times, but nothing compares with the experience of hearing this album. Country based, but not too genre specific, "Highway Lines" showcases Dustin's finest songwriting. Each song on the album could stand alone as a hit-single, and each song takes the listener on a different journey. Kudos to Dustin for this beautiful album.

&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://dustinchristensen.bandcamp.com/album/highway-lines"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Highway Lines by Dustin Christensen&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Blind Pilot "We Are the Tide" (Portland)
Expunged Records September 2011
on iTunes
on Spotify

I used to enjoy Blind Pilot's live shows in Portland and later on their bicycle tour, but "We Are the Tide" released this year hits my soul in a way I hadn't experienced yet (and thanks to Peter from JHJ for leaving me with a copy!).

The last track on this album sealed the deal for me: a new theme song for New York (I collect songs about NYC). Hope you enjoy it.

(Also, you can see them at Urban Lounge on January 28th in SLC. I love Urban, but one day I will get them to play at Velour!)

Hope you find something on here to enjoy! If you want to listen to a compilation of most of these artists, I have created a playlist on Spotify for you to check out: SceneSister- Top Ten of 2011 Comp

Ego Boost: Leslie Krout Takes a Few (Film) Photos

2011-12-29T22:59:00.002-07:00

I love being behind the camera. Capturing people/things/light at it's prettiest fills my heart in a way I can't always put into words.

Being in front of the camera makes me a little nervous. I'm not always photogenic, I don't often look in photos as I feel I look in real life and the camera doesn't just add ten pounds, but points it out!

But the right photographer is sure to do things right. That's why when Leslie Krout asked if she could take some photos of me, I didn't hesitate to say yes. Leslie and I met at the (couples) Garden Party Baby Shower I put together for Carolee this summer (being friends with a great photographer means you get to be friends with her great photog friends--WIN), and I have enjoyed following her film-photog work since then. I was more than honored she would even ask!

Leslie posted the developed photos a few weeks ago from our shoot at my house, and my first response was, "DAMN! (is that me?)"

She got it. And I love that she wanted to shoot me in my own space. My home is as much an expression of me as what I wear, so this further solidified why I like Leslie. This woman speaks all of my love languages.

Favorite Boots.

of course, the Kitty.

So, please don't think me vain. I think it is so important for everyone to have lovely photos of themselves--I lucked out this time around for sure. Thanks, Leslie! Thank you a million times over for capturing me as myself. And at the least, my grandmother will enjoy the framed print I send her.

Please check out Leslie's other work and the original post for these photos at The Good Report!

Welcome to The IN!

2011-12-27T17:27:00.001-07:00

2011 is ending on a few really great notes. The IN of Provo is one of them!

Earlier this month I moved out of my home office and into a collective office space in Downtown Provo. The IN (The Innovation Network) was started by Jason Fairbourne (of Fairbourne Consulting) as the local answer to The Hub in San Francisco. The newly renovated office space boasts beautiful exposed brick, chalkboard walls, original wood floors and a view over Center Street in Provo.

Beccy and I are sharing a space, costing us each less than $70 a month (which includes all utilities and internet, plus the shared use of a conference room)--but the value of working among other freelancing or small creative businesses invested in local development is priceless. We added a desk we built from old warehouse table legs and a closet door (thanks, ReStore!) and some of our super savvy style.

Here are a few shots I took of half the space a few weeks ago. Isn't that sunlight pretty?

....and a few I took today via the iPhone.

(still decorated for Christmas...should we leave those lights up?)

Beccy's best idea may have been the wallpaper print on the wall. Oddly enough, it looks like each of us.

The Daily Herald did a wonderful write-up on The IN after our Open House a few weeks ago, which has prompted a nice drive in traffic to the space. I know we have several new tenants moving in after the new year, but if you are interested in taking a look and ready to venture out with your new company or small business this could be an ideal place for you to take a look at! Shoot me a message and I will be in touch.

Instant Love: Some Favorites

2011-11-05T07:00:00.000-06:00

I was spending some time this morning scanning about 70 Instax photos from recently, and came across some old ones I wanted to share.

My Fuji Instax Wide was *literally* the best purchase I made in 2010. (does anyone else hear Rob Lowe from Parks & Rec when they say "*literally*" these days?)

These are a few of my faves--

Some of my favorite women (Elise, Halen, Alexis) as their winter selves (and one of them as her pregnant self!)

Winter Roommates and Friends, looking cute and making jokes.

Ladd (Menswear Genius) and Pica: Pretty Faces.

Carolee Beckham! Mid-Pregnancy, and mid-pregnancy-veggie photo project...Check it out!

Rockin' Rob on his birthday. Rob is a Velour legend, he had a stroke right after this and has been hospitalized since then. I miss him so!

One of my BFF's, Sara Morris. She lets me dress her in my clothes and take pictures of her. What a sport.

Two of my favorite spots in my house.

Nikki Lorraine Giveaway Winner: Kelsea Yetton! (and a new song from The Moth & The Flame)

2011-11-04T02:39:00.001-06:00

Guys, influenza has got a strong hold on me this week! I am so sorry for the late post about this week's giveaway.

Last week you saw my profile piece about Nikki Lorraine and submitted your names and favorite pieces--

Snaps for Kelsea Yetton! She is the winner of the Nikki Lorraine piece of her choice, which is the beautiful Gold Rush Brass Triangle Necklace!

Thanks to everyone else who submitted, we (Nikki Lorraine and I) are so very grateful for you. Keep up on her Facebook Fan Page for updates on sales, new products and tidbits of fun design advice.

*******************************************************

One week from today is the long awaited album release show for The Moth & The Flame, the next band from Provo I predict to hit it big. Want to see why? Take a listen to this track off the album they released this week, How We Woke Up.

How We Woke Up by TheMoth&TheFlame

Tickets for the show are only $8, and if you purchase during the pre-sale, you get the album for half-off at the show (only $5!) Book on Tape Worm and Soft Science will be opening for The Moth & The Flame--this only makes Friday 11.11.11 that much more epic. Look for my interview with the band next week!

last week: Matt Pond PA, Rocky Votolato, and a new song.

2011-10-28T15:26:00.000-06:00

Rocky Votolato is one of our favorite guests at Velour--he and his wife April are the nicest of nice you can imagine, plus ours is the only venue he wants to play while passing through Utah. We are more than honored to welcome him back every time he has a show booked here. .

Matt Pond PA joined Rocky on his current tour, so you can imagine how great of a night it was for me to enjoy! Here's a quick vid of a song from the new album Rocky will be releasing shortly:

a getting-to-know and a giveaway: Nikki Lorraine!

2011-10-27T18:31:00.000-06:00

Nikki Lorraine's new jewelry line is as full of enlightenment, energy and originality as she is.

For as long as she can remember, Nikki has been accessorizing her own outfits and often creating pieces for herself and friends to enjoy. While her own style sense may be simple, her love and taste for glamorous accessories and adornment has always easily set her apart in a crowd.

Her debut line features a combination of textures and materials with geometric shapes and incredible angles, intended for impressive every day wear. Pulling inspiration from her love for urban environments with an earthy and rooted heartful approach, Nikki has designed a fashionable and stunning series of unique jewelry.

Nikki says, "I've always really loved the feel of Native American aesthetics and design...I like working with earthy and eclectic things and love raw materials. Combining old and new, with the raw and funky really expresses exactly my own taste and style." Nikki goes on to explain, "This collection is very angular, which I am very much in love with."

When I first met Nikki we bonded over curly-hair care and I would laugh at her outrageous and aerobic dance moves--since then we have become close friends, seeking out similar energies in the world around us. As I have watched her focus her time on developing her business and building her line, I couldn't help but be impressed by her ability to create something so fitting for the tastes of our local scene, still true to her character, and yet capable of success in a larger market.

Nikki is naturally a dream seeker, and always chasing after refining her talents so she can share them with other people. However, it took heavy encouragement from her friends and over-coming a lack of inspiration to push her into launching her product line.

"Call me crazy, but I ended up praying for inspiration...and it came," she says. "I decided I wanted to roll with it, to follow my dreams and passions...and do what I always wanted to but had feared."

It's proving a valuable move for Nikki. She already has big plans for a spring/summer product launch in early 2012 (which will include a variety of pieces intended for menswear), individual shop consignment in boutiques throughout the region, and down the road...placement on the runway during Fashion Week in NYC.

You can check out her products in person at the upcoming Beehive Bazaar in December in the company of many other great local artists and product designers, at Magdalena's Bazaar in Jerome, AZ or online. Check out her new website www.nikkilorraine.co and THEN follow the instructions below to enter the giveaway for a free piece of your choice, courtesy of Nikki Lorraine!

The deadline for this giveaway has now passed. Check out the results, here.

HOW TO ENTER:

1) "Like" the Nikki Lorraine Facebook fan page.

2) Peruse the Nikki Lorraine Shop/Site for your favorite piece.

3) Leave an enthusiastic comment below with the name of and a link to your favorite piece from the Nikki Lorraine shop.

BONUS ENTRY: "Share" the link to this blog post from the Scene Sister fan page on Facebook!

A winner will be selected and announced here on Thursday, November 3rd at 1PM MST.

Tabernacle Temple: How will it affect Downtown Provo?

2011-10-01T16:33:00.001-06:00

Last winter, many of us in Provo were extremely saddened by the fire which destroyed the Provo Tabernacle.

As anyone else who has lived in this town long enough, I have enjoyed cultural events and church meetings inside the historic building, city festivals on the lawn and been proud of the years of history it represented. It was one of the final major landmark buildings in the city, still operating and functioning with consistent use. 128 years of service to our community was not to be soon forgotten.

Many Provo residents take a small piece of ownership over the Tabernacle, and as they should. It is an important piece of our history as much as it is a part of the history of the city we live in. Many gave tearful stories to the press reflecting on the loss, and even I was surprised by how heartbroken I felt during the days after the fire, driving past the blackened windows and empty exterior structure, smoke still billowing from ashes within.

And so, the question of the year has been, "what will become of the Provo Tabernacle?"

The property is owned by the LDS Church, and so they have been taking some serious time to come to a decision.

In recent weeks, it was revealed through the press the LDS church acquired the property just south of the tabernacle (where currently a motel and restaurant sit). This hinted to a start of what we expected would be a renovation of the bldg...

But finally, today during General Conference, President Thomas S. Monson announced the plans to renovate and rebuild the Provo Tabernacle... into a second temple for the city!

I was overjoyed!

But why wasn't everyone else?

Many of the issue points I have seen discussed on the internet so far today include concerns over how having a temple downtown will mess with the urban vibe many of us have fought to develop, changes to annual city festivals which have always taken place on the lawn, and the exclusivity of those able to be patrons to the newly-renovated temple (which conflicts with the need to share the historical space for the community).

I'd like to take the opportunity to share my opinion addressing these issues.

First of all, I heard at one point the cost to renovate and rebuild the Tabernacle was upwards of $22 million dollars (which honestly could be less than what it actually may cost)--that's just chump change for the church, right? Regardless of the perceived flexibility of LDS church's pocketbook, it makes absolute sense to me if I was to spend that amount of money renovating a building (which could have easily been torn down), I would want it to hold a slightly greater purpose than being open one day a week for cultural events. The option to turn the building into a much-needed temple in Provo seems an excellent use of space, and incorporating temple patrons into downtown business usage.

I am confident the increased traffic in Provo will increase exposure to downtown businesses. Sure, a couple leaving the temple after service may not head over to Velour for a show, but they might check out the Spice Grill for dinner and walk by Velour along the way. The Manhattan temple thrives in the midst of New York City, with traffic and business going on all around it at all times. Surely little Provo can handle a temple being in Downtown Historic Provo. So far as the city festivals go (such as Freedom Days in July) this past year they were forced to cut festival sizes almost in half in order to accommodate the inability to use the Tabernacle property, and hold the events entirely on the Courthouse grounds and east of University Ave. It was maybe slightly lamer, but let's get together and find ways to make it cooler instead of complaining about how we assume everything will be less-cool with the temple in place.

**Also, did anyone else notice that last year we held Fork Fest (with over 4k attendees) directly across the street from the Timpanogos Temple in American Fork? Just a thought. It went off without a hitch, and without complaint from the temple presidency. It's possible to do cool things downtown and still respect the location of the Downtown Provo Temple. **

I as much as anyone have fought to make Downtown Provo a hip and happening place to be. My entire life is dedicated to it, in fact. I understand the concern for being worried about this, but we can't control anything outside of our means. However, we can control things inside our means. The arrival of a temple downtown should motivate us to continue to find ways to keep things cool. What I think many people forget are the roots of where Provo started. As much as it was a Western town and Fort Utah, it was settled by Mormon families. The tabernacle is a product of the church being a prominent player in the community, and makes the tabernacle a church historical site, not just a Provo historical site. Why are we fighting against the LDS church's involvement in our community? We need to accept it, instead of trying to act like it shouldn't exist. As many long term Provo residents as there are, there are Provo-transplants, myself being one of them.

The tabernacle was completely destroyed. All that remain are the exterior walls and spires. Gone is the organ, the beautiful roof, the uncomfortable benches, the hand-detailed wood. Rebuilding all of those things would involve recreating...and how historic is that exactly?

I find that turning what is left of our beloved building into a historic temple is a celebratory move! My heart is full at the thought of it, and I am looking forward to attending the pre-dedication tours of the temple when it is completed, which anyone in the community can enjoy.

It should go without saying, but when has a temple not been a blessing to a community?

(all photos courtesy of ksl.com)

an NYC Labor Day

2011-09-05T03:02:00.001-06:00

Most Labor Day's I find myself taking advantage of the day off to play catch-up. Laundry, emails, work projects gone long, housecleaning needing to be done...

But for the first time, last year I took off to NYC for a Labor Day weekend vacation. It was a trip that changed my life, and inspired many trips back to New York City over the following months.

Beaching at Brighton Beach, Freak Shows on Coney Island, new friends, rooftop potlucks in Manhattan, visits to long-missed Trader Joe's and Whole Foods, live music and starry sightseeing from the top of the Brooklyn Bridge, pizza when I shouldn't be eating it and subway trips leaving my heart pounding in rhythm all the way back home to Utah.

And this is what it looked like.

while we are waiting

2011-09-03T18:06:00.000-06:00

My friend Beccy is in the midst of converting my drawings into a new blog design for me, and once it's up I will start releasing all of the profile pieces I have been working on. (sidenote: the preview I have had of my new logo are so fun! I can't wait to share it!)

In the meaaaaaaantime, I wanted to do a series of catch-up posts. While I like to share things on a blog, it's as much for me as it is for you. Being able to visually categorize photos with captions helps me remember how wonderful my life is (not that I should need reminders) and gives me something to do in my "spare" time. Spare time! Any spare time I have I invent. That is some straight up magic at work for you.

These were from one of many afternoons spent lazing at the Spanish Fork Resevoir. It is surrounded by beautiful green hills and the water is nice and just cold enough for the dry, hot Utah weather we have been having.

Don't know these kids, but aren't they cute?

Pica. I am so glad she was my summertime roommate.

pssst--this is Beccy. Babe Beccy.

summertime: love & sunshine

2011-09-03T17:47:00.001-06:00

Two weeks ago I adventured to San Diego (for the first time!) for a dear-hearts wedding.

San Diego! You are perfect. And beautiful. And full of delicious food, wonderful families and now I need to buy a piece of beach property.

Only one perfect day was spent at the beach, but I spent all but a few minutes of it in the water on a boogie board or hanging out in the surf. It was hands-down THE most fulfilling day of my summer, and I am so grateful for the Dunn's for showing me a great time.

Can you believe this is the only trip I have been on since March? The beach day made up for months of not vacationing the summer days away. I didn't take a camera, so all I have are some iPhone photos--I will probably post those later.

I shot some photos on film during Deserae's bridals and couples photo shoot, on location at Balboa Park and La Jolla beach--then a few again later at the San Diego temple the day they were sealed.

Magic Man. Sleeves the Magician.

Can you find Waldo?

La Jolla.

It's true--prettiest temple.

Abuela. Alex's grandmother from Cuba--she has an incredible story and I intend to do a shoot and profile post about her later!

All the Dunn siblings. Never have I seen a family in more harmony.

"The other day this man asked me if I am Samoan. I told him, 'No! But I am Some-Mexican!'" Grandpa Mendez. You made me laugh more than I should have.

Prettiest girl I know (no offense everyone else)! I have never seen her so happy as the day she was married Alex Alard. Congratulations to a couple I love, admire, and aspire to be more like. Thank you for letting me be a part of your families for the weekend.

Pinterest!

2011-07-25T16:25:00.001-06:00

Just what I always wanted!

Finally, a place to collect images AND their original root links! I've been pinning for a few months now, categorizing photos of things I love: photography, great natural curls, apparel, vintage wear, typsets and designs, DIY party and home ideas, delicious things to eat, and wish lists full of who knows what else.

What I especially love about Pinterest: the sneak-peek into everyone's soul. I am learning great things about some of the people I love but haven't had a chance to get to know very well...and what does that lead to? Being able to give them wonderful gifts they actually love! The cherry on top of the ice cream sundae is I have been gifted two VERY significant pieces of vintage wear from people who saw I was collecting images of sequined items and suspendered dresses. Nothing says "I-Love-You" like giving me the very same piece of apparel I have been pining over (although Quality Time is an immediate runner-up...Love Languages, anyone?)

Example 1: THIS top! A present from Miss Katie Pratt (photo courtesy of M. Colvin!)

If you are on Pinterest, be sure to follow and send me links to your boards!

Here are some quick links to a few boards of mine you might like to check out:

Gluten-Free Dish Delish

Style Delish
Wish Delish

Garden Party Delish

DIY Home Delish

All of my other Pin Boards can be found here. Let's be Pinterest Friends!

Listening: Dolly and Anne

2011-07-25T15:05:00.001-06:00

Summer brings out the sentiment in me, and for some reason I have found great company with these two classic ladies:

There is something mystical about Dolly: sweet, sensitive and positively radiant. She can sing the saddest songs and ride them straight to my heart.

Anne Murray patiently and nearly effortlessly brings stories to songs. I grew up listening to her lesser-known children's album, Hippo In the Bathtub (which you should go straight out and buy for your children to enjoy!). It was while listening to that album again recently I decided how much I loved her peaceful, low voice and wanted to hear more. I fell in love!

Before you go calling me an old woman, take a listen to these two videos and tell me they don't enchant you, too.

Ok, I am my grandmother's granddaughter. I admit it.

Fresh Big Mouf has a Secret Crush!

2011-06-27T04:19:00.001-06:00

This jam is hot. And I can't stop watching the video!

Can't Stop, and Won't Stop...being beautifully uncomfortable.

WORD. To Fresh Big. For sick and quick beats, follow homeboy at his Facebook page, here.

Photos & Tunes: John Heart Jackie

2011-06-20T03:01:00.002-06:00

A few weeks ago, we had the pleasure of hosting John Heart Jackie at Velour.

On tour all the way from the Pacific Northwest, JHJ brought us swelling and pitch-perfect harmonies, warm melodies and enchanting tunes. Sometimes hinting towards the haunting and deep sincerity of Fleetwood Mac (minus the band drama), yet staying as simplistic and and true to bluegrass-folk as you can get...I predict this group is headed to the national scene soon. We've been playing their album "We Are Gold Mounds" continuously in between sets at Velour, and I have been cranking it up in between hip-hop listens at home ever since hearing them live.

It was a small show, on account of odd seasonal timing and lack of a heavy-drawing local, but by far one of my favorite intimate sets at Velour. Although there were many times I wish the room had been full of people to hear and feel what I was, the pleasure of keeping a bit of a secret to myself for the night was wonderful. Hope & Tim made their duo debut the same night, and Katie Brandeburg re-introduced herself to the Provo music scene, with her new electric guitar in hand. I took some 35mm photos (Fuji Superia) and a few iPhone vids to share with you.

If you are a friend in Portland, be sure to check them out at one of their local shows (especially with famed Portland Cello Project at the Doug Fir in July!). I know that if I head back to the NW anytime soon, they are first on my list of locals to check out. For everyone else, please keep an ear to the ground for them to come through Provo again...we will want to give them a large crowd of our best fans to welcome them back! If you love The Head & The Heart, Fleet Foxes, Local Natives, Blind Pilot or pretty much any popular rootsy-indie band...John Heart Jackie will garner your attention fairly quickly (and you get the benefit of being an early fan! always a treat)

Jennie Wayne of John Heart Jackie

John Heart Jackie

Katie Brandeburg

Hope & Tim (love you guys!)

Clarence Jessop

I'm happy to have made friends with John Heart Jackie when they came through, and can't wait to hear them again! Please fan them on their Facebook page, check out their site/blog for a free song, and purchase their album on iTunes!

And here's a little video treat for ya (as hokey as it may be):

The perfect Father's Day gift!

2011-06-17T14:02:00.001-06:00

Father's Day is approaching in uh...two days...but fear not! If you have yet to pick a clever present for your padre or husband, there is still time to get that man the perfect gift.

I am a huge fan of what I like to refer to as "renaissance" living, which I define as consistently taking joy in living qualitatively over quantitatively and supporting the fine arts of many classic trades and life styles. There is a man here in Provo that emulates this exact concept, and while you may know him for many things, you should know him now for his old-fashioned Barber Shop.

The Barber: Drew Danburry. Photo by Michael Paul Cunningham

Drew Danburry opened the Danburry Barber Shop earlier this year, after being trained in the classic barbering techniques used since the 1950's. I've been extremely impressed with his cuts (the best fades I have ever seen!), and word from his customers says that his shaves can't be competed with. Drew does a fine job of utilizing traditional tools and technique to provide a great experience and an artful-service. Check out his portfolio of cuts, here.

What man wouldn't love a gift like this? Until tomorrow (Saturday) you can pick up Father's Day gift certificates at 50% off! .

"Help your father, or your fatherly friend out with a well needed haircut OR maybe just let him experience an old fashioned hot lather shave like they used to, whatever it is, it's gonna be Father's Day and you get TWICE what you pay for at the Danburry Barber Shop when you come in and buy a gift certificate from now until June 18th. The experience is well worth the price and it can't be beat for half off."

If I were a man, I would be into that.

Find Danburry Barber Shop on Facebook or in Downtown Provo:

55 N. University Avenue
Suite No. 145
Provo, UT 84601
801.607.1093

**If you need more convincing, The Art of Manliness did a wonderful review about Drew and his shop. Take a read of it, here.**

Summertime means...The Provo Farmers Market!

2011-06-02T14:57:00.001-06:00

It's June 2nd today and the weather is fiiiine! And I don't just mean that in the 90's "he's looking good" sort of way. I mean the weather is PERFECT! Warm breezes, sunshine, my grass is finally green and getting a little more lush (sadly, the weeds are following in suit)..all the perfect ingredients for front yard picnics and lazy afternoons in the sun reading something delicious.

One of my favorite weekly summertime traditions consists of an early Saturday morning run down to south Provo and back downtown to the Farmers Market for a quick lunch and some fresh produce shopping. This coming Saturdays marks the opening week for the 2011 Provo Farmers Market! Open June through the end of October at Pioneer Park (Center St and 500 West), come check out the vendors 9 am til 2 pm each Saturday this summer. You can look forward to community activities, musicians, artist vendors, street-food vendors, fresh breads, veggies, eggs & milk, leather and jewelry artisans.

The first purchases I will make this Saturday? Fresh salsa and guacamole from Gourmet Guac (try the Hot!) for Sunday snacking, a lavender-mint lemonade from the Thai food vendor (watch me eat that chicken satay with peanut sauce and rice in a hot minute!) and some seasonal greens from local farmers to supplement my meals for the week.

I believe that one of the best things you can do for your community is to be a part of it. Enjoying the Provo Farmers Market is a fantastic and affordable way to start. Whether you are just enjoying lunch in the shade or strolling the booths for locally-made treats and gifts, you are bound to find a way to enjoy yourself on a Saturday morning.

See you all there!

For more information or to apply as a vendor, head over to the official blog for Provo's Farmers Market.

The Day The Music Died...and a Community Came Together.

2011-06-01T13:09:00.002-06:00

In January, Newsweek published links to a mainstreet.com article on their website of America's Top "Dying Cities," naming Grand Rapids, Michigan as #10.

And Grand Rapids just wasn't having it.

Event producer Rob Bliss organized the largest-ever lip-dub to Don McLean's "American Pie," to prove to the world that Grand Rapids is still alive and well, despite major unemployment rates. A world record, 9 Minutes of lip-dub and over 5,000 people later...here ya go.

On a note closer to home, this is the perfect example of what I aspire Provo to become. A sense of community where people are coming together to celebrate our city in the majority-- officials, businesses, community leaders and residents alike. Where people take pride in our fine city and what we have to offer. Where businesses pay attention to other small businesses around them and find ways to empower one another rather than focus on existing alone. Where competition is friendly, and no one is alone in their success nor their strife. Where unity and communication outweighs the need for solidarity.

And where towing companies don't rule the night like the dark clouds they are.

Someday. But we are closer, I can feel it.

Mayor Curtis, when you are ready to talk shop and hear input from a smaller part of downtown...let me know.

Thanks, Grand Rapids...for the inspiration. Cheers to you all!

yahoo.news source

Good At Being Bad...

2011-06-01T02:51:00.000-06:00

How do you get a youtube video to easily have well over 5k hits in less than a week?

YOU MAKE IT AWESOME, that's how!

You may know them from Provo, Idaho, Virginia or anywhere in between...John & Laura Hendricks are the hottest faux-hop couple you could ever meet. John is as hilarious as he is serious (or does the one create the other?) using as much physical comedy as he does lyrical.

I first had the pleasure of hearing this song the same night I met the Hendrick's, and I tell you...what a lasting impression they made. At the time the accompaniment was a djembe muffled by a beanie, so hearing the final produced track this week is music to my ears. Them beats are hot!

"Good At Being Bad" can be purchased on iTunes, here. (and honestly, once you watch this video 1...2...3...times, you will want to own the single). Summer Soundtrack for 2011!

(share this vid to bring instant joy into the world.)

Portland on our doorstep...

2011-05-31T22:41:00.004-06:00

My Portland roots might make me a bit biased, or this band could just be really lovely.

Catch the PNW's John Heart Jackie on tour, Thursday at Velour, with locals Katie Brandeburg (playing an electric guitar?!), Hope & Tim, and Clarence Jessop.

Looking forward to an evening of sweetheart folk.

For a free John Heart Jackie download, head over to here.