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The continual growth of the Utah music scene has been more and more evident
as the national spotlight has begun to shine on Utah artists.
On August 29th, 2009 the Ogden Amphitheater will again be filled with Utah's local musical and artistic flair.
"We want to create a really engrossing atmosphere for the average person," says Jason Rodriguez, co-founder and director of the festival. "We want to show the average person what is in their own backyard." Rodriguez feels that the festival is a means to uncover local musicians, which he deems as an underutilized and underappreciated local resource.
"Locally, I feel that there is not enough promotion for these people, so we are giving musicians an opportunity to promote themselves," says Rodriguez, a member of one of the scheduled acts—Soulshakers Music. Other acts listed to perform are the Salt Lake group Mr.Beny, and Drop Dead Julio, a rock act also from Salt Lake City.
"Last years Utah Music Festival was a huge success for the Utah music scene, this years festival is shaping up to be much bigger!"
says Rodriguez.
With an amazing lineup of artists from all genres, Studio 801 is looking forward to putting on a huge show. Hip-Hop, Rock, Reggae, Accoustical, and B-Boy acts will all be there to represent the music we love. The local community has rolled out the red carpet.
"We need an event like this", says John Nichols an Ogden City employee and manager of the Ogden Amphitheater. "I can't wait!"
says local diva Bre. "This is a great opportunity!" says Salt Lake mc Syncronice of Mr.Beny Records.
"There is a lot of excitement surrounding this years show, its going to be fun!" says Rodriguez.
August 29th looks to be another huge milestone as Utah's music scene continues to flourish.
"It sounded like it was going to be really big and I really wanted to be a part of it," says Roots Rawka, a rapper scheduled to perform and a local radio personality on the KRCL Friday Night Fallout Show. "I know a lot of the artists that are performing there and would like to be considered on the same level as them," Rawka says.
"It has made a big splash here and hopefully they can get an even bigger crowd and continue to grow," says Zen Gardens, performer for the Smash Brothas.
Rodriguez hopes to develop better promotional opportunities and networks for artists in Utah.
The ability to network throughout the state was attractive to Rhagenetix, a local producer and performer in the group Soulshakers. "We are trying to expand to places our scene has never been," says Rhagenetix, "we love the idea of having an event that promotes Utah music so strongly."
Although music is the primary focus of the festival, other forms of art will be on display at the festival. "We have visual art, some Graffiti-type artists, as well as b-boy's and some different kinds of dancers," says Rodriguez. "Artists need exposure, but a true musician likes being surrounded by diversity in all forms of music and art," say local radio personality and festival co-host Planit of KRCL. "Don't miss the biggest event of the year."
The Utah Local Music Festival is still enlisting support for the event. Anyone interested in supporting this event should contact Raymond Escobedo at (801)644-6633, Jason Rodriguez at (801)389-8027 or visit the festival website at utahmusicfest.com
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