To be or not to be—that is the question. Yet there can be no question about whether to attend a local theatrical production, because the answer is obvious: Yes. You should. Not only are there numerous quality performances to choose from but there are added benefits: You’ll be moved and, if you’re so inclined, you’ll be enlighted. And that’s how to be entertained, no ...

Utah OperanMuch of the pleasure of Utah Opera comes from the attention to detail, particularly the sumptuous colors of their costumes that adroitly work with the music to sweep audiences up into the full force of the operatic musical storm. Finally, though, it’s the passion of their singers that melds everything together. When Utah Opera’s at the top of its game—which is more of...

Dance is not just a sideshow in Salt Lake City’s performing-arts scene; it’s a main event. And do we ever have it goin’ on: Whether you’re looking for the verve of classical ballet, the imaginative roller coaster of cutting-edge modern dance or the vivid and intense pacing of jazz and hip-hop, you’ll find it in this valley. Salt Lake City’s vibrant dance compan...

Alongside local events that showcase accomplished national writers are the literary scenarios of Salt Lake’s wild side, percolating every night of the week. Now, right here in Salt Lake City, you, too, can hobnob with poets laureate and Pulitzer Prize-winning poets at events like Westminster College’s Anne Newman-Sutton Weeks reading series, then the next night, hang with the local tal...

Utah abounds in outdoor recreational opportunities. So much so that you can pick your activity based not only on your favorite sport, but combine it with something else that interests you as well. For example, how about venturing outdoors while also picking up some Utah history along the way? If you’re not from here, or have people visiting and want to give them a taste of Utah—both i...

“The greatest snow on Earth” isn’t just a marketing slogan; it’s a reality that locals live. With an annual average snowfall of 500 inches (last season, Alta measured 702 inches), Utah is home to some serious powder. If snow quality doesn’t impress you, than how about accessibility? Most Utah resorts are only an hour’s drive from Salt Lake City International Air...

Two-thousand nine ushers in big changes—not only for our country but also for our state, where a long-debated smoking ban finally takes effect. Starting Jan. 1, local private club and tavern patrons will have to take their cigarettes outside if they want to light up. For many—especially those traveling from one of the 24 states with similar laws—the legislation is a breath of fre...

Back in the day—when the Shoshone, Ute and Paiute roamed the Salt Lake Valley—the natural world ruled for, like, thousands of years. But then along came Mormon leader Brigham Young, who, in 1847, scanned the valley from the mountains above and declared, “This is the right place.” At his utterance, a humble pioneer outpost came into being, eventually emerging as Utah’s...

Salt Lake City west-side neighborhoods have a rich history and many unique points of interest. Many businesses are small Mom & Pops trying to make it in a corporate world. I’ve navigated the sidewalks, back streets and alleys to find some of the coolest hidden gems. nnMarmaladenExtending below prestigious Capitol Hill is one of the oldest and most charming parts of town: the Marmalade...

I am, to say the least, an unusual choice to write a list of the Top 25 people and places in the local visual arts. I don’t have a bachelor’s of fine arts...