The State Room celebrates its first birthday with John Hiatt

Hard to believe, but The State Room turns a year old today. And they're celebrating with a familiar face who will be playing the club for the first time.

Quite a first year it's been, too, with co-owners Chris Mautz and Darin Piccoli bringing a steady diet of shows to the former children's theater across the street from The Bayou, eventually landing a hallowed liquor license, too. They are celebrating the birthday with today's announcement that they've booked John Hiatt for an intimate gig slated for August 16. Tickets are $50 for the show and go on sale this Saturday at 10 a.m. at The State Room's Web site.

Hiatt is a regular visitor to Utah, and particularly Red Butte Garden. This time, he's going small, stopping at the 300-seat venue with his latest band, The Combo, on his tour supporting his new album The Open Road. You can expect a heavy dose of that, along with familiar faves like "Memphis in the Meantime," "Drive South" and "Cry Love."