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While viewed either as an accessory or a necessity, carry bags have been taking the place of backpacks and purses in every array from college life to business use. Even the most infrequent freelancer has grown accustomed to carrying around their laptop and materials for an on-the-go environment, not to mention being the carry-all choice for the growing bike community. So naturally the idea of making them a fashion statement was bound to happen.
While most of the art scene is centered in Provo, SLC, Park City and Ogden, you can find many a gallery spread throughout the state. From the contemporary to the classic to the collectible to even the kitsch, there's something to be found is most every city. But one of the galleries that's been getting some major attention in recent years can't even be found in any major city Utah has to offer. As a matter of fact its almost sits in the exact center of the state.
With so many sources of entertainment growing throughout the state, its hard for those seeking it out to keep track of everything that's going on all at once, even to those involved. And the difficult balancing act of trying to promote and document while keeping ahead of it all can be a daunting one. But a website based out of Weber County is doing its best to keep pace.

For our local art community, of the various events and gatherings that have happened in recent years, its widely agreed upon that the 337 Project was one of the most inspiring and eye-opening attractions to have come along in Salt Lake City. It helped revitalize part downtown to a degree, brought attention to East Broadway, put many of the artists in the local and (briefly) national spotlights, and has spun off into several charity and city supported galleries. Not bad for a rickety 70's building on a poor foundation. And you get to see one of those inventive galleries across the Wasatch Front quite often... mainly because its on wheels.

Among the independent production companies, Solar Shock Pictures is one of the few that's managed to stay alive beyond the five year marker and boast to a library of works that some major companies don't even have. Led by a group of dedicated film makers who have an outstanding passion for their craft, they've put forth full effort behind every project and turned out local cult favorites like “Protocall”, “The Ward” and “Plain City”. I got a chance to chat with four of the men involved with the company about its formation, their films and other projects, thoughts on local film and what's ahead for them.
This past Friday night the Urban Lounge played host to the third irregularly scheduled Mike Brown Fest. Featuring DJ Chase spinning old school mixes, The Idiobots making their big debut on the music scene, and in-house boarding on the main floor. Not to mention the release of the new issue of Leviathan and the main act of the night that everyone came to harass.

Hello Colbert's kissin' couples enthusiasts. Gotta love that multi-angled makeout session that took them probably an hour to do on “private property.” Anyway, let's take a look at the freshly painted 337 Memorial Wall.

The professional trend for musicians these days doesn't really include a plan of making it to a major label. In fact, the way things currently are it matters very little as to who you're signed to, but how you sound to the audience. Just the way it should be. But like any other genre or movement, it took years for that trend to become a popular choice and many of the pioneering acts who were instrumental in starting it rarely get the recognition or last to see its fruition. Taking a step back from the local for today, we look at a duo that may very well have had an influence (or at least mild impact of thinking) on the vast majority of Utah musicians and their approach to both music and the industry itself.

The appeal for artists to share a space is an interesting one. Creative roommates to a degree, the idea of splitting the costs over a place to work and possibly inspiring, encouraging and influencing each other isn't a bad idea. And with artists collectives and workshops forming all along the Wasatch Front, its one that's catching on quickly these days.

The idea of a musician or band starting up their own label isn't uncommon. The bewildering yet awesome idea of cutting out the middle man and releasing material on your own has been happening for years, and most localized labels follow the very trend of having its founder be a musician.
