THE ESSENTIAL A&E PICKS FOR JUN 26 - JUL 2 

• Lucasfilm

Utah Symphony: Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert
Over the past nearly 50 years, Star Wars has become a cultural phenomenon, inspiring multiple films, animated and live-action series, spinoff books, games, theme-park attractions and more. So it may be hard for those who weren't there at the time to get a sense for what it was like to be in a theater in 1977 when Star Wars was fresh and new. For a grade-schooler watching the saga unfold, it felt monumental—and that was in no small part thanks to the blast of adrenaline you got when the title appeared on the screen accompanied by the blasting fanfare of John Williams' iconic score.

"Play to screen" performances have become a standard part of symphonic repertoire around the country, and Utah Symphony has been no exception. But there are some such occasions when the presentation feels like an event, especially for those who have never had a chance to see the original Star Wars—the one onto which we old heads only grudgingly allow Episode IV: A New Hope to be tagged—on a big screen. This week, Utah Symphony plays along with the entirety of the film, allowing the soaring crescendos and Darth Vader marches to ring through the glorious acoustics of Abravanel Hall. It's a Force that will always be with you.

Utah Symphony presents Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert at Abravanel Hall (123 W. South Temple) for three performances, June 26 – 28 at 7 p.m. nightly. Tickets are $38 - $112; visit utahsymphony.org to purchase tickets and for additional event information. (Scott Renshaw)

• Stephen Speckman

Amplify Utah: In Their Words Exhibition
The issue of homelessness is complicated, sometimes made even more complicated by the way it's covered journalistically—either in news stories focused on controversies, or through a superficial "parachute" approach to interviews. While the non-profit Amplify Utah has focused its mission on community-based journalism, executive director and University of Utah journalism faculty member Marcie Young Cancio sought an approach that would allow the voices of people experiencing homelessness to be heard.

The result is In Their Words, an 18-month project launched in early 2023 in which photographers Stephen Speckman and Kelly Hannah got to know multiple individuals representing a spectrum of life experiences, earning their trust before taking photos and recording their stories. And those stories are often touching and heartbreaking, sharing moments of profound grief and struggles with substance abuse and mental illness.

Young Cancio emphasizes why she considers this a "storytelling" effort rather than a work of journalism: "The very heart of this story was to provide a platform for people whose voices are underheard to be heard and seen. They would often hear thank you, and people would often say, 'We appreciate you listening.' And I just think that's something we don't do often enough. ... We don't want it to be a do-gooder kind of project; that's not the goal. We're offering people a platform."

Amplify Utah's In Their Words exhibition runs through July 18 at the Salt Lake City Main Library (210 E. 400 South), free and open to the public during regular library operating hours. Visit amplifyutah.org/in-their-words for additional information. (SR)

• Courtesy photo

SLC Pride
America ca. 2025 has turned into a place where being labeled an "outlaw" might be a badge of honor. That makes the "OUTlaws" theme for the 2025 incarnation of the SLC Pride festival—paying homage to the rebellious spirit that has always characterized the LGBTQ+ rights movement—particularly fitting. "This year's theme invites our community to embrace their authentic selves with boldness and courage," said Tami Mandarino, Media Director of SLC Pride. "Being an 'OUTlaw' means standing proudly in your identity, even when society tries to push you to the margins."

As a counterpoint to that idea of exclusion, SLC Pride welcomes everyone in, including the availability of a neurodivergent zone for those who might need a bit of a break from the high-energy environment of a festival and free admission so nobody will ever be priced out of the ability to attend. Over the course of two days, SLC Pride will host multiple stages of entertainment—including performances by Die Shiny and Venus Death Trap, in addition to the Drag King Brunch—as well as food vendors, community booths and tables and all-ages-friendly activities. As Pride Month comes to a close, take one more opportunity for a welcoming celebration of inclusivity and listening to the voices of the local community.

SLC Pride runs at The Gateway (400 W. 200 South) between June 28-29, noon – 10 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Sunday. The event is free and open to the public both days. Visit slc-pride.org for additional information, including up-to-the-minute schedules of performances. (SR)