We want the funk. Give up the funk. We need the funk. We gotta have that funk.
In years past, the Utah Arts Festival has spotlighted rock, country, Americana, blues and jazz bands. This year, there’s more funk music, which makes sense since festivals become capital-F Festivals when the music is one long groove that lasts for three days.
This year, among the national headliners setting the groove will be New Orleans’ genre-hopping Stooges Brass Band, as well as bluesman Curtis Salgado, the world music ensemble Chicago Afrobeat Project, and Israeli funk-inspired guitar virtuoso Oz Noy.
While the lineup spotlights a variety of music, the bands draw upon a melding pot of soul, jazz and R &B influences, much of their music featuring a strong bass and rhythmic pulse — which is a good feeling in a crowd.
Salgado, the Chicago Afrobeat Project, the Stooges Brass Band and Noy all talked to the Tribune to talk about a funky Festival.
To read the interviews and see a photo gallery, go to: http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/entertainment/54336399-81/band-funk-music-festival.html.csp
Utah Arts Festival
Where » Library Square, 200 East and 400 South, Salt Lake City
When » Thursday through Sunday, June 21-24
Hours » Noon to 11 p.m.
Admission » $10 for adults, $5 for seniors (65 and older), free for kids 12 and younger. A four-day pass is $30. A lunchtime special offers $5 tickets for Thursday and Friday from noon to 3 p.m. A "y’all come back" pass, available at the exits, is good for 2-for-1 admission on a return visit.
Information » Visit www.uaf.org.
Stooges Brass Band
When » Friday, 8:30 p.m.
Where » Amphitheater Stage
In addition » Stooges Brass Band parades, tonight from 5 to 5:30 p.m. and 6 to 6:30 p.m. through festival grounds
Curtis Salgado
When » Friday, 9:45 p.m.
Where » Amphitheater Stage
Oz Noy
When » Saturday, June 23 at 9 p.m.
Where » Park Stage
Chicago Afrobeat Project
When » Sunday, June 24 at 8:30 p.m.
Where » Amphitheater Stage
