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Letter: Excellence in the Community concerts are a hidden gem

(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) The Joe McQueen Quartet plays the first of three shows in five nights, starting with a concert at the Gallivan Center in Salt Lake City on Thursday night, March 30, 2017.

“You get what you pay for” and “The higher the ticket price, the better the show” are sometimes true, but often not.

Last week, I had the pleasure of attending two downtown events. Both were top quality. The pricier one ($85 a ticket) was in a large, sold-out hall with a waiting list. The free one was in a small room with empty seats.

The point of this letter is to make you aware of a Salt Lake City jewel that not enough people attend. It is the Excellence in the Community concert series at the Gallivan Center.

Salt Lake City and Utah are known for producing high-quality skilled performers, and this venue doesn’t disappoint. The performers are paid by generous donations from local businesses. A recent performance consisted of two singers — Melinda Kirigin-Voss and Brian Stucki — and an unbelievably talented piano player, John Taylor Sargeant.

Again, excellent. It should have been standing room only.

Many of you may not be aware that the concerts are weekly, and, yes, there is a warm, indoor hall north of the skating rink. I hope to see you there next Wednesday.

Maxine Babalis, Salt Lake City

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