By Michael Walker
Dancers, painters, musicians, poets and authors will be out in full swing this weekend, displaying their work and sharing their talents as The Utah Arts Festival kicks off its 29th year Thursday.
The festival opens today with art displays, dance workshops and several musical performances including folk, jazz and pop bands.
This year?s featured performers include California guitar trio 100%, Project Bandaloop, an aerial dance troupe, vocalist Madeline Peyroux and musician Charlie Musselwhite.
Also featured will be the world-renowned architect Yorga, who will build an edifice he describes as a cocoon and a spider-web mixed together using only clear plastic adhesive tape and poly-vinyl sheeting.
Festival-goers can also expect a wide array of performers specializing in several areas of art, including the Saliva Sisters: Delightful Darlings of Drool.
Chad Saley, one of the directors for this year?s festival, said in a press release that this years festival should be truly unique due to ?dancers literally flying through the air while performing on the glass wall of the library, a plastic installation made of adhesive tape and a large school of tropical fish patrolling the library plaza pond.?
The festival takes place at Liberty Square in downtown Salt Lake City and will run Thursday through Sunday, with events and performances daily from noon to 11 p.m.
Tickets are free for children 12 and under, $7 for adults, $4 for seniors (60+), with a special $4 rate for entering the festival between noon and 3 p.m. Thursday and Friday.
Tickets may be purchased at the door, but festival officials encourage people to come early because of quick sales.
