Don’t let the name deter; The Twilight Concert series has nothing to do with Robert Pattinson.
The Twilight Concert Series, which averaged 30,000 attendees per concert last year, opens its 24th season tonight at Pioneer Park in Salt Lake City. The first concert of this season will feature the bands Explosions in the Sky and No Age.
In addition to the concert, there will also be a market which opens at 5 p.m. where food, drinks and locally made crafts can be purchased.
“It’s a great opportunity for people who maybe wouldn’t experience that type of music normally to attend the concert just because it’s free,” said Josh Satterfield, 23, studying history. “It’s just a great opportunity to do something over the summer when you get a little bored in Provo.”
His suggestion for anyone who decides to go — show up early.
Last year, the Salt Lake City Arts Council moved the Twilight Concert series to Pioneer Park because of the high attendance numbers.
“I’m a native of Salt Lake, so I’ve been going to the Twilight Concert series since it was at the Gallivan Center,” said Darrian Watts, 21, a senior studying communications. “Overall I think it’s a really good thing for Salt Lake because it’s free for all the attendees and there’s food and a nice market, and it benefits all the restaurants and shops around Pioneer Park.”
In addition to helping restaurants and shops in the area, events like this may have helped Salt Lake City receive notoriety for its arts scene. According to American Style Magazine, Salt Lake City is among the top 25 arts destinations for mid-sized cities.
“I think the city putting it on shows a dedication to cultural and artistic growth,” Watts said. “I think they’re very active and it shows that they care about the art community, because they accommodated to the growing crowds, so they decided to move. It shows how they care about the cultural experiences people have in Salt Lake.”
No Age is visiting from Los Angeles, and Explosions in the Sky is from Texas.
“I heard about Explosions in the Sky through a friend who made me a CD,” said Sara Jenkins, 20, a senior from Las Vegas. “In most of the songs I’ve heard, they don’t even have words, so the music is up to your interpretation. I’m excited that they’re coming to Salt Lake. Of all the bands playing in the series, I’m most excited to see them play.”
Among those who will perform this year are The Decemberists, Bright Eyes and Lupe Fiasco.
For more information, see the website at twilightconcertseries.com.
