NEWS MEDIA RELEASE

January 2, 2017

For More Information

Contact: Marianne Hamilton

(408) 489-0140

New Year, New Name, New Jazz Garden Venue: 

 George readies to rock through winter and into 2017

As the New Year gets underway, George Streetfest officially becomes “Georgefest,” signaling a host of exciting changes for southern Utah’s monthly community nightlife celebration. Significantly, the event established in June 2015 transitions to non-profit status, and The Desert Pulse Jazz Garden moves to the newly remodeled Green Gate Village at 76 West Tabernacle Street.

Georgefest – which marked its 21st event on Dec. 2 – quickly earned a reputation as Southern Utah’s most electrifying nightlife event, known for offering something fun for everyone on the first Friday night of every month at Historic Downtown, St. George.

“We have been working hard to roll out these new changes with the new year,” said event founder and Georgefest Board Chair Melynda Thorpe. Regarding the relocation of the Jazz Garden, Thorpe said, “Green Gate Village offers all the charm of historic downtown with space for the Jazz Garden to continue to grow. It is a delightful fit, and one we’re very excited about.”

Located near Judd’s Store, Green Gate Village features a newly remodeled and landscaped retail commons area. Its quaint courtyard – which includes a performance stage, water feature, and fire pit – is surrounded by historic buildings, and offers extended capacity for expanding the venue. Currently in its first phase of development, the Village is being carefully designed and constructed to compliment the hotel and retail development projects being planned for downtown St. George.

The Jazz Garden also welcomes the addition of artisan tapas and catering by Sego Restaurant of Kanab. “Sego brings culinary artistry with a dash of urban infusion to the Jazz Garden,” Thorpe said. “We are thrilled to be able to offer their artisan menu paired with local craft brews, boutique wines, and vintages from well-known winemakers.”

While the Jazz Garden always boasts an array of outstanding food and beverage options, it’s all about the music, with an eclectic mix of jazz, blues, and acoustic rock performed by local and guest artists each month. Thus, since its inception, the Jazz Garden has proven to be nightlife that adults 21+ can get excited about. “It’s become a matter of tradition for a large segment of the community,” Thorpe noted. “We see many groups of friends meeting here on first Fridays, and it’s wonderful to know that the Jazz Garden is now such an anticipated part of the local landscape.”

Kicking off the 2017 Jazz Garden schedule will be Bombay Heavy, one of the most sought-after acts to come out of the burgeoning Las Vegas scene. The band boasts a style that Las Vegas Review Journal music columnist Dave Herrera describes as “built on groove-heavy guitars … with moderate doses of psychedelia. Bombay Heavy is made up of some heavy hitters.” In 2016 Bombay Heavy was selected to open a pair of shows for The Killers, whose members frequently collaborate with Bombay Heavy in songwriting and practice sessions. With Bombay Heavy’s first full-length album due to drop in early 2017, it’s the ideal time for Jazz Garden guests to experience what Herrera deems “sensational songs and a solid lineup.”

Opening for Bombay Heavy will be local favorite Nic Chamberlain. A self-described roots rocker, Chamberlain counts as his greatest inspirations the Delta Blues-influenced British Invasion bands of the 1960s. Today, Chamberlain – an attorney and father of five – compliments his percussive work on guitar (and numerous other instruments) with his trademark high, clear tenor.

To further the New Year celebration, Arts to Zion is sponsoring a “Color Me George” art contest that will culminate at Georgefest on Jan. 6. To enter, would-be artists should apply their imagination, color and designs to the George template (available at georgestreetfest.com) and submit it to Gallery 35, located at 35 S. Main Street, before Thursday, January 5. Entrants are also welcome to use the familiar George image to inspire their own custom artwork in the categories of watercolor, oil/acrylic, mixed media, or photography. Winners will be selected in three categories: children ages 2-10, youth ages 11-17, and adults 18+. Entries will be displayed at Gallery 35 during Georgefest on Jan. 6 from 6-10 p.m. All custom artwork entrants will receive one free ticket to the upcoming Arts to Zion Studio Tour, slated for Jan. 12-16.

During winter months Georgefest features the DJ Spinz Dance Party at Main Stage, along with talented street buskers performing on Main Street for tips, and a street market offering goods sold by local artists and crafters. In addition to dancing on Main, fire barrels provided by the St. George City Fire Department ensure that Georgefest attendees will stay warm.

                                                                                              

“We are committed to keeping the event running year round,” Thorpe said. “Truly, we are lucky to live in an area where winters are relatively mild, and where we can continue to join together for good music, good food and nightlife in the heart of our community.”

Added Thorpe, “Achieving non-profit status is a significant milestone that sets the stage for Georgefest to become a permanent resident event in our community.” Formerly managed by Emceesquare Media, Georgefest is now governed by a board of directors that (along with Thorpe as board chair) includes George Scott, vice president; Marianne Hamilton, secretary; Stephen Lambert, treasurer; and John Kessler, member at large.

Georgefest, a nightlife event designed to celebrate the best of Southern Utah, is held on the first Friday of every month from 6-10 p.m., with the Desert Pulse Jazz Garden at Green Gate Village open until midnight April–October. The event is sponsored by the City of St. George, St. George Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, Canyon Media, St. George News, Etched Magazine, The Independent, Wingate by Windham Hotel, TDS Tel­ecom, The Desert Pulse, Tuacahn, Iron Gate Winery and Wasatch Brewery.

For more information, or to become a vendor, visit georgestreetfest.com, or email info@georgestreetfest.com. Georgefest organizers are now accepting applications for street market vendors, buskers, and food vendors.

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