ST. GEORGE — “George, Streetfest on Main” celebrates the luck o’ the Irish with its “St. Patty’s Spring Fling” themed extravaganza Friday starting at 6 p.m. in St. George’s Downtown Historic District — Main Street, Tabernacle and Ancestor Square.
“George” is celebrating the arrival of spring with celebrations suited to the warming weather including the return of the Downtown Farmer’s Market to Ancestor Square and a climbing wall. Add to that, an exciting lineup of musical acts both in the Jazz Garden and on Main Street, fabulous food from the best food trucks around, a youth dance party with outdoor fun all evening and Friday might just be your lucky day.
“St. Patty’s Spring Fling” will span four Historic Downtown St. George blocks offering a variety of ongoing entertainment and outdoor activity. On Tabernacle, DJ Spinz will lead the Youth DJ Dance Party beginning at 6 p.m. alongside the Utah National Guard climbing wall. For families, St. George Area Chamber of Commerce will offer games for kids on south Main Street, and singer Alan Osmond, oldest sibling of the musical group The Osmonds, will speak at the St. George Tabernacle at 7 p.m.
Performing at the free Main Street concert this month is Dick Earl and His Electric Witness at 7 p.m., followed by Many Miles headlining at 8 p.m. Friday represents the “George Streetfest” debut performance for both southern Utah bands.
For adults 21-and-over, the Jazz Garden located at the Historic Ancestor Square Clock Tower offers tapas served by favorite downtown restaurants to the tune of a live jazz band and blues performers. In the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day, Painted Pony will serve corned beef sliders alongside selections from Benja’s. Beverage service includes microbrews by Moab and Park City Breweries, alongside local favorite Zion Brewing Company of Springdale. Each month, the St. George Wine Club selects wines, with specialty sodas provided by Café Soleil at Zion Canyon.
At the Jazz Garden at 7 p.m., guest artist Mimi Blais will without a doubt enthrall guests with her vivacious ragtime show. A classically trained pianist and educator, Blais was dubbed “the new queen of ragtime” by music historian Ed Berlin at the 1990 Scott Joplin Festival. Following her Jazz Garden performance Blais travels on tour to Hungary, then returns to the United States to perform at New York City’s Carnegie Hall in June.
“We are thrilled to have an internationally renowned ragtime artist performing at the Jazz Garden this month,” Melynda Thorpe, George Streetfest executive producer, said. “Anyone with an interest in jazz, ragtime or piano should really come and see her perform. Her show is filled with real ragtime grit, and she is someone with the sensational ability to steal her own show with diversity in personality, humor, intelligence, and wit.”
Jim Sevy’s Dixie Land Band of St. George will open at the Jazz Garden at 6 p.m., and at 8:30 p.m., Cedar City’s Full Tilt Boogie is scheduled to kick up the beat at the Jazz Garden until 10:30 p.m.
Returning to Ancestor Square with the March 4 event is the Downtown Farmers Market featuring homegrown, homemade, and hand crafted original products.
The future of “George”
The future looks bright for “George, Streetfest on Main” as it moves into the spring and summer seasons with exciting themes and collaborations for everyone to enjoy.
Following “St. Patty’s Spring Fling,” event organizers look forward to the fodder offered by April’s first Friday falling on April Fool’s Day. In May, “Iron George” welcomes the Ironman 70.3 St. George crowd, with June’s “George Midnight Madness” combining the Streetfest celebration with St. George’s Midnight 5k.
About George Streetfest
“George, Streetfest on Main” is a nightlife event designed to celebrate the best of Southern Utah. On the first Friday of every month, participants enjoy a free signature street concert; buskers; goods sold by local artists; farmers market wares; the Zion Brewing Company Jazz Garden featuring live jazz, rock and blues artists; and the Robert J. Debry Food Truck Village.
George is presented by Historic Downtown St. George with event design and management by Emceesquare Media Inc. Sponsors are 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, Habitat for Humanity Restore, Stapley Pharmacy, Robert J. Debry and Associates, Remax Apple Group, SGI Mortgage, TDS Telecom and Zion Brewing Company.
With recently renewed support and sponsorship from the City of St. George and the St. George Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, “George” has received the nod to continue every first Friday in 2016. This new favorite nightlife event in Southern Utah is designed to offer something for everyone.
“As we move into the new year, we express continued support for this new, fun community event that continues to give us all a reason to gather at the center of town each month,” St. George Mayor Jon Pike, said. “’George’ has shown us something special about our community, and we appreciate the efforts of organizers who continue to develop and grow this nightlife event that offers something for everyone. We also appreciate the community for turning out to make ‘George Streetfest’ something we can all be proud of.”
For more information, visit the “George, Streetfest on Main” website or send an email.
Event details
- What: George, Streetfest on Main
- When: Friday, March 4, 6-10 p.m.
- Where: Downtown Historic District, St. George
Resources
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Twitter: @STGnews