Spend a lovey-dovey Friday at Georgefest ‘Lovefest’

Combined image, Desert Pulse Jazz Garden logo | Logo courtesy of Georgefest, St. George News

ST. GEORGE — Georgefest attendees will get a head start on all things romantic Friday at “Lovefest.” The Valentine edition of Southern Utah’s favorite first Friday event will feature indulgent fun for sweethearts, including a kissing booth on Main Street and love potions for sipping.

Flier for activities in the Desert Pulse Jazz Garden during Georgefest’s ‘Lovefest” | Flier courtesy of Georgefest, St. George News

DJ Spinz will get the party started on the main stage at 6:30 p.m., continuing through the evening until 10 p.m. On Main Street, Dixie State University Student Association members will gather beneath a Valentine-red canopy distributing kisses. And to sweeten the evening, the Soda Pop Stop will serve specially created flavors for the occasion, “Love Potion Lemonade” and “Sprite Up, My Love.”

Lovefest attendees will enjoy some extra special lovin’ from Georgefest’s street buskers, who will be performing their usual blend of romantic ballads and popular hits. New to the street busker tribe will be St. George resident Chance Steglich, a guitarist, Dixie State master’s candidate and local musical theater veteran.

“We’re delighted that Chance will be joining us for Lovefest,” said Georgefest board vice president George Scott. “Chance – like all young performers who put their heart and soul into our event – is enormously personable and talented.”

One of the most rewarding aspects of Georgefest, Scott said, is the opportunity to foster new entertainment through the event’s street busker program.

At the new Desert Pulse Jazz Garden venue at Green Gate Village, headliner Jessica Manalo will display her soul-infused rhythm and blues chops beginning at 8 p.m. The Las Vegas-based singer-songwriter released a self-titled EP last year.

Members of the Dixie State University Student Association pass out “kisses” during 2016’s “Lovefest” event, St. George, Utah, Feb., 2016 | Photo by Nick Adams, courtesy of Emceesquare Media / Georgefest, St. George News

Opening for Manalo at 6 p.m. will be hometown favorite Lisa Mac, whose new band will be appearing with her for the first time. A self-taught pianist who began playing at the age of four, Mac is one of eight children who shares a passion for music.

Along with craft beers from Wasatch Brewery and Squatters and premium vintages from Iron Gate Winery, the Jazz Garden will feature gourmet tapas from Sego Restaurant in Kanab.

Prepared by Chef Shon Foster, this month’s artisan menu includes ricotta meatballs with San Marzano marinara, tomato cecca and garlic crustini; butternut squash, pumpkin seed and maple brittle in a curried crema; and pulled-pork nachos with poblano crema and cotijo queso sauce, salsa verde and cilantro.

Just in time for Lovefest, the rotating art exhibit at Gallery 35, located at 35 Main St., will feature a new installation by local watercolorist Mel Scott, whose work will be on display through April. Mel Scott was the first president and an original founder of the Dixie Watercolor Society, which is housed in Gallery 35.

“The new Georgefest board of directors is very gratified with the love that the southern Utah community has extended to our event,” George Scott said. “At this time of year we thought it was especially appropriate to return the favor. So we hope everyone will grab their special someone – or that special someone-to-be – and join us for Lovefest 2017. Georgefest continues to be entertainment that everyone can get excited about.”

For more information, or to become a vendor, visit the Georgefest website, or email [email protected]. Georgefest organizers are now accepting applications for street market vendors, buskers and food vendors.

Event details

  • What: Georgefest “Lovefest.”
  • When: Friday, Feb. 3, 6-10 p.m.
  • Where: Historic Downtown Main Street, St. George | Green Gate Village, 76 W. Tabernacle, St. George.
  • Cost: Free; vendors vary | Jazz garden: $5 cover charge.

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @STGnews

 

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