When you think of the state Utah, I doubt the first thing that comes to your mind is the state’s music scene much less a music festival. I’m pretty sure it’s the mountains, the legions of Mormons, maybe Sundance, could be the resorts, but almost certainly it’s not the music scene. Well, Kilby Block Party presented by S&S presents is doing everything they can to change the perception of what Salt Lake City has to offer. The festival in its 5th year has grown to become a taste maker event in the country. S&S presents have been building to this moment for 25 years with their flagship venue Kilby Court, obviously inspiring the name of the festival.
The lineup is diverse with some of the biggest names in indie rock from the early 2000’s like Death Cab For Cutie, Postal Service, LCD Soundsystem, and Interpol; alongside 2010’s acts like Vampire Weekend, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, and Alvvays. Mixed in with these headlining acts are a current crop of upstarts with massive potential leading the charge for the next wave; like Kevin Kaarl, Kara Jackson, 26fix, and Hana Vu. If that wasn’t enough of a variety, there’s also artists with sounds not quite indie but unique and special in their own right; like 100 gecs, The Garden, Water From Your Eyes, and TAGABOW. To grab your attention on top of all that, the list of legendary bands playing included acts like Guided By Voices and Dinosour Jr.
Every set we saw led us on a musical journey we haven’t experienced at a festival in a long time. Maybe it was because SLC is hungry for great bands, or the attendees are all self-identified music fans, or maybe the backdrop of snow-capped mountains aided in creating the perfect ambiance. Whatever it was, there was magic happening all three days of this wonderful festival. It was unreal watching an acoustic performance amongst a festival-sized crowd so quiet you could hear a pin drop (Kara Jackson). And being in a friendly mosh and skank pit where a kid is stoked to get a bloody nose and runs right back into the pit (100 gecs). And hearing an artist play some new songs from their new record that will probably become one of the best albums of the year (Hana Vu).
And a “Real Housewife of SLC” joining an indie icon onstage for a game of corn hole (Vampire Weekend) (ok this wasn’t ‘awesome’ per se but it did just add to the unique experience). And seeing die-hard fans wearing full clown makeup on their faces (The Garden). And seeing some of your favorite bands play some of your favorite albums front to back, one after the other, while surrounded by other music fans who also know all of the words you didn’t even realize you still knew after 20 years (Postal Service & Death Cab For Cutie).
We’re looking forward to attending next year’s festival and seeing what Kilby Block Party presents to us going forward.
Additional film photos from Connor Murray of Crafted Sounds:
Leave a Reply