The crowd was really thick at this point and it was difficult to get a good shot, but Cat Power had stage presence that could be felt regardless of where you were watching. Photo: johnnybetts.com
Twilight 2017: Cat Power, Phoebe Bridgers, Belle Jewel 08.17
This evening was proof of the power of the voice. While I was perusing Pioneer Park before the Aug. 17 Twilight Concert and taking pictures of vendors, patrons, artists and the like, I witnessed an amazing event. At first, there was some stirring from the speaker cones onstage and a few feedback peaks, but as soon as Belle Jewel started singing, it was as if a hypnotic tide had started receding. This “tide” was calling people to the front of the platform to listen to an unknown yet somehow comfortingly familiar voice in the same fashion that the ocean calls the sand and shells from the shore to join in its party beneath the waves. People started materializing and filing up the spaces near the stage. Accompanied by local musician Joshy Soul, it is possible that Belle Jewel filled as great if not greater shoes than the acts that followed her and set the bar for what was to be an absolutely wonderful evening.
Phoebe Bridgers (L.A.) took ghostly form following Belle Jewel. “Ghostly form” meaning the type of ghost that grabs your hand via unknown forces and carries you to a melodically mythical place. Bridgers’ haunting songs created a silent stir throughout the crowd that couldn’t be heard and could only be joined through sonic connection. Many people came to the show to see Cat Power and left with much more than only a single talent.
Cat Power truly showed her experience in performing and her unique ability to craft what appear to be simple songs into symphonic masterpieces. She would start with one chord and then, without our even realizing whether or not that chord had changed, we would find ourselves swept into another world that most found better to experience while lying down in the grass or hugging each other for fear that something both terrifying and euphoric might happen. At the close, in the same fashion that the tide slowly deposits its prey back on the shore, people slowly wandered back to their Lyft, bike or car to ponder what they had just witnessed and if it could ever exist again.
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(L–R) Joshy Soul and Belle Jewel. Joshy Soul and his band will be supporting the final Twilight concert on Aug. 31. Photo: johnnybetts.com
Belle Jewel caught me off-guard as she brought a very tasteful R&B sound to an otherwise singer/songwriter event. Photo: johnnybetts.com
A perfect combination of soul and jewel, if you catch my drift. Photo: johnnybetts.com
Joshy Soul giving me the “eye” in the best way possible. Joshy doesn’t tickle the ivories—he sets them free. Photo: johnnybetts.com
(L–R) Cardi and Aaron greeting each other with a hug. These two work for Uinta, who is a major sponsor for the Twilight Concert Series. Photo: johnnybetts.com
(L–R) Bryan and Kyle serving the fine brisket from Bandera. They smoke their meat for over 12 hours and use family recipes from Texas. Good stuff. Photo: johnnybetts.com
Somara works for a health care company and travels frequently for work. She was informed that the Twilight Concert series is worth going to and I don’t think she was disappointed. Photo: johnnybetts.com
Doug getting down with some brisket from Bandera, one of the food vendors this evening. Photo: johnnybetts.com
Joe is a workshop teacher at West High. His earlier days were spent as a journalist on the East Coast. We got to chatting about how journalism shapes your outlook on life. Photo: johnnybetts.com
I think we know which food truck was the winner this evening. Photo: johnnybetts.com
SLUG Illustrator Natalie Allsup-Edwards created this amazing Hand Drawn Photo Booth idea. Look her up for your next wedding/event for a truly unique and fun experience. Photo: johnnybetts.com
Photo: johnnybetts.com
Cayden and Mckensie posing for their Hand Drawn Photo Booth portrait. Photo: johnnybetts.com
(L–R) Michael Wood and Denney Fuller posing for the picture. However these two are not posing in life. They are the real deal of fun-loving, SLC-grown quality folk. Photo: johnnybetts.com
I really appreciated Phoebe Bridgers’ outfit, which was clearly thought-out for everything down to the glasses. Photo: johnnybetts.com
(L–R) Norbert and Denny. These two are incredibly talented local musicians who will be playing in Joshy Soul’s band for the final Twilight Concert with The Roots. Norbert plays bass and produces other local artists and Denney plays trumpet and nearly every other instrument. Photo: johnnybetts.com
Phoebe Bridgers taking the stage. Her soft voice and moody look immediately had everyone approaching the stage. Photo: johnnybetts.com
Bridgers was joined by another guitarist in a purple suede jacket. Photo: johnnybetts.com
In addition to her heart-melting voice, her guitar (a Gibson) and guitar playing are equally evocative. Photo: johnnybetts.com
That fine suede jacket and smooth Nashville playing style. Photo: johnnybetts.com
I will for sure be following Phoebe Bridgers’ career from here on out. Photo: johnnybetts.com
(L–R) “DFS” as I know him and friend Kaneischa enjoying the concert on this fine summer evening at Pioneer Park. DFS is the brain parent of a musical project titled Man Kitten, which is a beautiful mixture of jazz and French folk music. Photo: johnnybetts.com
People of all sizes came to enjoy the music, the food and the cooler evening. Photo: johnnybetts.com
I suspect that Phoebe Bridgers is no stranger to rock n’ roll. Photo: johnnybetts.com
Shalena and Cooper Jackson were too adorable not to photograph as they embrace each other while listening to Phoebe Bridger. Many people come to meet new people. Some come to celebrate the ones they love. Photo: johnnybetts.com
A little duet time with Bridgers and her guitarist. Photo: johnnybetts.com
(L–R) Evelyn Yang and Heather Dinsmore are SLC locals who came to hear Cat Power. They have been fans for a long time. Evelyn complimented my shoes and we talk about how awesome thrift stores are. Photo: johnnybetts.com
(L–R) Sidney and Daniel are taking a break from school and work to have a drink, eat some food and support the music community. Photo: johnnybetts.com
Near the end of Phoebe Bridger’s set. People were really pouring in now and clearly pleased with what they were hearing. Photo: johnnybetts.com
Through her entire set, Cat Power didn’t say a single word to the crowd. At first I thought this strange, but I think it was part of her style. Photo: johnnybetts.com
Cat Power setting us straight on what soulful, folky songs should sound like. Photo: johnnybetts.com
Cat Power let out a smile when the crowd started cheering during one of her songs. Photo: johnnybetts.com
The dark lighting surrounding Cat Power also supported the brooding mood that she brought to stage. Photo: johnnybetts.com
Exercising more than just vocal talent, Cat Power proved a heavy lifter on guitar as well. Photo: johnnybetts.com
Another angle of Cat Power and her Danelectro guitar. Photo: johnnybetts.com
Cat switched to piano near the second half and swooned us with her mesmorizing and almost hypnotic songs. Photo: johnnybetts.com
I always enjoy an upright piano onstage. Not easy to set up, but totally worth it. Photo: johnnybetts.com
The crowd was really thick at this point and it was difficult to get a good shot, but Cat Power had stage presence that could be felt regardless of where you were watching. Photo: johnnybetts.com
Closing out the night. Cat Power will remain one for the books—the books in the library of “I’m going to go home and cry because of the beauty I just witnessed.” Photo: johnnybetts.com
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