Muskies were one of 36 bands that blew the roof off of Urban Lounge and Blue Gene's at SLUG Magazine's 36th Anniversary Party. Photo: Ashley Christenson.
That’s a wrap, ladies and gentlemen! On the shivering, nose-biting night of Saturday, February 15, SLUG Magazine rocked the house (or houses) to celebrate three and half decades of local music and alternative communities at our 36th Anniversary Party! Based out of both Blue Gene’s and Urban Lounge, this sold-out, larger-than-life event showcased 36 bands and artists, each given three minutes to blow the brains out of the audience. Between heavy-hearted chord riffs and spirit-lifting synths, attendees partook in handcrafted, exclusive cocktails like the “Tart Typewriter” and “Hot Off the Press,” featuring local spirits from Dented Brick Distillery and Eight Settlers Distillery.
Guests who joined the party came from all walks and musical tastes, from headbanging punk rockers to lo-fi retro enjoyers. Those who really wanted a night to remember could get their own piece of SLUG Magazine merch, including a freshly screen-printed T-shirt by Ritual Print Company with February’s issue cover right on the chest. In between sets, guests could even listen to a special, live-recorded episode of our popular podcast SLUG Soundwaves, as Producer Nathan Mcquiveyand Assistant Editor William Hugheschit-chatted with bands fresh off the high of a live set.
Those who were slightly lost in the dark or felt out-of-place were welcomed warmly to our four heavy-hitter MCs. The beautiful, glam-bomb Ms. Meredithand SLUG’s party animal Editorial Assistant Alton Barnhartserved looks and luxury to the Blue Gene’s crowd, while the talented comedic duo of Kate LeDeuce and Jeremy Cardenas lightened the mood before every fist-pumping musical rumble! The four greeted the crowd with familiar yet entertaining fuel between each band, providing a hyped-up rally to keep the show going!
As the party came to a close and the energy was still hot and heavy after the final performance, the sense of achievement and satisfaction washed over the audience and staff. For the past 36 years, SLUG Magazine has made it our mission to inform, entertain and welcome all those willing to come and see for themselves what the underground has in store. We raise a glass to the bands, the crew, the venues and, most importantly, the guests who came out to be part of one kickass night in downtown SLC! Here’s to another year — hope to see you again!
