Wasatch Academy of Wine’s French Wine Scholar program: Part Four, Bourgogne

wines of Bourgogne

The most important lesson from our Bourgogne class: Bourgogne = Burgundy. For some reason, Bourgogne was the only French wine region to be translated, and in English-speaking countries is called Burgundy. It’s long caused confusion to consumers who find only Bourgogne mentioned on wine labels so a shift is currently occurring to return all references … Read more

Ballet West’s graceful Swan Lake

Ballet West's Swan Lake: photo courtesy of Luke Isley

Before Taylor Swift wore the Swan Lake costumes in her Shake It Off video, Tchaikovsky composed the heart-wrenching score for Swan Lake 138 years ago and Ballet West’s founder Willam Christensen created the first full-length American production in 1940. Swan Lake is the ultimate classical ballet. Filled with more than 50 dancers including ballerinas in … Read more

RDT’s Charette, Iron Choreographer competition set to mark 10th anniversary

Going for a three-peat in Repertory Dance Theatre’s Iron Choreographer competition, Nathan Shaw, a full-time dance teacher at Judge Memorial High School in Salt Lake City, follows a few simple rules. Lay off the abstract. Tap into the humor vault. Be courageous, knowing the weakest link could be the strongest. In last year’s competition at … Read more

Plan-B Theatre’s latest world premiere ‘Mama’ promises touching, honest remembrance of motherhood, sacrifice

Mama playwright

“I was 40 years old. I had a life. Especially with [daughter] Chiara — will we feel guilt forevermore? Of course, yes. But the truth is, I could not spend every day with her. I didn’t want to do that. I looked for all kinds of reasons not to do it. … I’ve been working … Read more

Wasatch Academy of Wine’s French Wine Scholar program: Part Three, Champagne

French Wine Scholar program: Champagnes

“The sparkling wine that is Champagne cannot be duplicated anywhere else on earth. Sparkling wines produced around the world, even when made from the same grape varieties, using the same production method, do not deliver the same product. They can’t. The Champagne terroir exists nowhere else but Champagne.” –French Wine Scholar study manual This week … Read more

Rye Diner and Drinks, a refreshing addition to a growing list of new eateries in Salt Lake

Rye Truffle Mac & Cheese

I enjoy trying new places to eat. Not just because I’m fortunate enough to write about my experiences and share them with other interested local foodies, but also because there is something exciting about discovering a great new restaurant. Trying things I would not typically order but must because it’s a popular menu item, has … Read more

Nova Chamber Music Series sets bold stakes with ‘Late Beethoven and Post-Minimalism’

In continuing a bold season of genius choices for programming, Nova Chamber Music Series sets the right stakes in its upcoming ‘Late Beethoven and Post-Minimalism’ concert featuring the Fry String Quartet and six Utah percussionists. Jason Hardink, Nova’s artistic director, has selected two precedent-breaking works – one composed in 1824 and the other in 2009 … Read more

Kitten Bowl Adoption Specials at the Humane Society of Utah

If the Super Bowl isn’t your thing, and the Puppy Bowl on the Animal Planet doesn’t have enough cats, look no further than the Kitten Bowl.  The Humane Society of Utah is one of the 20 shelters across the country that will be taking part in this year’s Hallmark Channel USA‘s KITTEN BOWL hosted by North Shore Animal … Read more

Wasatch Academy of Wine’s French Wine Scholar program: Part Two

wines of Alsace

Wine wisdom from the Alsace region: Pinot Noir is the only red grape grown in the Alsace region. Bottles with long, tapered necks are Alsatian. Best known for dry Rieslings and sparkling white and rosé wines (Crémant d’Alsace AOC). Wasatch Academy of Wine serves as the affiliate provider for the French Wine Society’s courses in … Read more

‘The Fifth Goal 1998-2003: Transcendental Graffiti Zine’ explores railroad graffiti art, late young author’s spiritual journey

carry my message. carry my hope. carry its meaning. carry it home. carry my depression. carry disconnection. take this suspension. carry the clone. hop in my step. camera in my bag. calm in my soul. pen in my hand. ‘Pen In My Hand’ – Parallax song from the demo ‘Landlocked,’ lyrics by Blake Donner (c. … Read more